As much as I'd like to improve our set up some day, this is the pond we have now in their pen. I couldn't go in ground as there is chicken wire floor 6 inches down. And we have added clay like mud and river rock to build up the sides for easier access. This pic was last summer. I have a sub pump I attach a 50ft hose to and drain pond about every 3 days out to our trees. It drains super fast. We lift out the plastic pond insert and rinse with vinegar and set back in. Takes longer to fill lol. No heavy work and all the trees get their turn and the ducks love to play in the mud while draining.
My girls drag in all kinds of goodies like grass, lettuce and lizards. So the bottom can be messy so I'm not sure how a filter would work. But the above ground set up staying clean ideas sound great. This however is a good way to empty pool or pond in a pinch until final design complete. Your ducks are going to absolutely love your set up, they will be very lucky to have you as a duck parent lol.
