When I put it in the ground last year, due to the OG pump hole cutout at the top the water level stays below the very top by a few inches (cue above comments re: plastic looks bad). I never plugged it but I was happy with a bit of a gap for when plants do eventually grow.
For animal safety I used some stones and long pieces of old decorative concrete ‘stone’ wall border so there is a nice 45° step stone out on both sides.
If it’s only a small one then a flexy-tub from the local DIY shop will be the best, as it’s stronger than the waterproof lining and already hole-shaped.
When I put it in the ground last year, due to the OG pump hole cutout at the top the water level stays below the very top by a few inches (cue above comments re: plastic looks bad). I never plugged it but I was happy with a bit of a gap for when plants do eventually grow.
For animal safety I used some stones and long pieces of old decorative concrete ‘stone’ wall border so there is a nice 45° step stone out on both sides.
Nothing found dead in it so far.