What Type of Pond Liner is Best?
Choosing a good quality pond liner is a must for any pond owner, whether it’s for an existing or newly built pond. It acts as an impermeable membrane that works to retain liquid and prevent it from leaking through the base of the pond and into the soil beneath it. A pond liner will also help to keep debris and sediment out of the water for longer, allowing you to maintain your pond properly. The best pond liners are easy to lay, resistant to leaks, and can last a lifetime.
There are many benefits to purchasing a good quality pond liner, but with so many options available on the market, it can be difficult to decide which type is right for your pond. This guide is perfect for you if you’re currently looking for a pond liner to suit your budget. Read on to discover everything you need to know about pond liners, from the different types of material available, to how to install them properly. Our guide is guaranteed to help you to find a suitable pond liner in no time.
Contents
- How thick does a pond liner need to be?
- Types of pond liners
- How to measure pond liner
- How to install a pond liner
How thick does a pond liner need to be?
Pond liners come in various thicknesses, including 0.35mm, 0.5mm, 0.75mm and 1mm. To get the best performance from your pond liner, we recommend choosing the thickest possible option, as it will be the least likely to be punctured by sharp stones that may sit underneath your pond. Installing a thicker pond liner will give you peace of mind that your pond liner is unlikely to tear, keeping any leaks to a minimum.
Types of pond liners
Here are a few of the materials most commonly used in pond liners:
EPDM
EPDM is one of the most popular materials used to create pond liners due to its excellent flexibility and durability. It is rubber-like, making it a great choice for more complicated pond designs, as it can be folded and manoeuvred easily. You can also attach multiple sheets of EPDM together using liner tape to create the required shape and size. While it is more costly than other material types, it is extremely effective at holding water and is also resistant to UV rays and other weather-based damage.
Butyl
Butyl is very similar to EPDM, as it is durable and offers great resistance to UV damage. Although it isn’t as stretchy and flexible, it still offers excellent puncture resistance and is long-lasting. Butyl pond liners are often slightly more expensive than other material types, partly due to their longevity. If you’re looking for a sturdy option that is resistant to cracking, Butyl makes a reliable choice to keep your pond leak-free.
PVC
PVC tends to be the cheapest type of material used in pond liners and is ideal for those looking for a more budget-friendly option. It is similar to EPDM because it can also be fixed together using liner tape, allowing you to create the perfect shape for your pond. However, it isn’t the best at dealing with weather damage and can be prone to cracking, which could eventually lead to leaking. When buying a PVC pond liner, it’s important to check that it is fish-friendly, as some varieties contain harmful chemicals that can be dangerous to pond life.
How to measure pond liner
To make your pond liner the correct shape and size to fit your pond, you’ll first need to measure the maximum width, length and depth of the pond. Then, add double the depth measurement onto the width and length to ensure that your pond liner will fit the pond depth. Finally, add another 30cm onto the width and length so that you can place the spare liner around the edge. This can then be covered and held in place by paving stones, gravel and decorative items such as lighting to create a more natural aesthetic.
How to install a pond liner
When installing a pond liner, it’s important to ensure that the hole you dig has sloping sides rather than vertical and that the top edge of the pond is level. This will help you properly edge the pond, so the liner is fully hidden. Ensuring that the area is free from sharp stones, place your underlay on the bottom and sides of the pond before placing your pond liner over the top. You’ll then need to anchor it around the top edge using bricks or stones to help it stay in place.
Run water into the pond gradually while gently moving the liner into the correct shape for a neat finish. As the weight of the water increases, the liner will mould itself to the shape of the pond. Once filled, leave it for at least 24 hours to ensure that the liner has properly settled, then cut off any excess if needed, leaving at least 30cm of overlap so it can be anchored. After a week, complete your pond by edging it with stones, paving and decorative objects to hold the liner in place and hide the excess from direct sunlight.
While many options are available when choosing a pond liner, choosing the right one to suit your needs doesn’t need to be a struggle. With our guide, you can learn about the different types available, along with useful tips for measuring and installing your chosen pond liner. We offer an extensive selection of high-quality pond liner and underlay, so why not browse the range today?
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