!: A Tampa Bay Store Speaks - What is a Pond Liner - What Are My Options?

Pond Liner and Pond Liners, a Tampa Bay Store Speaks...

So, you want to build a pond. What will you need? One of the essential materials needed is a Pond Liner. I'm sure you've heard of it. But what is a it? Why do you need one? What type of liner should I use? What are the options available? All these questions will be answered!

A liner is an impermeable membrane used for water retention. It is crucial when building a pond or water feature. Without liners water will simply be absorbed into the soil or leak through any rock crevasse. What good is a pond with out water?

They come in two main types: Flexible & Rigid/Preformed. The most durable, practical & longer lasting liner is the flexible rubber liner. Rigid or Preformed liner is hard to repair if it cracks and is limited in space. I like the rubber liner the best. It's easier to handle and there's no limit to how creative you can be! The Rubber Pond liner comes in three main types: Butyl rubber, PVC and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer rubber.)

Butyl is a synthetic rubber, or elastomer, impermeable to air. It provides good resistance to aging and weathering. It is also waterproof, which is of course very important.

PVC is usually a hard plastic but can be made softer and more flexible by the addition of plasticizers such as phthalates. It is most commonly found in tubing and pipes. It most often comes 30 mm thick and is fairly easy to install.

EPDM liner is the most popular and widely used Pond liner due to the cost. It is an elastomer used in garden appliances and electrical and roofing installation. EPDM is compatible with fireproof hydraulic fluids, hot or cold water and Alkalis. It is comes 30 mm, 45mm or 60mm thick. 45mm is heavy duty and easier to use than 60mm. It is safe for fish and plant life and is designed to withstand U.V. Radiation. EPDM is flexible and easy to install. Of course it's popular!

But BEWARE!!!! Do not buy roofing grade EPDM when looking for a liner for your pond! Although the prices for such liners may prove cheaper, roofing EPDM is chemically compounded to be used in roofing installations and will prove DEADLY to your pond ecosystem. EPDM liners are proven fish-friendly and have no antibacterial additives used in the manufacturing process. Your fish will appreciate your discernment!

Now is the time to make up your mind and decide which liner you wish to buy. When Buying liner take into account the dimensions of your pond (Length x Width x Depth) as well as overhang, waterfall height, and any streams you may want in your creation. Try to buy a single sheet big enough to cover all these areas, if your using a rubber liner, rather than multiple liners. This avoids leaks and complications during installation. Why make life more difficult?

It's always best to dig your hole before buying liner in order to get an exact measurement. You don't want to come up short! Before installing rubber liner in your pond, I highly recommend placing a Pond Underlayment! Underlayment helps to protect the liner from penetration by sharp objects waiting to ruin your project i.e. rocks, roots or sticks.

But what can you use? Pond Underlayment Fabric felt makes a practical under padding and is relatively inexpensive. It does not have to be cut in a solid piece under your liner but can be used in multiple sheets. If felt is unavailable Indoor/Outdoor carpet and/or carpet padding can be used as a substitute, although I don't recommend it! It's prone to dry rot and is impractical alone. It may be used with Underlayment Felt however for heavier boulders.

Now that you know what kind of Pond liner you want, how much you need, and what to use for Underlayment, it's time for the fun part: Shopping!

Rubber liners are usually sold by the square foot. They come in rolls 5', 10', 15', 20', 25', and 30' in width. Larger widths may be special ordered. Rigid liners are often sold by the unit.