Which liner to choose for a pond?

Building an artificial pond in your garden requires choosing the right materials and equipment. In this case, choosing the right liner for the pond is a crucial step. In addition to stabilizing the soil, it will ensure the pond is watertight and prevent water from escaping.

There are three main types of liners:

• EPDM liner
• Composite liner.
• PVC liner

There are also:

• Geotextile liner, which is used with the main liner
• Gravel liner, which is more decorative.

Why choose an EPDM liner?

EPDM liner, made of synthetic rubber, is thicker and easier to install because its elasticity prevents creases on the surface and allows it to adapt to the movements of the support.

It offers excellent resistance to UV rays, negative temperatures, and even very high temperatures. Particularly eco-friendly, it contains no chlorine, lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals, and is recyclable.

It is the best choice for plants and aquatic life in a pond. It has few or no seams, making it easy to maintain. Another major advantage is its durability. In fact, it has an average lifespan of fifty years.

Its main disadvantages are that it is heavy and more expensive than a PVC liner.

You may be interested in the Firestone PondGard EPDM liner

Why choose a composite liner?

Composite liner, an innovative material, offers a number of advantages. Its mechanical strength is greater than that of an EPDM liner. If the liner is nicked, the tear will not spread and can be easily repaired.

Lighter, it still offers excellent long-term performance. It has a lifespan of thirty years or more. It offers enhanced warranties and is the most eco-friendly option, but it is also more expensive. It does, however, have a few disadvantages.

Composite liner is stiffer and creases more easily. Gravel liner is an attractive alternative with a very natural look.

Why use a PVC liner?

PVC liner is less expensive but significantly more difficult to position. Once stretched, it cannot be repositioned, and creases can weaken it, but welding several strips of PVC together is not difficult.

ALFAFOL 0.5 mm PVC liner (pre-packaged black - 6 m x 5 m)

Sensitive to heat, which softens it, and to frost, which can cause it to crack, it can nevertheless be easily repaired by applying a patch. Similarly, intense UV rays can cause harmful substances to leach into the pond water. PVC liner is not recyclable and has a maximum lifespan of ten years.

Geotextile liner: an intermediate liner

Geotextile liner is not used on its own but is placed between the ground and the PVC liner, for example to reinforce it. It then provides a protective layer against roots, rocks, and rodents. It also helps stabilize the soil and is rot-proof.

Gravel liner

An attractive alternative to composite liner, gravel liner provides very neat finishes around the edges of the pond. Like the other liners, it does not absorb water. It can be bonded to one of the liners mentioned above. It is generally available in grey or sand colours.

Important features of a pond liner

• Dimensions : regardless of the material, you must pay close attention to the liner's dimensions. For a perfect fit, it must extend all around the pond, with enough extra material for the edges. This will prevent the liner from sagging over time.
• Thickness: thickness has a major impact on strength and installation. The thicker the liner, the stronger it is, but also the heavier and more difficult it is to handle.
• Colour: pond liners are most often dark green or black. This creates the impression of greater depth and more intense reflections. Over time, they will also become covered with algae, which will darken the bottom.

Equipment needed to install a liner

• Pond edging

To create a perfectly level pond edge and conceal the liner as effectively as possible, you can install pond edging. Aesthetic and above all practical, Ecolat strips and slats will be valuable allies for creating pond edges and garden paths.

• Stakes to secure the edging

The stakes will support the edging and slats. When positioned correctly, they are perfect for creating paths, lawns, or even planting beds.

• Screws for attaching the edging to the stakes

Finally, screws will be essential for assembling the stakes, slats, and edging.

Pond liners: taking it further

Pond liners offer freedom of shape and size that a shell or rigid structure cannot provide. That is why they are so popular! Beyond a decorative pond, they can even be used to create a rainwater tank or even a watering trough.

That said, you must keep a number of other factors in mind to ensure your pond lasts and retains its initial appearance.

Below are a few related articles that may interest you:

• How to repair a pond liner?
• How to conceal a pond liner?
• How to prevent creases in an EPDM liner?
• What are the maximum dimensions of an EPDM liner for a pond?
• EPDM liner: calculating and ordering the right size