Which cover to choose for a pool?
Building an artificial pond in your garden involves choosing the right materials and equipment. In this case, the choice of the cover for the pool is an essential step. In addition to stabilizing the earth, it will seal the pond and prevent water from escaping.
There are three main types of covers:
- The EPDM tarpaulin
- The composite tarpaulin.
- PVC tarpaulin
At the same time, we also have:
- The geotextile tarp, which accompanies the main tarp
- The gravelled tarpaulin, which is more decorative.
Why choose an EPDM cover?
The EPDM tarpaulin, synthetic rubber, is thicker and easier to install insofar as, due to its elasticity, it does not create folds on its surface and adapts to the movements of the support.
It has a high resistance to UV rays, to negative temperatures but also to very high temperatures. Particularly ecological , it does not contain chlorine or lead, cadmium and other heavy metals, and is recyclable.
It is best suited for the plant and aquatic environment such as a fish tank. There are no or almost no seals, which facilitates the already easy maintenance. Not insignificant asset, this tarpaulin is durable. Indeed, it has an average longevity of fifty years.
Its main disadvantages are that it is heavy and its cost is higher than that of PVC tarpaulin.
You may be interested: the Firestone PondGard EPDM cover
Why the composite tarpaulin?
The composite tarpaulin, an innovative material, has a series of advantages. Its mechanical resistance is greater than that of an EPDM cover. If the tarp suffers a tear, the tear does not stretch and is easily repaired .
Lighter, it retains excellent hold over time . Its longevity is thirty years and more. It offers increased guarantees and is the most ecological but its cost is also higher. However, it does have some drawbacks.
The composite tarpaulin is stiffer and creases more easily. The gravelled tarpaulin is an aesthetic alternative with a very natural look.
Why use PVC tarpaulin?
The PVC tarpaulin is less expensive but much less easy to place. Indeed, once stretched, it no longer resumes its initial position and the folds can weaken it, but welding several strips of PVC together is not difficult.
The ALFAFOL 0.5mm PVC tarpaulin (black pre-packaged - 6m x 5m) 
Sensitive to heat which softens it and to frost which can crack it, it is nevertheless easily repaired by placing a patch. Likewise, too intense UV rays can cause harmful substances to migrate towards the pool water. The PVC tarpaulin is not recyclable and has a maximum lifespan of ten years.
The geotextile tarp: an intermediate tarp
The geotextile tarpaulin is not used alone but is placed between the ground and the PVC tarpaulin, for example, to reinforce it. It then ensures a role of protection against the growth of roots, stones or rodents. It also contributes to stability on earth and finally, it is rot-proof.
Protective geotextile felt for ponds
The gravelled tarp
An aesthetic alternative to the composite cover, the gravelled cover gives very attractive finishes to the edges of the pool . Like other tarps, it does not absorb water. It can be glued to one of the aforementioned tarpaulins. It usually comes in gray or sand colors.
Important features of a pond cover
- Dimensions : apart from the material, you must pay attention to the dimensions of the tarpaulin. For the fixing to be perfect, it must extend all around the pool and provide sufficient surface for the edges. This way the tarp will not sag over time.
- Thickness: the thickness has a decisive influence on the resistance but also on the installation. The thicker the tarpaulin, the more resistant it is, but also heavier and more difficult to handle.
- Colour: Pond liners are usually dark, green or black. This gives an impression of more depth and more intense reflections. In addition, they will become covered over time with algae which will darken the bottom.
Materials needed to set up a tarp
-
Basin edges
In order to have a perfectly horizontal edge of the pond and camouflage the cover as well as possible, we can make pond borders. Aesthetic and above all practical, the Ecolat strips like the slats will be precious allies for forming pool edges like garden paths.
Stakes to hold the borders
The stakes will serve as a support for the borders and the slats. Placed wisely, they are perfect for drawing paths, lawns or even crop beds.
Ecopic stakes for fixing Ecolat strips
Screws for fixing the borders to the posts
Last but not least, the fixing screws will be essential for assembling posts, slats and borders.
Stainless steel fixing screws (4 cm x 4.5 mm)
Pond covers, go further
Pond covers offer freedom in shapes and sizes that a rigid shell or structure cannot offer. This is the reason for their success! Beyond a decorative basin, they can even be used to constitute a rainwater tank or even a drinking trough.
That said, there are a host of other factors to keep in mind to ensure your pond lasts and retains its first day appearance.
Find below some related articles that you might be interested in:
Comments
Leave a comment