Building a backyard pond is one of the more enjoyable landscaping projects you can undertake. Wanting to create a relaxing koi pond, a serene water garden, or a pond that attracts local wildlife? The pond liner is the workhorse that helps keep your water where it's supposed to be. Choosing the right pond liner can seem daunting because there are so many to choose from, and everyone seems to have their favorite. 

What Is a Pond Liner?

A pond liner is a waterproof barrier used to hold water in garden ponds, fountains, and made made lakes. Without a liner the water would just seap into the soil and there would be no way to hold it in! Pond liners are made in various materials, thicknesses, and sizes, and each liner has a specific purpose based on the size and cost of your project.

Types of Pond Liners:

Flexible Liners

They can take any shape and size of pond and are suitable for custom designs. Rubber pond liner (more so Rubber pond liner that is EPDM) would be an example of a flexible liner. Rubber is durable, easy to install, and a popular choice because it is UV resistant, puncture resistant, and has a long life span (25 years) with proper maintenance.

Preformed Liners

They are best suited to small, uniform shaped ponds. They are easier to install than flexible liners. If you are creating a small water feature or decorative pond, a Small pond liner in a preformed version is the best way to go. They are limited in design versatility and they can crack with freezing temperatures if they are not properly supported.

Concrete Liners

Concrete can be used as a pond liner but may cost more and require a great deal of labor to install, which is why it's mainly for larger and professional-grade water features. Unlike pond liner, if it doesn't get waterproofed correctly, the concrete will crack and leak over time.

Here's How to Pick the Right Pond Liner

A pond liner should be selected based upon several factors.

• Size of Pond: Always allow extra liner for depth, and edges. If the pond liner is five hundred [500] gallons or less, a small liner is alright. Anything larger than five hundred gallons will require a more substantial method. 
• Material: Use materials such as EPDM rubber, which resist aging, and are elastic. The rubber pond liner can easily receive all dimensions, and are more resistant to damage from bark, rocks, and whatever else may work its way under the pond liner. 
• Climate: Opt for a liner that withstands heavy freeze/thaw cycles, such as a rubber, or reinforced polyethylene.
• Price: Cheap liners can be found online or at most hardware stores. If you are trying to be conscientious of price, but do not want to sacrifice quality, the Lowes pond liner may offer you the best coverage for price.

Installation Tips

• Exposed Surface: Add sand or roller underlayment (same material) to prepare the surface.
• Unfold Liner: Let the liner sit unfolded in warm sunlight prior to install. This method encourages pliability in the liner, and allows for molding into place.
• Fill: Start filling the pond with water, adjusting folds and wrinkles as you go to create a tight fit.
• Edge Finishing: Use rocks or edging to anchor the liner in place, which will help to hold it down and also transition it into the surrounding landscape.

Maintenance and Longevity

To ensure the longevity of your pond liner:

• Only use pond safe treatments that will not degrade the liner.
• Avoid standing on the liner, or use stepping stones to spread the weight.
• Inspect for leaks annually.

When properly installed and cared for, a good quality Rubber pond liner can last longer than 20 years, making it a great investment for you to enjoy your pond for the long haul.

Conclusion

Whether it is a small pond liner for a small backyard fountain, or a rubber pond liner for a more extensive pond, there are many durable options available for you to choose from. For budget conscious consumers, a Lowes pond liner may offer both quality and convenience. If you select the right type of liner, prepare the base properly, and maintain it diligently, you could have a beautiful, leak-free pond for several years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use a tarp as a pond liner?

A: Tarps could work for short term situations but are not designed for long-term water retention and do not have any UV protection. Using a dedicated small pond liner or flexible rubber liner is the best option if you want to have it last a long time.

Q2: How do I know what size liner I need to buy?

A: You can find out what size liner you need with this formula:

LINER LENGTH = POND LENGTH + (2 Times DEPTH) + 2 ft.

LINER WIDTH = POND WIDTH + (2 Times DEPTH) + 2 ft.

This helps to make sure your liner can cover the sides, and make sure you have enough liner to tuck and secure the edges.

Q3: What is the best pond liner for odd shapes?

A: The best choice for any odd shape or custom shape pond would be a rubber pond liner and especially EPDM because of how flexible and stretchy it is.

Q4: Who is the largest manufacturer of pond liner?

Singhal landscapegeotextile is the largest amount of pond liner.They have a lot of liners in all formats including small and sometimes large formats generally at competitive prices.