Choosing a Pond Liner can be a taxing task if you’re not well versed in the area. When first planning your pond, it is one of the first decisions you have to make. The liner is essentially the equivalent of the foundations beneath your house and provides a sturdy base for the pond. Without this, your pond is left open to weeds and plants growing into it and setting up home, and water can become murky. The liner creates a watertight coverage which keeps the water in the pond rather than seeping into the soil around it. A pond liner also keeps your pond water clean and clear. But where to buy one? Firstly, there are a lot of options listed online at seemingly good prices. However, making your purchase from a specialized water gardening retailer is the industry recommendation. In fact, you’ll find some good examples here: http://www.swelluk.com/pond/pond-liners-54/. Depending on your budget you could opt for a welded or stainless-steel liner, which provides fail-safe protection from leaks and intrusion. However, liners made from PVC for example, are more reasonable and provide the same high level of protection, with some lasting as long as 25 years and beyond.
What about for larger projects? A study material is the best option here, as you must consider the possibility of disruption from the hooves and claws of animals and more aggressive growing plants and weeds. Synthetic pond liners do break down over time however most come with a 20-year guarantee which gives the buyer some confidence in the product.
Although not as strong as some of the more robust materials on the market, a rubber liner is also something to look into, especially if you are planning your pond in a tight or smaller space. They are easier to fit into a small pond hole due to the flexibility of the rubber. They can come up more expensive but again, it all depends on the size and location of your pond.
It is worth noting that some people choose to have a cement lining for the pond, however this is a large job and not as cost effective as artificial liners due to labour budget and the sheer expense of the cement itself. In this country, EPDM rubber is the most popular pond liner, due to its reasonable pricing and flexibility. The strongest material available is most probably box welded, however the lack of flexibility here is a downside, and they can limit creativity somewhat. Whichever option you go for, it’s important to take into account the cost of repair and upkeep, some minor repairs will need to happen over the years for small wear and tear infliction that may not be covered by your warranty. It is vital to read the warranty from start to finish very carefully to understand your buyer’s rights in the event of a faulty product or damages.
If you plan to introduce fish into your pond, make sure your liner of choice is fish safe! This is another reason why EPDM liners are so popular – they are highly rated by Koi breeders as a top pond liner.
Finally, as with any garden project, it’s always best to seek expert advice. An internet search is all very well but nothing beats getting down to your local garden center or DIY store and having a conversation with a member of staff who will be able to advise which pond liner is the best for your requirements. There, you can get an idea of what’s on the market, and a comprehensive set of prices. Good luck on your search for the perfect pond liner!