Pond liners | Which pond liner to choose: rubber EPDM pond liner or PVC pond liner?

Thinking about building a pond in your yard with pond liner? Good idea! A pond enriches your home enjoyment and contributes to biodiversity. Win-win in other words. Important is the choice of pond liner, there are several options available. There are differences in thickness, quality, durability and cost. Read on and choose the best pond liner for your pond.

All about pond liners

• What is pond liner and what is it for?
• What types of pond liners are there?
• How thick should pond liner be?
• What should be laid under pond liner?
• What does pond liner cost per square foot?
• Installation of pond liner

What is pond liner and what is it for?

Pond liner is a special plastic film used to create or line a pond. It is made of flexible materials such as PVC, HDPE or EPDM and is available in different sizes and thicknesses. Pond liner is used to create a waterproof barrier between the pond and the surrounding soil, keeping water in the pond. It can be used to create different types of ponds, such as natural ponds, mirror ponds, Koi ponds and waterfalls. Pond liner is a popular choice for pond builders because of its flexibility and durability. It can be easily adjusted to the desired size and shape of the pond and can withstand various weather conditions. In addition, pond liner is relatively easy to install and will last for years.

What types of pond liners are there?

Unlike a pre-formed pond, using pond liner gives you a lot of freedom. Namely, you can decide what the shape and size of the pond will be. Roughly speaking, there are two types of pond liner available: Rubber liner or EPDM liner, and PVC liner.

EPDM pond liner or rubber liner

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene diene Monomer) liner is a synthetic rubber liner often used as a pond liner because of its excellent waterproofing properties and durability. It is flexible, UV resistant and can withstand extreme weather conditions. EPDM liner is more durable than other pond lining materials and safer for aquatic plants and pond fish because it is resistant to chemicals in the water. EPDM liner is often used for ponds because it can be easily molded to the desired size and shape of the pond, and can be customized to meet the specific needs of the pond builder. EPDM liner has several advantages over other pond lining materials, such as PVC. It is generally more durable and can last longer without cracking or discoloring.

PVC film

PVC pond liner is a waterproof liner made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that is used to create or line a pond. It is a thin, flexible liner that is relatively easy to handle and install, and can provide an affordable alternative to other pond liners. PVC liner is resistant to UV light and various weather conditions and can be customized to the size and shape of the pond. Although PVC liner is relatively easy to obtain and install, it generally has a shorter lifespan than other pond liners, such as EPDM.

How thick should pond liner be?

PVC pond liner and EPDM pond liner come in different thicknesses. PVC comes in several thicknesses, from 0.5 to 1.5 mm. For a smaller pond, choose at least a liner of 0.8 mm thickness, large ones such as swimming ponds are lined with PVC liner of 1.5 mm thickness. In both cases it is necessary to lay a protective layer under it against root growth. EPDM foil has thicknesses from 0.7 to 2 mm thick, all of which last at least 30 and up to 50 years. Apart from the roots of bamboo and reeds, the material is impervious to pond plant roots.

What should be laid under pond liner?

When installing pond liner, it is important to use a good quality pond liner, preferably of EPDM (rubber liner). To protect the liner from damage by emerging roots or other material, it is advisable to lay a layer of pond sand on the bottom before laying out the liner. For additional protection, another layer of fleece cloth can be laid on top of the sand.

What does pond liner cost per square foot?

The cost of pond liner per square meter can vary depending on the type of liner and the thickness of the material. In general, the price of pond liner can range from about €2.50 to €10 per square meter. PVC liner is usually cheaper than rubber liner, such as EPDM, but usually has a shorter lifespan. Rubber liner is more expensive than PVC liner, but is usually more durable and can withstand a wide range of weather and water conditions. The price of pond liner can also vary depending on the supplier and location, so it is always advisable to compare multiple options before making a choice.

Installation of pond liner

Here are the general steps to install pond liner:

1. Determine pond size

Determine the size and shape of the pond and buy the right amount of pond liner. It is always better to have a little more liner than too little.

2. Digging a hole

Dig out the hole for the pond and make sure the ground is level and firm. Make the edges of the pond as straight as possible to make it easier to apply the liner.

3. Sand on the bottom

Place a layer of pond soil on the bottom of the pond to protect the liner from sharp objects and roots. The soil can also help compensate for uneven ground.

4. Spreading pond liner

Place the pond liner in the pond and spread it out so that it covers the bottom and sides of the pond. Make sure there is enough liner hanging over the edges to cover the edges of the pond.

5. Fill pond

Fill the pond with water and allow the liner to form to the bottom. It is important to spread the liner evenly to avoid creases.

6. Cut off excess film

Cut off excess foil with scissors or a knife, but leave enough foil to cover the edges of the pond. Fold the edges of the foil back over the edges of the pond and place heavy stones on top to hold them in place.

7. Setting up

Furnish the pond with pond substrate, different types of aquatic plants and pond bacteria, then add water to the pond and fill the pond to the desired level.

It is important to take care when installing pond liner to avoid damage and ensure long pond life.