what kind of pond liner is best

Different Materials: Their Advantages & Disadvantages

Full Answer

What is the difference between EPDM and PVC pond liner?

0:421:41Difference Between EDPM, Polyethylene and PVC Pond LinersYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipProduct is as very heavy. Like EPDM rubber so the shipping is gonna be much more and you'll get lessMoreProduct is as very heavy. Like EPDM rubber so the shipping is gonna be much more and you'll get less volume in that another disadvantage to this product is that is a non reinforced.

What is the difference between LDPE and HDPE pond liners?

What is this? LLDPE has one major advantage over HDPE, though. Because LLDPE liners aren't as dense as their HDPE cousins, they're softer, more flexible, and more pliable. This makes LLDPE liners much easier to install, as well as to mold around corners and tight nooks and crannies.

What are the two main types of pond liners?

Most Common Pond Liner Material: EPDM vs RPE For most custom pond applications, we usually recommend one of two materials: EPDM Rubber or RPE (reinforced polyethylene). There are certain formal pond applications where we go to our box-welded liners which are discussed more below.

How long will a PVC pond liner last?

20 yearsIn short, the lifespan of a flexible rubber or PVC pond liner can be up to 20 years or more. However, the liners should be installed properly above an underlay and fixed in place with the right type of edging material for protection against clawed animals.

How do I choose a pond liner?

The most common types of liners for garden ponds are PVC and rubber pond liners such as Epalyn (EPDM) and Butyl. Overall, we would recommend a pond liner made of rubber, which is durable, flexible, moderately inexpensive and easy to work with because they last for decades.

How thick should a pond liner be?

0.75mm thickness is recommended for most flat sheet pond liners. We also recommend a protective layer of our G3000 puncture resistant Geotextile beneath to turn away root growth, sharp stones and other debris that might damage your liner.

What color pond liner is best?

Tan and gray are both great neutral colors for a pond. A tan or gray liner can enhance different colored rocks or compliment other colors around your pond. Both of these colors are also great to hide within your yard. They're often used to be the most natural option as a liner and can be a great option.

How often do pond liners need to be replaced?

EPDM and rubber pond liners, in general, can last upwards of 30 years. Plus they aren't too expensive to repair if they get torn by digging or tree roots. Other liners can last anywhere from 20 years to having a life-time guarantee.

Is HDPE pond liner good?

High Density Polyethylene, better known as HDPE, is a fantastic material for lining larger ponds. Although it is thinner and lighter than both EPDM and PVC, it is actually stiffer and this makes it better at resisting tears and punctures.

How long will a 20 mil pond liner last?

twenty years100' Wide 20 Mil Polyethylene Pond Liners Large ponds require a pond liner that is safe for fish and plant life, inexpensive, easy to install, and durable enough to last twenty years plus.

Are pond liners 100% waterproof?

Pond liners are essentially a waterproof fabric whose function it is to keep the water from seeping into the ground. Not all pond liners are made equal therefore it is advisable to check the guarantee terms and conditions before placing an order.

How deep should a pond be?

As a general rule of thumb, a pond should be 60cm (2ft) deep if you want plants and fish in it. Water that's too shallow is vulnerable to evaporating in warm weather and freezing in winter.

How long does HDPE pond liner last?

Durability testing completed in laboratory and field conditions estimates that an HDPE geomembrane can have a service life (50% degradation) of over 400 years.

What is LDPE pond liner?

LDPE (Low-density polyethene) Liner Its tear-resistant material is guaranteed to provide you with a reliable pond liner that will require no maintenance. Low-density polyethene is made up of extremely tightly bound fibres between layers of UV-proof and rot resistant coating.

What is a HDPE liner?

High-Density Polyethylene HDPE liner is resistant to many different solvents and are the most widely used geomembrane liner in the world. Although HDPE geomembrane is less flexible than LLDPE, it provides higher specific strength and can withstand higher temperatures.

What is the difference between HDPE and EPDM?

Firestone EPDM is a synthetic rubber material designed for decades of outdoor exposure to the elements and inert to the effects of buried environments containing microorganisms. HDPE is a semicrystalline thermoplastic material that is also designed for exposed conditions.

What is the best liner for a pond?

Review: The Growneer Mil pond liner is the best option for all sizes of water gardens, fish ponds, and backyard waterfalls with straight or gentle sloping sides and tight corners.

What to do before using a pond liner?

One important thing before using a pond liner is to prewash the pond liner. The toxic nitrite released from the liner will be harmful to your pond fishes.

What is Growneer pond liner made of?

The Growneer pond liner measures 13′ × 20′ that is made of LLDPE (Linear low-density polyethylene) material that is safe for your pond fishes and water plants.

How to make a small pond?

You can make a small or big pond by digging the ground and easily spread the liner on the ground. You can keep in your pond some water plants, different types of stones rocks, and many colors of fishes and turtles that enhance your pond’s beauty. There are different pond liners available in the market.

How thick is Lifeguard pond liner?

The LifeGuard pond liner is available in boxed and rolled in different (45-mil, 60-mil thicknesses) that you can easily cut and install according to your pond.

What is Aquascape brand?

Review: The Aquascape brand is a very popular brand that manufactures outstanding quality products for your pond or aquarium.

What is Pond Boss?

Review: The pond boss brand provides us with unique, innovative, and energy-efficient water gardening products for your help in pond and waterfall maintenance.

EPDM

Epdm is a rubber liner. It’s incredibly tough and durable! Being rubber it is able to expand up to 3 times, this makes it far more puncture resistant and more kid and animal proof than any other liner.

HDPE

Hdpe is incredibly strong and durable for its thickness. It’s very cheap and lasts a long time. The guarantee on most brands in 20 years.

Geo-textile underlayment

Your pond liner is one of, if not the most expensive aspect of your pond build. Protect your investment.

Rigid liners

Rigid liners are preformed pond shapes. They are made form fish safe uv stabilised plastics. Although some are made from fibreglass or special resins.

Reduce maintenance

To help you build a maintenance free pond you might be interested in looking at some of my other articles. Specifically bog and wetland filtration for ponds.

What is the best material for a pond liner?

If you’re looking to line a large pond or lake, you’ll want to consider models made with high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. HDPE has very good UV resistance and functions well in cold temperatures. It’s also strong and very stiff, meaning that it’s not prone to sudden length-wise tears. HDPE’s most desirable characteristic, though, might be its superior resistance to a wide range of chemicals. This combined with its relatively inexpensive price (an average of $0.62/square foot in the US, according to HomeAdvisor) and the fact that multiple sheets can be joined using welding have historically made HDPE one of the most popular geomembrane types worldwide. HDPE liners are commonly used in landfills and chemical containment sites, but they are also safe and well-suited for fish ponds. No matter where they are, HDPE liners are very durable, having been found to last upwards of 36 years when covered.

What is a flexible pond liner called?

However, manufacturers make flexible liners — often called “geomembranes” by engineers — with a wide variety of materials, each of which has pros and cons depending on a pond’s individual setup. Your liner needs to stay stable in the hottest and coldest temperatures your area is likely to experience, and it shouldn’t snag, puncture, ...

How Are Pond Liners Made & Installed?

Pond liners can be purchased in pre-cut materials, or can be custom manufactured for more specific or larger projects.

How much does an EPDM geomembrane cost?

And at an average price of $0.84/square foot in the US, according to HomeAdvisor, EPDM liners are already comparatively expensive. EPDM liners are still extremely well-suited for custom fish ponds both large and small, but you should be sure you can account for these issues before you make your purchase.

What are LLDPE and HDPE liners made of?

Given that they’re made from the same plastic, it’s no surprise that linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and HDPE liners have several things in common. These liner types share the same fairly inexpensive price, and both have to be seamed from multiple sheets in the field by professionals, rather than custom-fabricated in the factory. Like HDPE, LLDPE is weldable, nontoxic to fish, and functions well in in typical pondwater temperatures, though it’s also commonly used in liners that are intended to contain water contaminated with waste or hazardous chemicals.

How long do LLDPE geomembrane liners last?

Consequently, LLDPE liners may not be as durable when exposed to the elements (when used as recommended, LLDPE liners may last up to 36 years ). LLDPE Liners.

How long do HDPE liners last?

No matter where they are, HDPE liners are very durable, having been found to last upwards of 36 years when covered. Unfortunately, HDPE liners are far from perfect.

Pond Liner Considerations

You have a lot of options when choosing a liner for an existing or newly constructed pond.

Different Materials: Their Advantages & Disadvantages

You should also think about what type of material the liner is made of if you’re choosing a preformed or flexible liner.

What is a flexible pond liner?

Flexible pond liners are made from soft, flexible material that can easily be folded or rolled up. They are almost as easy to use as a hard shell liner and give you unlimited design possibilities. This is the type selected by serious pond enthusiasts.

What are the two groups of pond liners?

Pond liners can be broken into two groups; hard shell (preformed) and flexible (soft shell).

What is the thickness of EPDM pond liner?

EPDM is less puncture resistant than PVC or RPE. A 45 mil (1.15 mm) thickness is used for ponds. Most of the available pond liner is made by Firestone, so there is a level of confidence in the quality. Butyl rubber pond liners can also be used, but they have become very expensive and are no longer popular.

How long does a PVC pond liner last?

The 40-80 mil PVC liners with ultraviolet inhibitors have a lifespan of 10 years or more.

Is PVC safe for ponds?

PVC sold for ponds may or may not include a stabilizer . Without it they are less resistant to sun light. They are fish and plant safe, if the product is specifically made for ponds. Other types of PVC can contain chemicals toxic to fish. The PVC pond liner is easy to install and should have an underlayment.

Can you use butyl rubber liners in a pond?

Butyl rubber pond liners can also be used, but they have become very expensive and are no longer popular.

Is pond liner good for cold climates?

This pond liner is generally the least expensive choice. It’s weight and puncture resistance is midway between RPE and EDPM. This is not a good choice for cold climates since it might crack along folds in winter.

Which is the least expensive pond liner?

PVC liners are generally the least expensive option, but their downsides far outweigh their low cost. Looking at all three pond liner materials side-by-side, it’s clear to see that RPE is the best choice for all types of ponds and liner projects.

How long do pond liners last?

RPE pond liners are considered to be the most durable liners available and last upwards of 40 years

What is RPE pond liners?

RPE - Reinforced Polyethylene Pond Liners. RPE pond liners are by far the most durable of all of the materials available. Because these liners are reinforced, they are stronger and more puncture resistant than the two other major types of pond liners.

Why are EPDM liners so hard to ship?

EPDM liners can be difficult to ship due to heavy weight concerns. EPDM liners are the heaviest of the three liner materials. EPDM liners are the least puncture resistant of the three materials. EPDM liners are fish and plant safe.

Why are plasticizers added to PVC?

Plasticizers are added to PVC to make the liners more flexible. These liners can contain trace amounts of arsenic and other toxins that are lethal to pond fish. Plasticizers also can cause cracks or splits in the liners, which threaten wildlife. PVC liners are inexpensive and easy to use, but not desirable for cold climates.

What is the best liner for UV protection?

The most versatile liner on the market today, Aqua Armor maximizes protection from harmful UV rays, tear resistance and punctures that cause leaks. Simply the best liner on the market.

Why are floating covers important?

Floating covers are flexible, adaptable, and function remarkably well to improve efficiency in wastewater processing.

Why are pond liners so popular?

This is due to their reliability and reputation. These pond liners resist UV deterioration and do not contain plasticizers, which may become brittle, leading to splits and cracks.

What happens if you choose a low grade pond liner?

When building a fish pond, the underlayment and liner are the foundation of the pond. So if you choose an inferior quality or low- grade pond liner, it will probably lead to a possible leaky pond, costly repairs, and headaches.

How long do PVC liners last?

Polyvinyl Chloride liners, popularly called PVC liners, are one of the most inexpensive flexible pond liners. These liners have a dedicated lifespan of 18-30 years, depending on surrounding conditions and fixtures.

What is Aquascape liner?

Aquascape fish pond liners are the industry leaders when it comes to reliability and quality. It is also backed by Aquascape’s industry-leading 20-year guarantee making it the choice of professional contractors and discerning pond builders around the world.

What are the advantages of Aquascape liner?

Some of the advantages of the Aquascape fish pond liner is its superior elongation and lay-flat characteristics, ease of installation without the need for extra or special tools, as well as exceptional resistance to ozone, solar UV, and oxidation.

How thick is a Firestone pond liner?

It is one of the easiest pond liners to maintain, and they are designed to last. These pond liners are 15′ x 20′ and approximately 45 inches thick.

How long does a reinforced polyethylene liner last?

Reinforced Polyethylene has many benefits, like LLDPE but with comparatively lesser flaws. Many RPE companies boast that this liner can last for more than 40 years.