The Best Pond Liner for Your Pond

The art of water gardening is centuries old, and the trend is even more popular today. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, ponds provide a much-needed place of serenity. If the right building materials are chosen and installed correctly, the pond will provide years of enjoyment. Choosing the best pond liner is the first step.

Pond liners fall into two categories: sheeting created with synthetic materials, and preformed. One material that is frequently used is synthetic rubber frequently used. It is long lasting and easy to work with. The flexibility of rubber allows for more versatility in pond design. This type of pond liner requires little or no regular maintenance, and is easy to repair. Most liners made of rubber are safe for aquatic life. The UltraGuard brand pond liner is a blend of two or more polymers. Not only is it easy to work with, it is extremely long lasting. It has the greatest resistance to chemical erosion and ultraviolet rays and can withstand the harshest weather changes. Other material choices for membranes include PVC and Polyethylene.

Once the shape of the pond is determined, digging can begin. It is very important to make sure no rocks or debris remain in the hole; failing to do so could cause tears in the liner. After the hole is dug, the liner is stretched over the hole. While the pond is being filled, and creases need to be worked out. Once the liner is taut, you can begin positioning rocks or bricks at the edges and allow the liner to sink down and finish filling.

Using a preformed pond liner is the simplest way to construct a pond or water garden. Preformed liners are generally more economical. Preformed ponds are made of fiberglass, making them durable. Some designs come complete with the rock edging built in, so the project can be completed in a fraction of the time it takes to build a pond with a flexible liner. However, preformed ponds don't allow for any flexibility in the design. They have size limitations, and should only be considered for smaller garden ponds.

Installation of a preformed pond liner is as simple as digging a hole. After the hole is dug, the liner goes in on top of a layer of sand. While the preformed pond liner is filling, sand is pushed into the gaps between the liner and the ground. The rigidity and strength of a fiberglass preformed pond makes it easy to create an above ground pond. No digging is needed; just set the aboveground pond where you want it and enjoy.