Pond Liners

Choosing the right pond liners for any project

By Laurel Brown

Installing a pond is popular in a wide variety of landscaping projects. Pond lining, necessary to guard against erosion, is crucial for building a successful pond. You need to know which kind of pond lining is best for your project. Most ponds can use a similar sort of lining -- both farm pond liners and ornamental pond liners are essentially the same, the main difference between them being in size.

Most commonly used are plastic pond liners, made from several materials, including EPDM and polyethylene. A plastic pond liner needs to be flexible enough to fit any pond area, durable in all types of anticipated weather, safe for pond plant and animal life, and resistant to environmental detriments.

Another common option is pond lining made in a pre-fabricated shape out of fiberglass. Such pond liners are mostly used for smaller, ornamental ponds and are not appropriate as a farm pond liner. If you are not familiar with the method of building a pond, some companies offer pond building kits that contain the pond liner and all other necessary parts.

Keep the following qualities in mind when choosing a plastic pond liner:

Know the size of pond you need to line, since plastic pond liners are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Choose the right material for your needs and environment.
Make sure you have accurately measured your pond area so that you can purchase the correct amount of pond plastic liner.
Look for opportunities to purchase supplies at a wholesale rate if you plan to install multiple pond liners or sell them to install for others.

Determine the size, shape, and type of pond you need to install and pick an appropriate pond liner

A handy way to determine the size of plastic pond liner needed is to use a liner calculator that tells you exactly how much plastic liner is needed for the pond you are installing. Search for information about the kind of pond you want to build before starting your project.
Try: A good pond liner calculator is provided by Pondliner. Specific information about farm pond liners and fish farm pond liners can be found at websites from Pond-o-Mania and the U.S. government’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Instructions on how to install a pond liner are available from the Royal Liner website.

Make sure your plastic pond liner is appropriate for your needs and climate

Different plastics will have different effects on your pond. The right pond lining matches your weather conditions, pond attributes and plant and animal life.
Try: If you buy pond liners from a company that specializes in liner sales, like Just Liner, they can provide you with information about all of the different types of plastic pond liners available.

Consider buying an all-in-one pond kit

If you want a pond for decoration or as part of a landscape design, it can be much easier and much cheaper to purchase a pond kit that contains everything you need for your pond.
Try: Pondliner sells pond kits in a variety of sizes. The kits include a liner, pump and filter.

Look for information directed at pond installation professionals

Landscapers and others who professionally install ponds and water features can find information on the internet about wholesale pricing and professional organizations.
Try: The National Association of Pond Professionals (NAPP) offers membership and information for those who run pond-related businesses. They include links to companies providing pond installation and support services. Pondliner offers both wholesale rates for installers and landscapers as well as seminars in pond building and installation.