Building a pond using a pond liner

A garden pond can be constructed using different materials such as concrete, preformed pond liners made out of rigid plastic and available in various shapes, or pond liners of which there is flexible Epalyn (EDPM) or Butyl rubber liners or PVC liner. The range of pond liners available make it a lot easier to install a garden pond and give greater design creativity.

Why use a pond liner?

Since most soil is unable to hold water, a pond needs to be lined in order to prevent water lose.

Steps to installing a pond liner

• Determine the size and shape of your garden pond by using a hose pipe or rope.
• Excavate the hole. Slope the sides slightly inwards to give them more strength. Incorporate planting shelves and an edge to the pond deep and wide enough to accomodate planting material. The depth of your pond will depend your location and use. If you plan to stock fish and live in an area where there is likely to be winter freezing, it is important to have an area of the pond deeper than the rest. The average depth of a fish pond is 18 inches, so dig an area 23 - 30 inches deep.
• Check the ground level using a carpenter's level placed on stakes extending across the perimeter of the pond at various positions.
• Protect the pond liner by adding a special protective pond underlay to the bottom surface of the pond. Ensure all sharp objects and tree roots are removed from the floor and sides of the pond first.
• Select a quality pond liner based on your pond dimensions. Epalyn and Butyl rubber liners are the most durable. 
• Drape the pond liner in the hole. It should extend 12 - 18 inches over the edge of the pond. Place rocks or other heavy objects temporarily around the outside to hold the liner in place. 
• Curves in the pond design will create excess material. As the pond is filled with water, fold the liner neatly on itself to take-up the material. The pressure of the water will keep it in place.
• When filling with water, check to be sure everything stays in place and the liner doesn't get pulled away from the edge.
• Stop filling when the water is about 1 - 2 inches below ground level.
• Cover the excess liner with decorative stone or other material for the edging.
• If you have filled your pond with tap water, let the water settle for about 2 weeks before adding fish and/or plants.
• Most ponds will require a pond pump and filtration system for healthy plant and fish life.

Pond liners allow for creative pond design and most are animal friendly. If you need further help on installing a pond liner into your garden pond, contact Liners Online for expert advice.