Construct a liner pond

Author: Terry Newhaven

Take your garden to the next level…with a pond or water feature. EPDM pond liners are fish and plant safe, as well as durable.

Step 1- Choose your design

1. outline the shape
2. mark the depth of shelves for planting

Step 2- Dig

1. Make sure to create internal shelves for planting
2. Ensure that the hole is level
3. Check for any objects that can damage the liner

Step 3- Add a layer of sand or geo-textile to protect the liner from damage due to exposed roots or rocks

Step 4- Time to place in the liner

1. Let it warm in the sun to make it more flexible
2. Do this on driveway, never on grass
3. The heat will rapidly damage your grass

Step 5- Add water to settle the liner in place

1. Let the weight of the water form the natural flow
2. Pull the liner as the pond fills to keep the wrinkles to a minimum

Step 6- Lay patio stones or slate around the perimeter of the pond

1. It will hold the liner in place
2. Use mortar of foam to keep decorative pieces in place

Step 7- Keep filling the pond with water

1. Liner will stretch and mould itself to the shape of the pond
2. If it stretches too much, it may be damaged

Step 8- Once the pond is full, trim off any excess liner from around the edge of the paving slabs, leaving an overlap of at least 6" (15.25 cm)

1. Make sure that the trimmed liner is above the desired water level

Now you are ready to add your hardware like pumps and filters and finish out the pond.