Types of Pond Liners

There are three common materials used in pond liners, each with its advantages and disadvantages.  Preformed Pond liners provide the easiest method to quickly create an ornamental fish pond.  They are generally limited in size and shape, but if made properly, can last a long time.  Pond Liners are usually made from PVC or EPDM, with EPDM being the stronger and more expensive material.  Concrete liners may provide the best material for larger ponds.  They are initially very labor intensive, but are easily the sturdiest of the three.

Preformed Pond Liners are the most popular and most common of the three.  They provide an easy and quick Koi Pond.  They are available in many different in varying thickness, from inexpensive to very expensive.  The thin walled variety needs to be buried or encased in a sturdy enclosure, while the thick-walled variety can be free standing.  They can be used to create a very simple Fish Pond.  A submersible pump and filter can be added with a decorative fountain, and the Preformed Pond Liner will be complete.  The downfall of the preformed liner is its inflexibility.  They provide very little in the way of customization, but can still be well utilized with some careful planning.

Flexible Pond Liners provide a plethora of choices for the do-it-yourself pond owner.  Available in most sizes, they can be successfully used in almost every application.  They can be sculpted to fit any shape, and are fairly easy to install.  They are available in several different materials, with EPDM being the most popular.  As with most things, you get what you pay for with pond liners.  The more expensive ones are generally thicker or made of a more durable material.  Keep in mind that liners are the most likely to rip or tear.  Be wary of birds, as they can puncture thin liners with their sharp beaks, and also rocks and stones.  If the area underneath is not properly prepared, the weight of the water can eventually unearth sharp rocks and stones.

Concrete liners are the sturdiest, but most labor intensive material to work with.  Initially thought of as rough and unsuitable for pond fish, concrete can now be coated with fish-safe epoxy for a smooth finish.  Best left to the professionals, once the concrete fish pond is created it will have worry-free maintenance for years.  Although they are prone to cracks, especially in colder climates, concrete makes a good medium for a fish pond.  The cracks can be resealed, many times in an easier fashion than pond liners.

Success can be attained with any of these popular pond lining choices.  The choice is mostly personal preference, as your future goals will indicate the proper choice.  Concrete is generally the most permanent, as it can be very difficult to remove or restructure. Preformed can be the quickest and easiest install, and even though they can last for years, they can also be moved and relocated with minimum issues.  Pond Liners offer the most flexible choice, as they can easily be reshaped and reset for future use.  If properly designed, any of these Fish Ponds can be a successful endeavor.