Pond Talk

Pond Advice For Small And Large Ponds

Firestone pond liners

Fish Pond Liners Explained

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If you’re looking to either build a fish pond or have a pond installed, there’s a very high likelihood that you’ll be using a pond liner of some kind in the construction. Granted some ponds are actually formed out of concrete but most water features will use some sort of liner.

Pond liners definitely make pond building much easier. Particularly for the diy projects they’ll save time and a lot of frustration. When researching liners you’ll find that they come in either preformed or prefabricated designs, which are made out of a rigid molded plastic as well as thin rubber sheets which are more flexible to work with.

Choosing the best pond liner for your needs really depends on the type of pond you’re wanting to build. What we’re referring to is the size and overall shape and configuration your wanting to create.

Preformed Ponds

Preformed ponds make it very easy and simple for anyone to install a nice looking pond. There should probably be more emphasis on the simple part as digging is not always that easy. Nevertheless, a pvc plastic prefab pond liner allows for an easy installation. A hole needs to be cleared that matches the shape and form of the liner. Fill in any spaces or gaps under the shell to support it and you’re done.

Because they’re rigid, preformed liners don’t offer the same degree of customizations as a rubber liner might, but many people don’t necessarily need that. If one’s pond design is very small, say under 300 gallons, then a prefabricated pond liner will work great. As the pond size and gallon capacity goes up, many people begin to transition over to rubber sheets.

EPDM Pond Liners

EPDM stands for (ethylene propylene diene Monomer (M-class)) which is a synthetic form of rubber. You’ll find it used in a variety of machines and applications but for pond owners it’s primary qualities are durability, it’s resistance to heat and cold, and overall weather proof capability.

Most epdm pond liners will have a warranty for an effective life span (Firestone pond liners for example are expected to last for 20 years). This warranty may not include damage from accidental punctures, but it’s ability to not crack or wear with age should last that long. Rubber liners have a distinct advantage over the plastic varieties because they are extremely versatile to work with. They can be laid in virtually any shape, depth, or configuration without any problems.

Rubber liners are normally offered in several different widths of rubber. These are listed as 45mil and 60 mil with the latter gauge being a bit more durable. In terms of the overall size (length and width, there really are very few limits. Most rolled liners can be found up to 50′ wide and 100′ long. For larger installations several rolls can be bonded together.

Larger and more complex ponds always use epdm rubber liners but you’ll also find them commonly installed in small Koi and fish ponds as well. They have proven to be safe for fish and wildlife. It is possible to put rocks and stones on top of these liners however it’s important to use rounded or flat stones and avoid anything with sharp points or edges.

A Note About Cleaning Your Pond Liner

Whenever you find the need to clean a pond, it’s a good idea to clean some of the liner if you can get at it. For a hard shell liner you can pretty much scrub these aggressively without any problems. A rubber pond liner will require a bit more care. Avoid using harsh solvents of any kind and use light pressure when scrubbing or brushing.

When a pond is built using high qualities materials and you’ve followed the recommendations from the manufacturer, there’s a very good chance that your pond (and this includes pond liners) will provide you with many years of trouble-free service and enjoyment.

EPDM Pond Liners For Water Gardens

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A pond liner is essential when constructing a small pond or watergarden. This article will cover some of the benefits of EPDM rubber pond liners and why you might want to consider using one.

Many American homeowners across the country are finding the addition of aquatic ponds to make lovely settings for their back yard environments. These decorative ponds are further enhanced by the use of an aquatic safe EPDM pond liner that snugly conforms to the shape and design of your pond. These liners are specially designed to safely sustain most any kind of fish and fauna you choose for your water garden. They are safe and practical to use and will help maintain your pond’s attractive appearance for years to come.

There are generally two types of pond liners you can choose for your pond structure: plastic preformed pond liners and EPDM liners. Pre formed plastic liners are designed to maintain one shape and form to fit the exact structure of your pond design. In contrast, EPDM liners are capable of stretching and adjusting to any shape pond, regardless of its design. This flexible quality enables the liner to elongate when necessary to cover unusual or uneven ground surfaces below the water such as tree roots, rock formations or dips. It can also adjust to various movements or settling of the ground.

For example, the Firestone PondGard EPDM liner is constructed of a high quality flexible rubber material, which is aquatic safe, durable and guaranteed to last a long time. It maintains its flexibility even in very hot and cold temperatures and will not crack or split with age. Due to their high quality construction, warranty on Firestone liners extends up to 20 years. These reasons and more make the Firestone 45 mil model one of the most popular pond liners on the market today.

Pond Tip: Here’s an easy way to find a leak in a small pond liner. Allow the water to drop to a level where it remains stable with no further reduction in water levels. Add a bit more water back in to raise the level and then pour a small amount of milk around the perimeter of the pond. The white color of the milk will often show where a leak is occurring. Simply watch for the milk being pulled inward towards the liner and there’s a good chance you’ve found the leak. You can then use a simple patch kit to take care of the problem.

Installation of EPDM liners is fairly simple, requiring no special equipment or tools. Once in place, these liners offer optimum performance with little maintenance and care. In the event a liner should require repair due to puncture or tear, these repairs can be feasibly accomplished with the use of an EPDM patch while the liner is still installed in the pond.

EPDM liners come in a variety of widths and lengths in order to easily accommodate any pond dimensions. Online prices, to include shipping and handling, range approximately from $60 to $75 for the smaller 10 x 10 foot size liner to $195 to $225 for the larger 10 x 20 foot model. It’s usually advised to shop around and compare prices as they may vary from retailers. Also be sure to ask for expert advice from vendors prior to ordering should you have any questions.

It’s been proven that installing a water garden or small pond near your home will help increase the property’s value and add natural beauty to your yard. When construction considerations are being made, keep in mind that nothing offers the versatility, durability, and adaptability that an EPDM pond liner offers.