Introduction
Every experienced pond owner will tell you that owning a pond is practically synonymous with owning a pond liner, owing to the numerous benefits pond liners provide. However, getting a pond liner is not a linear task because there are varieties of pond liners, and choosing the strongest pond liners is perhaps the most critical aspect of pond building.
The primary function of every pond liner is to hold the pond\’s water and stay in good condition during extreme temperatures which the area is likely to encounter. A strong pond liner shouldn\’t snag, break or tear due to anomalies in the ground. Numerous manufacturers make flexible liners (often called geomembranes), which are made of a wide range of materials, each with its pros and cons.
When seeking the strongest pond liners, there are various factors to consider; durability is the topmost factor to be considered.
Why pond liners?
If you have ever considered moving closer to nature and having a pond, choosing the strongest pond liners should be at the top of your priority list.
Pond liners are large foldout sheets made of either plastic or synthetic rubber and are designed to retain their liquid contents. Pond liners are necessary to ensure that the water remains healthy for the fish or plants.
Here are more reasons why pond liners are essential.
1. Pond liners act as barriers between the ground and the pond: they prevent the soil nutrients from mixing with the pond water and causing an imbalance.
2. They provide security and protection for the pond: the liners adequately protect the rough pond surface and are frost-resistant. They are also compatible with fish and plants because they are environmentally neutral.
3. Pond liners prevent leakages: this is often the primary reason many people purchase a pond liner. A pond without a liner will often leak, resulting in the preventable wastage of large quantities of water. Of course, as the water drips out of the pond, valuable minerals and salts such as magnesium, calcium, and compounds of selenium are also lost.
4. A good pond liner prevents contamination: putting a liner in a pond guarantees that there will be no mixing between the pond water and the soil in the ground beneath it. Thus, the water in the pond remains pure and suitable for the plants or animals you decide to put in it.
Things to consider before getting a pond liner
A pond liner is not an item that should be bought on a whim without careful consideration and selection. To choose the appropriate liner for an individual’s particular needs, the factors that will be discussed below must be carefully considered, especially by first-time buyers.
By getting yourself familiar with the various qualities to look out for, you will avoid mistakes that will save you unnecessary repair costs in the future.
The price of the pond liner
The cheaper the pond liner, the shorter its lifespan will probably be. This is a simple rule that buyers must keep in mind when sorting through the numerous options on the market. In general, the strongest pond liners have a lifespan between 20 and 25 years, but the cheaper ones last only a few years. Of course, the quality of care given to the pond liner also affects its longevity, irrespective of its baseline quality.
The thickness of the pond liner
The thickness of the pond liner is the factor that most influences how long it will last. The thicker the liner, the longer it will last. When searching for pond liners, make sure they are about 30 Mil in thickness.
Weather conditions
Another valid point to consider is the weather condition of the area in which the pond liner will lay. Harsh weather conditions naturally shorten the life of a pond liner. Scorching or freezing weather would puncture or tear the pond liner in no time. So, it is vital to protect the pond liner and care for it properly.
The type of material the liner is made of
This is one of the most important things to consider. There are several pond liner materials, and selecting the correct one is possibly the most vital aspect of pond construction. The common materials are briefly highlighted below.
High-density polyethylene
High-density polyethylene plastic is the appropriate choice of material for lining a big pond. It has good UV resistance and works well in harsh temperatures. The material is strong and quite tough, providing resistance against lengthwise tears.
Low-density polyethylene
These pond liners are relatively cheap, weldable, non-toxic to fish, and operate well in average pond water temperatures. However, they’re also generally used in liners planned to contain wastes and toxic chemicals.
Reinforced polyethylene
These pond liners give nearly all the same benefits as other liner materials. Because this liner is reinforced, it\’s one of the most durable liner materials you can buy. It is more potent, puncture-resistant, thinner, and lighter than others, making it easier to transport and install.
Flexible polypropylene
These are worth considering if the pond liner priorities are manual strength and moldability. As the name implies, flexible polypropylene liners are adaptable without needing additives like plasticizers. Therefore, they can be molded and formed to fit any pond, even those with tight corners. These pond liner materials remain pliable in temperatures of –50°C. This unique feature makes them more desirable for ponds in temperate climates.
The strongest pond liners
There are numerous factors to consider before getting a pond liner, especially if you\’re buying for the first time; most of them have been discussed already. Being aware of these factors and properly accounting for them before making a purchase will steer you towards the right choice of pond liner and save you repair costs in the future.
There are several types of pond liners that can maintain a healthy pond. Pond owners need to select a pond liner that works best with their garden and pond layout.
Hard Shell Pond Liners
These liners are standard among first-time pond owners and are also called preformed pond liners. These pond liners are carved from durable hard plastic or rubber material, making them easy to install and low-maintenance.
Garden lovers who want to build their pond can select any shape or size they want. The preformed shape of this pond liner helps the pond owner picture the pond better.
Pros
No need for design – first-time pond owners don’t need a lot of effort to design their ponds. The preformed body saves them the effort of developing the pond.
Long-lasting – the hard plastic or rubber body of the pond liner stays durable for a long time. These pond liners can withstand high temperatures and last up to 20 years.
Hard texture – pond owners need not fear water contamination or damage to the pond liner. They don’t get torn or scratched easily.
Easy installation – these preformed ponds are easy to install; the pond owner only needs to dig a space to fit in the pond liner. This quick and easy installation saves time and effort.
Cons
There is no unique taste – there is a lack of originality as the pond shape is pre-designed and can only be built in that shape. Therefore, the pond owners cannot add their touch or design features to these pond liners.
Small-sized – the preformed pond liners prevent the pond owner from erecting a much bigger pond than the predetermined size, should they desire such.
Hard to blend in – the preformed pond liners do not fuse in perfectly with the garden; the edges of the pond liner need to be covered with strategically placed rocks.
Aquascape Rubber Liner
The Aquascape brand is a trendy brand that produces excellent quality products for your pond or aquarium.
The Aquascape 45 Mil pond liner is safe for fish, conserves water in the pond, and provides a comfortable and healthy habitat for fish.
This pond liner is 8′ × 10′ in size and has tremendous resistance to solar ultraviolet, ozone, and oxidations, allowing years of trouble-free use.
Pros
It has 45 Mil thickness.
It is safe for fish.
It provides superior elongation.
Cons
It doesn’t provide users with a warranty.
The pond liner is prone to leakage.
Flexible Pond Liners
The flexible pond liners are also called rubber liners as they are made from PVC material. These pond liners are flexible and durable, making them perfect for a water garden of any size or shape.
They are inexpensive and allow the pond owners to design their ponds to their individual tastes. The flexible material of these pond liners will enable them to blend into the garden.
Pros
Easy to carry – the flexible pond liners are not significant in weight and can be transported easily in the back of a car.
Affordable – the flexible pond liners are cheap compared to the preformed pond liners.
Allows for expansion – pond owners who use flexible pond liners can quickly expand their pond. All they need to do is to dig up more space and use the flexible pond liner.
Cons
Poor resistance – flexible pond liners do not resist the elements. These liners can get punctured by rocks or strong roots, damaging the pond.
Needs underlying material – flexible pond liners are not as strong as the preformed ones. They are exposed to tears and can get destroyed over time if they are not supported.
Anjon Lifeguard Pond Liner
The lifeguard pond liner belongs on the list of the strongest pond liners and is certified for fish and wildlife by Guardian systems, Inc.
The EPDM pond liner withstands toxic ultraviolet damage. It contains no plasticizer materials, which are known to lead to cracks and splits.
The pond liner’s materials remain flexible and pliable at a wide temperature range (+170 °F to -40 °F). The LifeGuard pond liner has 25 years of manufacturer\’s warranty.
Pros
These pond liners have been proven to be stable and reliable.
Tears, punctures, and extreme temperatures do not damage the lifeguard pond liner.
They are efficient and have more than a decade of warranty.
Cons
Aside from their durability, they are also quite expensive.
When installed, they emit a foul smell that causes some users discomfort.
Pond Boss skins pond liner
The Pond Boss brand provides unique, innovative, and energy-efficient water gardening products to help pond and waterfall maintenance.
The pond liner is made of a high-quality material that is UV protected, reliable, and safe for fish. It is easy to install, and with the help of river rocks, gives a realistic look.
Pros
They assure safety and are long-lasting for decades
Simple to install and set up
With excellent quality and texture, this pond liner can withstand high temperatures.
Cons
Unlike the lifeguard pond liner, this does not offer any warranty
They are only best designed for large ponds
Growneer Mil pond liner
This pond liner is the best option for all sizes of water gardens, fishponds, and backyard waterfalls. It is ideal for ponds with straight or gentle bending sides and tight nooks. The 22 Mil thickness pond liner gives excellent vitality while preserving the ability to stretch. It also has the flexibility that makes it simple to fold and install.
The Growneer pond liner, which is made of LLDPE (Linear low-density polyethylene) material, measures 13′ × 20′. It is safe for pond fish and water plants. The pond liner can survive high and low temperatures, and has enough chemical strength to be puncture resistant, and UV resistance .
Pros
It is popular and widely used.
Its flexibility allows it to be easily moved and installed.
Its linear low-density polyethylene material allows it to have resistance against high temperatures.
The textured surface makes it hard to tear or puncture it.
Cons
Despite their popularity, these pond liners have a fragile texture, making them prone to tears and punctures.
Leakages are bound to occur due to their fragile texture.
Final thoughts
Every pond liner\’s main job is to hold the pond\’s water. Having a good one is of great importance but finding the strongest pond liners that suit your taste and style is a challenging task. By following the guidance provided in this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what it takes to make a good choice of pond liner and finally be on your way to picking out the most durable one for your need.