Introduction
The primary purpose of a pond liner is to prevent leakage. But, a pond liner that does not fit one’s pond ideally can defeat that purpose. Aside from the fact that a poorly fitted pond liner can cause leakage, the extra folds and creases are unsightly. Every pond owner who wants a more natural, crease-free look should consider a Welded Pond Liner.
What qualifies a pond liner as “good” is its longevity, durability and whether or not it fits the pond in question. Improper measurements of the pool\’s size will invariably lead to an ill-fitted pond liner. Also, poor installation of the pond liner can lead to wrinkles and folds. Wrinkles and folds can then cause fish waste to settle in them, leading to a bacterial infestation in the pond.
A great way to avoid the problem of poorly fitted pond liners is to make a tailor-made pond liner. For many pond owners, it is good news to know that it is possible to make a pond liner that fits into one\’s pond like a glove. Regardless of the pond\’s dimensions, a welded pond liner can be manufactured to fit all the specifications. Keep reading to learn more on the subject
Why Welded Pond Liners?
There are many reasons why a pond owner may want to look into getting a welded pond liner. Welded pond liners are perfect for ornamental, formal, swimming, or Koi ponds. Most Welded pond liners are made with a flange at the top that is laid under to create flags that protect the top of the liner.
The best thing about welded pond liners is that they are made according to the specifications of the pond provided to the company by the owner. Whether it is an above-ground or in-ground pond, these pond liners are tailor-made to fit the pond perfectly, leaving no extras.
For formal ponds, a bespoke pond liner is ideal for housing Koi and other large fish varieties. It is suitable for traditional ponds holding Koi or other fish because the pond area has a more significant depth than natural ponds, which tend to get shallow around the edges.
When specifying to the company in charge of making the welded pond liner, the pond owner can choose what materials will be used and how thick the liner should be. And then, when it is delivered, installing the liner is a breeze. Once it is unfolded, it fits snugly into place like a perfect prom dress for a pond.
Should You Use A Welded Pond Liner?
A flat sheet pond liner is more suited for natural ponds. But when it comes to formal ponds for housing Koi, a welded pond liner will do better than a flat sheet pond liner. Clean, healthy water is essential for breeding Koi and other fish. However, folds can lead to bacteria which is unhealthy for fish. Since folds and creases form when using a flat sheet liner, it makes more sense to use a pond liner that leaves no folds or creases, especially for koi carp.
A welded pond liner does not have a standard size or shape. This type of pond liner is welded based on the pond owner\’s drawing, which should show all the pond’s dimensions. If one has a vertically-sided earth pond, a brick pond, a rectangle, circle, or L-shaped pond, then a welded pond liner is a good option. However, welded pond liners can still be made for an irregularly shaped pond depending on the company\’s expertise. Though for such ponds, the liner is usually welded on-site.
Three Reasons Your Pond Liner May Leak
Pond liners prevent leakage by creating an impenetrable layer between water and soil. If one has a pond liner installed but still suspects leakage, the first thing to do will be to confirm it is not seepage or evaporation. If it is not, the culprit may be the pond liner itself. There are three main reasons why a pond liner may develop leaks. They are;
- Puncture And Tears In The Fabric: Before installing a pond liner, it is essential to ensure that the area is free of rocks, tree roots, or sharp stones. These objects may be in the holes dug for the pond; they may be insignificant at the time but pose a significant risk. When the water is filled into the pond, the pond liner\’s material may press against these objects resulting in a tear. Once the fabric is torn, the liner will leak. Hence, it is crucial to use a strong material for a pond liner
- Poorly Welded Seams: Leaks can also occur from the point where the material for the liner was welded together. This is especially true when the welding is done at the site. An on-site welding job may have insufficient welding equipment. The welding may also be less than perfect due to uneven ground and weather conditions. It is always better to have the liner fabric welded in the factory where advanced equipment and conditions are controlled.
- UV Rays And Weather: Most liners are synthetic materials with long-chain molecules. These molecules can be broken down by UV rays after some time, causing the material to crack and leak. To avoid this, it is better to choose a liner that is UV resistant or has a protective coating against UV damage.
Qualities To Look Out For When Seeking To Buy And Set Up A Welded Pond Liner
With online stores and companies claiming to offer the best pond liners, it is easy to get carried away and make a wrong choice. Knowing the qualities of a good pond liner will give one the best return on investment and satisfaction. The qualities a good welded pond liner should have are no different from those a regular pond liner should possess. They include;
- Durability: When giving specifications to the welding company, it is essential to choose a material that will last a long time. Durable means the material should have strength and be resistant to stretching.
- Flexible: A good pond liner should be flexible enough to glide smoothly into place. They should effortlessly be laid down into corners and slopes in the pond.
- Water Tight: The primary purpose of a pond liner is to hold water. A good pond liner should be made with material that can hold water conveniently.
- Non-Toxic: Material used for pond liners should not leech chemicals toxic to fish or other wildlife. This is a vital quality to look out for, especially when one intends to have fish in their pond
- UV resistant: If one intends for their pond to last years, they must ensure that the material used is either UV resistant or has a protective coating against UV rays.
- Lightweight: A good pond liner should be lightweight and easy to handle. Heavy pond liners will make installing the pond liner tedious and risky. “Risky” because there is a higher chance of the liner puncturing when it is too heavy to handle
Materials Used In Making Welded Pond Liners
Most welded pond liner are made with EPDM or Butyl rubber, which are excellent materials for pond liners. These materials can be fully vulcanized to create an inseparable seam.. EPDM and Butyl are fish-friendly and utterly non-toxic to aquatic life. The materials are UV resistant, so they won’t wear or crack when exposed to the sun. EPDM and Butyl are also known for their flexibility, so it makes sense to use such materials to ensure a snug fit.
However, both materials have some slight differences. For instance, EPDM is made with 100% EPDM polymer, while Butyl is made from 50% Butyl polymer. EPDM is also slightly higher in UV resistance levels, fits better to the surface upon which it is installed, and has higher tensile strength. Not to mention, it is also cheaper than Butyl.
The materials used, however, may depend on the company and the pond owner\’s requirements.
How Many Liners Do You Need?
There are many pond liner calculators on the web that can assist in knowing how much pond liner is needed and reaching a price estimate. The calculator will require one to fill in the maximum depth, length, and width of the pond. After filling in the correct measurements, the calculator will then work out how much material will be needed.
For welded pond liners, when dimensions like 4m×4m×2m deep are given to the factory, a liner with the exact dimensions can be made without cutting out excess.
How Complicated Is Pond Liner Installation
Installing a pond liner may be a tricky job though it is easier when using Welded Pond Liner. It is still essential to know how to install them since the factory may not aid in the installation process. The first thing to do is;
- Ensure the measurement is correct. Check the package used to deliver the liner and confirm it is the correct measurement for the pond
- Also, make sure that the trench for securing the liner has been dug.
- The next thing to do is find an excellent spot to unroll the liner. If rolled to the pond\’s center, the best place to put the liner is at the center on both sides. If it is to be rolled to the end, it should be placed at the end of the pond on either side.
- When rolling out the liner, ensure it is not too tightly rolled as this can cause pressure on the liner. If the liner material is heavy, more people should assist in the process.
- If multiple panels were sent, it might be best to have the liner professionally installed
CAUTION: DO NOT INSTALL A POND LINER ON A WINDY OR RAINY DAY TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THOSE DOING THE INSTALLATION AND THE LINER ITSELF.
How To Secure A Box Welded Liner
Before installing a box welded liner, the pond owner must secure the liner. To secure first;
- Dig a narrow trench around the pond
- Tuck the edges of the liner into the trench
- Fill it to keep it in place
Note: The size of the trench to be dug is dependent on the size and the slope of the pond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Flange And Why Is It Needed In A Box Welded Pond Liner?
The flange or the lip of the liner is the extra length of the liner at the top. It is used for anchoring the liner into position and protects the top of the liner.
Can You Manually Work Out The Pond Liner Size Without The Calculator?
Yes. Without using a calculator, one can determine the size of the liner to be used. The first thing to do is to take the maximum depth, maximum width, and maximum length of the excavated area for the pond.
Then add one side of either length or width to two times the depth and the amount needed for the overlap. It needs to be two times the number because the liner will need to go down one side of the pond and up the other side.
After getting the measurement for one side, it is time to do the other side. It should look like this;
Length + (2 × Depth) +2 = Total liner length
Width + (2 × Depth) + 2= Total liner width
Using a calculator is more effortless and may give more accurate results.
Do I Need A Protective Underlay And An Overlay With A Box Welded Liner?
Yes, an underlay is required. All made-to-measure pond liners must have a protective underlay to ensure added protection and lengthen the liner\’s lifespan. An overlay, however, is better suited for natural ponds or ponds using flat sheet liners, and that require a more natural look.
How Thick Should The Liner Be? (0.75mm or 1.00mm)
Most liner welding factories will give the option to choose either 0.75mm or 1.00mm thick material. 1.00m, however, is a better option for bespoke liners though it is more expensive.
Conclusion
Regular pond liners may be tricky to install, and poor installation may lead to problems like leakage or unwanted pathogens. A Welded Pond Liner ticks off all the requirements of a good pond liner. It takes the shape of the pond flawlessly, leaving no folds which can harbor bacteria. The materials used are durable, flexible, and non-toxic to fish and other wildlife. And so, as far as the best liners for ornamental, formal, swimming, or Koi ponds go, a welded pond liner takes the cake.