PVC Pond Liner Information

Whether building a simple pond for livestock or a landscape water feature, a PVC pond liner is an economical foundation. Offering a great flexibility of design, PVC pond liners with UV stabilizers are the most popular pond lining material for most projects.

In addition to the basic purpose of preventing the pond water from escaping, a pond liner also keeps ground water from seeping into your clean pond through the sides or bottom. The flexibility of a PVC liner will also allow for a unique pond shape that fits appropriately in your landscape.

A PVC liner is made from a polyvinyl chloride material that is very similar to swimming pool liners. However, pool liners should not be used for ponds because they are embedded with algaecides that can be harmful to plants and fish. Before purchasing any pond lining material, be sure that it is labelled safe for aquatic life.

Cheap pond liners will probably not have UV protection and are usually made of a thinner material that is more vulnerable to tears or punctures. A heavier weight material with UV protection will last much longer and many come with a 10 year warranty. Thicker liners are normally embossed to increase the surface area and encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria. They require little to no maintenance, if properly installed, and can be repaired without removal.

To prevent damage to the liner by roots and stones from below, a pond underlay is advisable. This is usually a combination of sand on the bottom and a specially designed woven fabric for the sides. The underlay provides protection and stability for the pond liner.

For small decorative ponds, there are pond kits available which contain everything needed to set up your pond, including step-by-step instructions. With or without a kit, before purchasing a pond liner it is necessary to decide on the size and shape of the pond, then calculate the size of liner needed. There are many on-line calculators, but you can also do it yourself with simple math. Once you have determined the dimensions of the pond using a tape measure:

Add the longest point of the pond, plus two-times the depth, plus two extra feet.
If the pond is five feet at it’s longest part and two feet deep at its deepest point,
the length of the liner would need to be 5 + 4 + 2 = 11 feet.
Repeat the same process with the widest point of the pond to get the width.
For example, if the same pond is three feet wide,
the width of the liner is 3 + 4 + 2 = 9 feet.
The pond liner then needs to be, at least, 11 x 9 feet to allow for manipulation
without the risk of tearing due to over-stretching of the material.

A one-piece liner will be more leak-proof than one that has seams. Excessive extra material can be folded and tucked under or trimmed. The edges can then be hidden with rocks or potted plants. A carefully constructed pond with a PVC liner can be a beautiful investment that adds value to your property.