The primary purpose of a waterproof liner is to enclose and retain water in a garden pond or feature. (It also helps maintain the water’s quality.)
Liners – whether rigid or flexible – underlay nearly all water features. They retain water, of course, but also separate soil from the feature’s interior and the water it contains. Lined features are usually bordered by rock and should be layered with gravel to disguise the liner and protect it from sunlight.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Waterproof flexible liners underlay most natural-looking water gardens. The liners are made of EPDM, a flexible butyl rubber material similar to tire inner tubes. It’s relatively easy to lay and trim. With proper installation, care and protection from sunlight, it’s capable of lasting over a decade or two.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
There are two types of liners: rigid and flexible. Rigid liners, also called molded and preformed liners, are created in a mold with a set shape and have limited flexibility. They’re best for small projects and raised pools.
Flexible liners are available in two different materials: EPDM flexible rubber and PVC flexible plastic. The best flexible liners are those made of rugged, durable, butyl or EPDM rubber (an inner tube-like material) – these liners can last for many years and allow you to create complex shapes. PVC liners are inexpensive, although they’re easy to puncture and often require replacement sooner than the other liner types.
The nice thing about flexible liners is that they come in sheets that conform to any water garden’s size, shape or depth. They fold or crease to accommodate curves, marginal shelves and other contours. They’re ideal for large, asymmetrical garden ponds and pools, and the EPDM types are especially well-suited for streams and watercourses. (Thinner PVC and polyethylene liners, however, are unsuitable for streams and similar water features.)
Liners come in dark and light colors. The darker ones tend to appear more natural, enhance reflections and allude to greater depth. Regardless of type, you need to protect your liner from the sun’s UV rays to keep them from aging. Water, rock, plants and edging materials help shield the liner, although its topmost section can become exposed if the water level drops due to evaporation. (The toughest liner materials – rigid fiberglass and flexible butyl rubber – usually can withstand short-term UV exposure without incurring cracks, leaks or other damage.)
Consider the various liner details shown in the following pictures and described in their captions before choosing a liner for your own water feature. Selecting the best one for you can make all the difference in creating a water garden that will either sink or swim in success.
Types of Pond Liners
Rigid Pond Liners
Rigid pools are made from plastic or more durable fiberglass. Available in a limited number of sizes and shapes, they generally have modest water capacities and appear larger out of the ground than they do after they’re installed. (Rigid liners are best for small projects and raised pools.)
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Flexible Pond Liners
Flexible liners conform to just about any size or shape garden pond you’d like. The best flexible liners are made of EPDM. Choose a size that will span your feature’s length and width, after adding double its maximum depth to each measurement. Avoid joining two liners, if possible, because such points are prone to leaks.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Liner Color Choices
Light or dark? Liners come in either shade. Dark liners are nice because they create an illusion of depth and enhance reflection. (Remember, you’ll need to cover the liner with various pond materials to help protect it from UV exposure, which could cause premature aging.)
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Small Pond Liners
Multiple small pools can be combined to create larger features, as you would to construct the header and reservoir pools of a stream. (Preformed liners are quick and easy to install, while flexible liners offer a more natural look.)
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
