Liner
ponds are great for the experienced water gardener, they allow for superb
creative control, and look very natural. However, for the very same
reasons, liner ponds and pond liners also require some extra pre-planning.
Before you commence a liner pond project, you should purchase a pond liner
that is of the appropriate size for your pond dimensions. To determine the
appropriate liner size, it is recommended that you use a pond liner
calculator. Below are tips and instructions on how to properly install
your very own liner pond.
It is
recommended that you purchase an EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
liner that is at least 45 mm thick. EPDM is a highly stable material that
stays flexible in temperatures from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 175 degrees
Fahrenheit. Unlike other liner materials, it does not contain plasticizers
that could cause it to become brittle with age. EPDM will also last longer
than other liner materials because it is resistant to the harmful effects
of ultraviolet radiation (UV), and it has high expansion and contraction
characteristics that enable it to conform to rocks and tree roots in the
earth sub grade.
Once you
have designed the
garden pond on paper, and purchased all the necessary materials, you
should start by marking the outline of the pond with rope or a garden
hose. Start by digging a coping shelf around the perimeter of the pond.
The coping shelf will help to hold the boulders, rockwork, and the liner
overlay into place. The coping shelf should be approximately 2" deep and
16 to 18 inches wide. It is recommended that you utilize a square shovel
to dig the coping shelf, because round or sharp-pointer shovels can leave
small furrows in the dirt.
After
ensuring that the coping shelf is level all around the pond, dig a bog
shelf for plants. Most ponds are designed with shelves 9" to 12" below the
water level. Afterwards, the center (I.e. deepest area) of the pond should
be dug. The deep area should slope in approximately 20 degrees from the
vertical.
Prepare
the hole for the liner by removing sharp stones or roots. At this point,
you have the option of lining the excavation with pond underlayment.
Although it is not mandatory, underlayment helps to cover the entire
surface, to protect the liner from below. It does not need to be in a
single piece, hence smaller pieces can be overlapped. However, it is
recommended that you tape smaller pieces together, to keep the pieces from
moving after the liner is placed on top.
The liner
should be carefully laid-out into the hole. Although a 45 mm liner is
thick and durable, care must be taken to be certain that the liner is not
damaged or punctured during installation. Unlike the underlayment, the
liner must be a single unbroken sheet. Try to minimize the folding and
pleating of the liner, because folds have the potential to trap dirt and
debris. A perfectly intact liner should last for 40 years before it begins
to deteriorate.
Now
you're ready to fill the pond with water! As you're filling the pond, stop
the hose periodically to smooth out wrinkles in the liner. After the pond
has been filled, you can cut off any excess liner, but make sure that
enough material is left to allow the liner to extend over the coping shelf
and underneath whatever edging is planned. The liner can be anchored with
boulders, or with long nails around its edge. Edging materials should be
applied around the liner to weigh it down, this material will give your
pond a natural look.
At this
point, the most difficult part of the installation has been completed. All
that remains to be done is to install the pump, and decorate around the
pond. Decorating and accessorizing
garden ponds can be a treat, fun for the whole family! Enjoy your
pond!
