Plastic Pond Liners

Ponds require pond liners just as buildings require good foundations. Among the materials that are used to make pond liners, plastic would be the most versatile. These liners have two forms: flexible and preformed.

The rigid or preformed plastic liners are stronger and last longer. They are manufactured from recycled plastic material and polythene. They are more likely to not have leaks later on and are less expensive than concrete. The average gardener would be able to set a small pond up using this type of liner in a single day.

Some of these liners are fitted on top of the ground, while some are fitted below the ground. Stones and rocks could then be strategically placed around it so that a natural look could be obtained. They are UV-resistant and frost-resistant. However, these may be a little hard to fit due to their various sizes and shapes.

Among the preformed types, the plastic liners are cheaper compared to fiberglass, but are not able to properly support the freestanding use of ponds in raised water gardens. It is a bit hard to build around plastic ponds and evenly support them. If there is no uniform support, there is a risk of the plastic liner to crack.

Flexible plastic liners like PVC and HDPE are also available. Compared to rubber liners, they are not that flexible. Most of the time, plastic pond liners are used for larger ponds used for holding, when economy is more considered over flexibility.

The larger ponds require liners that are safe for the fish and the aquatic plant life, as well as durable, inexpensive and easy to install. For these needs, polyethylene would certainly be most suitable. Polyethylene that is medium-density has around 5 percent of carbon black – this makes it very capable for blocking UV rays and very suitable for outdoor life. The twenty and thirty millimeter polyethylene could be customized based on your specifications.

Another material used for these liners is PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride. It is chemically compatible and is puncture-resistant. The ones made with PVC also have UV stabilizers that protect them when they are exposed to sunlight. The liner material of PVC is not made from crystalline membrane, which enables it to elongate in different directions.

Another plastic used is polypropylene. Some of its special properties are it has a low coefficient of contraction and expansion, good chemical resistance and outstanding dimension stability.

Plastic pond liners have advantages and disadvantages and the choice would depend on the requirements of the individual.