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EPDM Pond Liner-45-mil-Duraliner $96.00 - $480.00Boxed EPDM Rubber liner for fish ponds. Fish safe rubber liner with 20 year guarantee. Guaranteed non-toxic liner for fish. Flexible liner is easy to work with because it easily molds to the shape of the pond.$96.00 - $480.00 -
EPDM Rubber Pond Liner - 100 foot Rolls $600.00 - $6,000.00Premium quality epdm rubber pond liner on easy-to-use rolls. Duraliner pond liner is fish and plant safe. Flexible pond liner is easy to form to the pond shape. Use long, narrow liner rolls to build streams and waterfalls.$600.00 - $6,000.00 -
EPDM Rubber Pond Liner - 50 foot Rolls $600.00 - $3,000.00Premium quality epdm rubber pond liner on easy-to-use rolls. Duraliner pond liner is fish and plant safe. Flexible pond liner is easy to form to the pond shape. Use long, narrow liner rolls to build streams and waterfalls.$600.00 - $3,000.00
Water Feature and Garden Pond Liner
Pond liner makes even the most difficult pond construction scenarios possible. We recommend using a pond liner for any pond with less than 5,000 square feet of surface area.
There are many different types of pond liners. Selecting the correct liner to hold water is the single, most important decision when building a small fish pond.
Types of Pond Liner - Water Feature Liners
Preformed plastic liners
These rigid plastic bowls are often used for very small water garden ponds - less than 250 gallons. Installation can be challenging because the water feature hole must be exactly matched to the plastic liner. This can be a reasonable short-term solution to hold water for a small fish pond, but shouldn't be considered for a long-term pond. There is a tendency for a preformed pond liner to crack over time especially in climates where winter temperatures drop below freezing.
Flexible PVC plastic liners
While flexible PVC plastic pond liners can be an economical solution for a small pond liner, they also have a limited lifespan because PVC breaks down when exposed to UV light from the sun. Manufacturers have extended the lifespan of the PVC liners by adding UV protection, but unless the liner will be completely covered by soil and/or rock the PVC option should not be selected.
Flexible LDPE - HDPE plastic liners
Flexible Polyethylene is a viable option for larger fish ponds. This unique liner material can be custom fabricated into liners up to 25,000 square feet. There are many thicknesses and reinforcement options for the LDPE - HDPE geomembranes. Polyethylene liners are lighter than most other lining materials which allows the larger sizes to be moved in a single panel.
UV light can damage the liner, but most include a 20-year protective coating to reduce risk. Covering the material with sand, soil, or stone is highly recommended to extend the life. Contact us for custom liner fabrication information. LDPE - HDPE liners are very strong with high resistance to punctures and tears.
EPDM Rubber Pond Liner
This type of rubber pond liner is our top choice for nearly any size water feature. We've used EPDM rubber on projects from 200 gallons to over 3 acres. The flexibility of this membrane makes it an excellent choice to fit the curves and irregular surfaces that are often found in a smaller water garden. It conforms well to the pond bottom, works with steep sides, does not break down when exposed to UV light, and can stretch without rupturing.
Although the 2 materials are similar, rubber roofing should not be used for pond lining because of additional chemical treatments including algaecides and fungicides that are added to roofing. Rubber liner that is specifically designed for ponds is the only fish-safe option.
For larger projects, liner panels up to 200 feet by 50 feet can be field seamed to create an impervious water barrier of any size or shape.
Clay Pond Liner
Natural bentonite clay can also be used to line ponds of any size. Bentonite is not a good choice for ponds with steep sides because the material needs to be mixed with local soil and compacted using a vibratory roller for maximum effectiveness.
How long will a pond liner last?
A properly designed and installed pond liner system will last decades. Using Firestone EPDM pond liner we have constructed water features that are holding water flawlessly for over 30 years.
Do I need underlayment for pond liner?
Underlayment is highly recommended for PVC, LDPE, HDPE, and Rubber pond liners. Even if the pond bottom is cleared of all sharp objects before the liner is placed, the weight of the water over time can cause the liner to press against sharp rocks, roots, etc to create a puncture.
When unscreened soil, stone, or larger landscape rock is placed over the liner we also place a protective layer of geotextile on top of the liner. This ensures that the water feature liner will be protected for a long life of enjoyment.
Determining the type of liner to use and how to properly install the liner can be confusing. Rely on our experience! For more information about liner systems including liner system design, materials, and installation please contact us directly.
Be sure to ask for our FREE comparison of pond liner systems and be sure you're making the best decision!
EPDM Rubber Pond Liner
New, cost effective epdm pond liner options for building ponds of all sizes! Full Quality Guaratee!
Pond Liner - Premium EPDM Rubber
Building a pond in challenging soil conditions often requires a pond liner. Ther are a variety of materials used in geomembrane liners. HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) and LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) tend to be the least expensive lining options. However, they also are the most difficult to work with and have the shortest lifespan.
We do not recommend using HDPE, LDPE, or PVC unless the liner will be completely covered with soil, sand, etc.
When selecting the best pond liner for most ponds and lakes, the best choice is EPDM rubber. EPDM rubber liners are known for their long life-span which is often longer than 20 years.
EPDM rubber is resistant to UV light making it the best choice when a liner will be exposed to sunlight. HDPE, LDPE, and PVC are susceptible to damage from sunlight. Exposure to sunlight causes these liners to become brittle and crack resulting in leaks throughout the pond.
Rubber pond liners are also easy to install because the liner material is flexible. This is especially important in smaller ponds where many elevation changes and sharp curves require the liner to mold to the pond shape.
For large ponds, EPDM rubber liners are also an excellent choice. The liner panels, up to 50' x 100' can easily be joined using basic seaming materials to join the liner. A specialized primer softens the rubber liner so that the cover seam tape can create a strong bond when applied over the 2 adjacent pieces of pond liner.
Pond Liner Installation
How should I install a rubber pond liner?
To install a rubber pond liner, follow these steps:
1. **Prepare the Pond Area:** Clear the area of any rocks, roots, or sharp objects that could puncture the liner.
2. **Lay the Underlayment:** Place a protective underlayment like geotextile fabric to cushion the liner and prevent punctures.
3. **Unroll the EPDM Liner:** Carefully unroll the EPDM rubber liner over the pond area, ensuring it overlaps the edges.
4. **Position the Liner:** Adjust the liner to fit the pond shape, allowing for some excess material around the edges.
5. **Secure the Liner:** Use rocks or other heavy objects to hold the liner in place temporarily.
6. **Create Folds:** Make small folds or pleats in the liner to accommodate corners and curves, ensuring a snug fit.
7. **Trim Excess Material:** Cut off any excess liner material, leaving a few feet of overlap around the edges.
8. **Seam the Liner:** If using multiple pieces of liner, seam them together using the specialized primer and cover seam tape for a strong bond.
9. **Fill the Pond:** Slowly fill the pond with water, adjusting the liner as needed to prevent wrinkles or folds.
10. **Finish the Edges:** Secure the liner edges with rocks, soil, or other landscaping materials to create a clean finish.
By following these steps, you can effectively install a rubber pond liner and ensure a durable and long-lasting pond.
Pond Liner Protection
We recommend using a non-woven geotextile as an underlayment AND as a cover over the liner to protect it from stone, rock, and plant roots that are placed on top of the liner.
Rounded river rock or sand is our first choice for covering a liner with material that will protect it without the risk of puncturing the liner.
Is Rubber Pond Liner Safe for Fish?
Yes, EPDM rubber Pond Liner is safe for fish and all other aquatic organisms. However, some people suggest using rubber roofing as a substitute for pond liner. Rubber roofing contains TOXIC anti-algae and anti-fungal components that will damage aquatic life. Do NOT use rubber roofing material as a substitute for EPDM rubber pond liner!
A properly installed rubber pond liner can result in an amazing pond that conserves water. Designing the pond liner system edge is critical to achieve a natural appearance with a natural soil, stone, or vegetated edge.
The first step to properly install a large rubber pond liner is to place geotextile underlayment on the pond bottom. The underlayment should be stitched together using an industrial sewing machine fitted with polypropylene thread for durability.
Geotextile Underlay Installation
Liner Installation and Seaming
Seaming Rubber Pond Liner - Large 5' x 100' panels of EPDM pond liner are easily seamed together using primer which removes the cure from the rubber, and cover seam tape which then bonds to both pieces of liner creating a cross-polymerized waterproof bond.
Finish a Lined Pond
The best way to ensure long-term success in a geomembrane lined pond is to install a non-woven geotextile protective layer over the liner. This both protects the liner from UV light and also protects the liner while the natural edge of soil/plants or stone is installed. Creating a ledge with 18 to 24 inches of water depth along the edge of the pond allows soil, stone, or sand to be placed over the liner. This pond margin creates a space where beneficial pond plants can be seeded, stone spawning areas can be created, or a sand beach area can be placed. Adding these elements to the lined pond edge creates many recreational opportunities and enhances the natural pond ecosystem.
Correct Pond Liner Installation
When a pond liner system is properly installed, it will be nearly impossible to tell that the pond is not a natural, clay lined pond. The benefits of a geomembrane liner are significant. The biggest benefit is water conservation. This is especially true in a pond that is mainained by a groundwater well. We have constructed rubber lined ponds in excess of 3 acres that are fed and maintained by an ordinary home well.
Risks of installing a geomembrane pond liner
One of the most overlooked risks of pond liner installation is groundwater pressure under the liner. It may seem counterintuitive, but groundwater pressure can be greater than the weight of a full pond of water on top of a liner. When this happens, the liner is lifted above the water surface. There are several remedies to this condition which often happens when a liner is installed in a pond with a spring in the bottom. The spring can serve to fill the pond when groundwater pressure is high, but will quickly drain the pond when groundwater pressure is low.
Often the best solution is a liner. The best way to prevent groundwater pressure from building up under the liner is to install an underliner drain. This drain, built with perforated plastic drainage pipes is designed to relieve the pressure under the liner and prevent it from floating.
Placing ballast such as sand or rounded river stone on top of the liner can also help in some situations. Be aware that in extreme conditions such as a heavy rainfall or flooding event that even a ballasted pond liner can float. This often causes damage to the liner or liner seams. For this reason we always recommend installing under liner pressure relief systems to allow the groundwater to escape without harming the liner.