The most popular choice for pond construction is rubber liner. Flexible liner makes it easy to build a pond in almost any size and shape you desire. Liner is typically 45mil thick, UV-protected, non-toxic to plants and fish, comes with a 20 year warranty, can be easily patched, and is guaranteed against cold cracking in winter.
 
Liner is a little more work to install compared to a pre-formed pond shell. Folds and creases can be tricky, but overall, it is the best choice for a unique pond design. Installing underlayment is important because it provides an extra barrier between the liner and rocks or tree roots. It also protects the liner against frost heave, and helps wick away water.
 
Use the following formula to determine the size of liner and/or underlay you’ll need. Measure the longest, widest and deepest points of the pond:
 
length + (2 x depth) + (2 x 1ft overlay)
width + (2 x depth) + (2 x 1ft overlay)
 
Example: (liner for a pond 8ft long x 7ft wide x 3ft deep)
 
Liner length is: 8ft + (2 x 3ft) + 2ft = 16ft x
Liner width is: 7ft + (2 x 3ft) + 2ft = 15ft
 
Remember, you will need to allow extra liner if your pond has special edging effects, an island, stream or waterfall.
 
INSTALLATION
 
1. Mark out your pond area, using a rope or hose. Use a spade to remove the turf. Dig an edging shelf about twice the thickness of your stone (see Edging Tip).
 
2. Dig a ledge 12 inches deep and wide around the inside perimeter. Do not dig this shallow ledge underneath a waterfall.
 
3. Mark and dig a second ledge about 24 to 30 inches deep for about two-thirds of the pond. Do not dig this ledge underneath a waterfall.
 
4. Lastly dig the remaining one-third area to a depth of 36 inches (or as near as possible). If installing a waterfall, dig the deepest point at its base.
 
5. Check with a spirit level that the top of the pond is level. Remove all stones and tree roots.
 
6. Line the base and ledges with underlayment or 2 inches of sand. Do not use carpet or newspaper, as this may encourage rodents to burrow and nest under your pond.
 
7. Lift the folded liner to the middle of the pond, unfold it and spread it over the pond hole. Always remove your shoes before walking on the liner. While fitting, carefully adjust the overlay, trying not to damage your ledges. Make as many creases and folds as necessary to conform to the shape of the pond. Hold the liner in place with weights, but allow plenty of room for the liner to pull inwards with the weight of water.
 
8. Use a hose to carefully fill the pond. The weight of the water will “iron out” some of the creases in the liner. As the pond fills, remove the weights. The liner will contour to the shape of the pond.
 
9. Allow the pond to settle for a day before trimming the excess liner, and edging with stone. Allow at least 8 to 12 inches excess liner when trimming. Stone edgings should protrude about 2 inches over the water.
 

Factory Widths	Price
Firestone EPDM - 10ft, 15ft, 20ft, 25ft, 30ft, 40ft, 50ft Underlayment - 15ft                                              Single-sided Seaming Tape - 6ins wide                   Double-sided Splice Tape - 3ins wide                     Firestone Liner Patch Kit                                       Firestone Liner Seaming Kit                                   Firestone QuickPrime Plus - 1qt.	$0.75/sq. ft. $0.28/sq. ft. $5.95/lin. ft. $2.50/lin.ft. $34.99 $119.99 $54.99

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Web Administrator - Isa Webb.
Last Updated: Wednesday February 24, 2010