How to dispose of autumn leaves you don’t want in your pond

Nov24

Autumn is a busy time for garden pond owners chasing golden leaves before they land up in your pond. Leaves left to sink down to the bottom of a pond will start to decompose eventually turning to sludge. Rich in micronutrients, it is the best fertiliser for algae growth. Therefore, by not maintaining your pond in autumn by keeping debris out, you increase the chance for an excess amount of pond plant growth. Leaf debris in your pond can also give the pond water a less than appealing brownish tint.

So, the best solution is to spend time regularly removing autumn leaves from your garden and surface of your pond. But what do you do with all the leaves you have racked-up? A decade ago it was common practice among many householders to bin garden refuge which accounted for around a fifth of the total weight going into landfill (depending on season and region). Whatever the exact figure is the important fact is that we need to keep green waste out of landfill. Instead rake-up fallen leaves and compost them to make nutrient rich crumbly organic matter.

Freshly fallen leaves added to a composter contain twice the mineral content than manure, which can be contaminated with chemicals from pesticides depending on where it has been collected. Making leaf compost will greatly enrich the nutrients in the soil of your flower beds for healthier plant growth. Leaf compost also helps maintain moisture levels in the soil.

Nutritional benefits of autumn leaves

improves drainage and aeration of soil
provide nutrients to beneficial microbes in the soil
rich in the trace elements soil needs
60% of all nutrients extracted from the ground by the roots of trees ends-up in the leaves
composted leaves will transfer these nutrients into the soil (nutrient levels decline the longer the leaves are left lying on the ground

It is easier to collect-up leaves on a dry wind-free day using a rake, leaf boards or leaf blower. Place the leaves into a bin liner. Pierce holes into the liner and loosely tie the top of the bag. Put the bags in a hidden corner of the garden for two years after which time you can turn out the mulched leaf mould and dig it into your flower beds.

If you prefer an easier method of storing fallen autumn leaves, use chicken wire and garden stakes to build a square or round frame leaf-mould bin in a sheltered area of your garden. Avoid placing the frame in an area of garden where it risks being infected by weeds. You will need to moisten periodically during dry spells to aid the decaying process which takes about two years to become a well rotted leaf mould. You may also want to turn your pile regularly over this period to aerate the leaves and speed up the process of breakdown. Autumn leaves collected to make leaf compost

Leaf mould can be used as seed-sowing compost, used as a mulch or soil improver. Once fully decomposed into a rich hummus it is very beneficial to the soil.

The piles of nutrient-rich organic matter should be considered as autumns gift to your garden and not cursed for their presence scattered across your lawn, pond and flower beds. Our advice for those planning a garden pond build is to site it away from deciduous trees and to raise it slightly above the level of the surrounding landscape to prevent fallen being blow into your pond.

Happy leaf collecting and compositing for a brighter Spring!

How to attract wildlife to your garden pond

Nov17

Urbanisation and farming methods have resulted in many of England’s natural wetlands disappearing. You and I can help wildlife by building ponds in our back gardens. Advantages to building a pond for wildlife benefit you and I too by way of very effective pest control. Yes, frogs, toads, dragonflies, bats and birds attracted to water thrive on the nutritional value of pests!

Over the past decade there has been an increase in the popularity of garden ponds. The way we build ponds today using pond liners or prefabricated materials is very different to how they were constructed in the days of the ornamental Greek and Roman ponds. But our motivation is still the same as our ancestors who sort a piece of paradise where they could go to relax and watch the graceful movements of fish through the water.

There is one additional motivation today that people of the past weren’t mindful of (because the world was in a very different state then) and that is to create a safe environment for small creatures. Wildlife is now constantly threatened by the development of concrete structures to cope with the ever growing human population. As humans etch their way further and further into places that wildlife once called ‘home’, we need to supplement the lose of natural homes with man-made ones. Of all the habitats you can create to help wildlife, a pond is one of the most effective. Ponds with a range of different features and habitats tend to attract a greater variety of wildlife.

Features added above pond liner that attract wildlife

gently sloping sides and ‘beaches’
muddy marginal area
marginal plants
shallow water
sunlight – or dabbled sunlight

Marginal plants such as reeds, bull rushes, yellow iris and water mint that are found to grow at the edge of ponds provide shelter for frogs, tadpoles and newts.
Dragonflies and damselflies thrive in open, sunny ponds.
Floating leaved plants such as water lily and submerged plants such as hornwort provide food and water for water snails.

Designing your wildlife pond

Make your pond as big as possible to create many and varied habitats. The Wildlife Trust suggests a pond 1m wide by 2m long to be an ideal size.
Ensure some edges are shallow and sloping to allow animals easy access (as shown in the photo image).
Add native plants from other garden ponds or garden centres. Never take plants from the wild.

When you have finished building your pond don’t be tempted to transfer creatures such as frogs and newts from other ponds or take spawn from the wild, which can spread disease. Insects, amphibians and invertebrates will find your pond surprisingly quickly on their own.

Pond liners are an easy way of containing water for wildlife ponds particularly where the ground is porous. The pond liner does not need to detract from the natural look of your pond. Cover it with smooth surfaced pebbles as shown in the attached photograph. Rubber pond liners such as Epalyn (EPDM) or Butyl are non-toxic to wildlife and don’t leach chemicals into the water. The liner material is thick, flexible and resistant to UV rays so will stand up to sunny conditions and the presence of wildlife for more than 25 years.

Creating a pond for wildlife will bring you heaps of enjoyment.

“Of all the habitats you can create to help wildlife, a pond is probably the most effective.” as quoted by the RSPB

3 steps to essential winter pond care

Nov3

Pond care tips for all pond owners to keep your fish happy and algae from going into full bloom at the start of spring.

Infographic list steps to essential garden pond care

Winter care

Remove fallen leaves and any other debris from pond surface
Dead-head plants (remove dead or spent flowers before it sets seed) to encourage new growth and allow for bigger and brighter blooms of flowers. By removing spent flowers, the plant will have energy to continue to make new flowers instead of producing seeds. If a plant is left to set seed, its life cycle is complete and it will die.
Remove dead leaves from pond plants and move hardy plants such as lilies towards the deepest part of the pond to prevent their tubers being frozen.
Fish slow down as the temperatures drop. Feed them easy to digest foods at the start of winter. When temperature drops below 10 degrees C (50F) stop feeding them, as they become increasingly less active and stop digesting food. Plants that would normally remove waste are also in a dormant state. Increased levels of fish faeces would affect the water quality due to ammonia and nitrate build-up . Koi don’t have stomachs so what they eat and their bodies don’t need will be excreted. What they eat is for the purpose of growth, colour and energy. Koi are cold-blooded so metabolism is dependent on water temperature.
Keep pond from freezing over for any length of time. If you leave the surface frozen-over gases will build-up, oxygen levels will drop affecting the health of your fish.

Ideas to consider with bespoke pond liner orders

Oct21

Bespoke pond liner orders for vertical sided ponds of all shapes and designs for that formal classic look.

Formal ponds take inspiration from classic architecture. They are built to a symmetrical design where perfectly straight or arched lines are used to create the shape. Designs typically include square, rectangular and circular sides – or a combination of these to create an ornate design. Hexagonal formal ponds are less common but lends itself to a uniquely designed garden feature. Whether a formal pond is built at ground-level or raised above and supported by a retaining wall, the symmetrical shape is made water-tight by lining it with a protective underlay and pond liner.

To achieve the perfect formal look a bespoke pond liner is fabricated to fit perfectly to the shape of the pond. Vulcanised from either Butyl or Epalyn (EPDM) rubber pond liner to the exact size and shape of the pond so that when installed it ‘fits like a glove’ with no folds or creases to distract from the formal, precise shape of the design.

The edges of a formal pond are clearly defined using materials such as brick. flagstone or tiled. Edging material also serves to secure the box-welded pond liner in place.

Siting and building a formal garden pond

A formal pond needs to be sited where it is going to create the greatest visual impact and where it is going to complement the surrounding landscape. Ideally this should be in a position where it will become the focal point of the surrounding landscape. A common place is at the end of a patio or the centre of the garden. Sited so that it reflects the dramatic changes of the sky above or that of the surrounding landscape. They suit more traditional European style gardens but work equally well in modern home designs.

Formal ponds can either be set in the ground, partially or completely raised above ground level. Partially raised is a better option if keeping fish because water is more likely to be kept at a stable temperature particularly during the winter months. Raised ponds are inhospitable to amphibians so ideal if you want to keep fish or unique aquatic plants.

When building a raised pond ensure the walls will support the volume of water. Use concrete blocks for the inner wall and planting shelves.

Many regular shaped ponds include a fountain or a statue. To include a heavy stone fountain, it may be necessary to build a concrete footing in the base of the excavation to support the weight of the fountain before installing the pond liner. Planting too many aquatic plants should be avoided because this will distract from the formal design. The beauty of a formal pond creates interest through the reflection off the water so over-planting will take that feature away.

When ordering a bespoke pond liner – also known as a box-welded pond liner, ensure that exact measurements are taken of your perfectly geometric shaped pond. The pond liner is generally fabricated from Butyl or Epalyn for the following reasons:

Moulds readily to the pond contours
Premium quality pond liner
Withstands extreme weather conditions without any compromise to the integrity of the pond liner
Safe for all fish and aquatic plant life
Factory seamed to create a box-welded pond liner without creases and folds

Feeling inspired? if you are, contact Liners Online to order a bespoke pond liner and for any additional advise you may be searching for with regards to the build and installation.

Where to find box-welded pond liners with free underlay

Oct12

Box-welded pond liners are fabricated using either Butyl or Epalyn (EPDM) pond liner. When you order a box-welded or tailored-to-fit pond liner from Liners Online pond specialists, you will receive the Geotextile protective underlay cut to the exact dimensions absolutely free.

What is a box-welded pond liner?

Box-welded pond liners are fabricated to fit formal shaped ponds. These are generally square, rectangular or L-shaped ponds but not exclusive to these shapes. A circular pond with steep vertical sides can also be catered for. If a more curvaceous design is wanted, then a rubber pond liner can be hot-bonded together to give the same formal look as a box-welded pond liner. The most noted feature is that this type of liner is free from folds and creases giving a pond a formal, neat appearance. Butyl or Epalyn are used because they are very flexible, durable and can be readily manipulated into a vertical sided shaped pond.

Advantages of fitting a box-welded pond liner

fit exactly to the shape of the pond with no unsightly folds or creases.
easy and quick to install.
made to the exact pond dimensions with a lip to secure it in place using sandstone coping or your chosen edging slabs/rocks.
high quality long-life pond liner used.
welded corners and flanges with no site joins or flaps – hot bond vulcanised for maximum strength

To place an order or get a quotation simply go to our Contact Us page to fill in your pond details or telephone us on 01526 399 033. We will need the length, width or the diameter and the total depth of your pond together with the size of the lip required (150mm (6”) is standard). Box welded pond liners are prefabricated in our factory and welded to the specified dimensions so that the finished product simply drops into the hole with a perfect fit. Square pond lined with a box-welded pond liner

Important Autumn tasks for your garden pond

Oct10

Autumn brings with it key jobs that need to be done in both the garden and to ponds for both to prosper the following Spring. A garden pond that is neglected in Autumn is likely to suffer the the consquences of rapid algae growth. Following these three important steps will guarantee a healthy pond with less maintenance required in the warmer Spring and Summer months:

Remove fallen Autumn leaves from the pond surface as quickly as possible
- Fallen tree leaves should not be allowed to sink below the surface of the water. If they do they will start to rot. The result of this will be an increase in water nutrient levels throwing off the ecological balance of the water giving algal bloom and blanketweed a chance to thrive. Remove the leaves as frequently as possible with a net. Skim off the leaves and add them to the compost heap.
Prune back aquatic plants to get rid of dead or tatty growth
- Pruning will help improve water quality by reducing the chance of vegetation left to decay in your pond.
Check water quality and remove any blanketweed from the water surface
Remove silt from the bottom of your pond

Autumn pond cleaning

If its viable remove your pond pump, filter, lighting and any other equipment to give it a clean and overhaul. Pond pumps and filters work to maintain a healthy pond environment for all pond inhabitants during the Spring and Summer months. As plant and fish activity slows down, pond pumps and filters can gradually be turned down when the water temperature starts to drop below 10 degrees Celcius. This will also help to leave fish hiding in the deeper more sheltered parts of your pond undisturbed.

Fish are still active during Autumn, particularly on warmer days. If you have fish in your pond, continue feeding them enough for them to consume within five minutes.

It is always a good idea to monitor the water level of your pond. If you notice a drop (more than just from evaporation), check that your pond liner is still in good, water tight condition. If any repair work needs to be done, do it before the cold weather sets-in.

Once autumn pond maintenance tasks have been completed, there is generally nothing more to do for your garden pond until Spring.

Enjoy Autumn and the orange hues it brings to our gardens!

Essential tips for pond building and pond liner installation

Sep26

Garden ponds lined with a pond liner offer a wide range of pond building designs. Planning is an essential step towards creating the desired look. In this article we offer user friendly tips on what to consider in the planning and build phase.

Garden pond location

The following points should be considered when deciding where to site your pond.

Near water and power supply – to operate pond pump and filter.
Accessible for the delivery of all the materials needed for your pond build – and perhaps a small digger to excavate the hole.
Amount of direct sunlight in mid-summer as this will ultimately affect the water temperature and the life within the pond.
Avoid extremes of light and shadow. A pond needs at least 6 hours of sunlight in summer. Water lilies need sun to flower and grow. A pond is synonymous with water lilies as they provide shade and shelter for fish or other water-loving creatures.
Trees can be a menace to ponds particularly in the Autumn when they start to loose their leaves so avoid positioning a pond too near non-evergreen trees and large shrubs. If leaves sink to the bottom of a pond they will, in time turn to sludge which then starts to affect the health of the pond water due to an increase in nutrient levels. The result is an algae build-up.
Avoid the front garden or anyother area which is easily accessible by children.

Pond size and depth

The best solution for a healthy, hormonious pond is to build is to build the biggest that space and budget will allow.

From experience, a pond of 20m² is ideal as it requires less maintenance, easily accommodates water lily growth with out the risk of the pond being caste into a shadow of doom!
If you are going to accommodate fish, a pond should be dug to a depth of at least 1 meter to prevent water freezing over in winter and to provide shelter for fish.
Deeper, bigger ponds lose less oxygen during the hot summer periods.

Flexible pond liners

Flat sheet PVC or rubber pond liners are the most popular choice when it comes to making a pond water tight. The reason is that they offer a wide choice in pond design, easy to instore and offers the ability to add on a stream or other additions to the pond.

Choose a pond liner that offers the following features:
- frost proof
- puncture resistant.
- resists the pressure of growing roots and ground movement
- flexible enough to mould into the contours of a pond design
- guaranteed to last for 20 years or more
- UV resistant and withstands extremes in temperature
Buy from an authorised aquatic shop or online store. Avoid buying builders rubber liners. A pond liner must be environmentally friendly and not leach chemicals into the water
Pond liners can be bought in a choice of thickness. Those of 0.85mm or 1mm in thickness are most suitable for larger ponds where the pressure of water baring down on it is much greater
Sheets of rubber pond liner can be hot bonded together to accommodate large pond design dimmensions.
When placing an order for a protective underlay and pond liner, you will first need to take exact measurements of your pond build. The calculations are:
- pond liner length required = pond length + 2 x depth + 2 x edge width
- pond width required = pond width + 2 x depth + 2 x edge width (pond edge of around 40 to 50cm is needed to create an overlap to secure the pond liner in place using boulders or your choice of edging material)

Garden pond edging to secure pond liner

The edging is a very important step in a pond build and pond liner installation. Not only does it mark the transition from land to water (or vica versa) but also plays a role in protecting a pond liner from visiting wildlife (and their claws!) and securing it in place. Bare edging doesn’t look natural and exposed pond liner also risks damage by UV rays.

Use gravel, boulders or other attractive stones where the bank is shallow (to avoid them rolling into the pond)
Other choices for edging include paving stones

A pond is an attractive addition to any size garden and creates a wonderful opportunity to examine nature close up. When building a pond, make sure it is accessible from at least one side for maintenance purposes, to add or cut back aquatic plants, feed fish or skim-off fallen leaves. Floating aquatic plants will help maintain a healthy pond by keeping algae away – so a worthy addition. When adding plants to your completed pond build, don’t get over enthusiatic – at least a third of the pond surface needs to be free of plant cover to allow for enough sunlight to penetrate the water.

Happy pond building!

Articles offering further assistance in planning and building a pond:

7 Things you should know about heron and fish pond designs

Sep19

Fish pond and general garden pond designs have no limitations when it comes to creativity. Rubber pond liners are flexible and allow for many bespoke styles to suit both garden and the purpose for which a pond is being built. Deciding on where to site your pond, style, size and depth of pond should very much be guided by whether your pond is to home Koi fish, aquatic plants or for the purpose of providing water and a home for wild life.

So, why does the purpose of a pond dictate the design of a pond build? Wildlife needs easy access into the water and an exit route to avoid drowning, the presence of Herons could cause havoc to a fish pond so slopping sides should be avoided and aquatic plants need shelves upon which baskets can be placed and lastly, easy access to a pond for maintenance purposes also needs to be considered.

Pond designs and fish survival

Fish ponds can either be of a formal rectangular design or steep-sided creative styles with curves and plinths. If lined with a rubber pond liner, there is no real limitation as to what can be achieved. Butyl and Epalyn rubber pond liners can be fabricated into a tailored-to-fit or box-welded pond liner for steep-sided square or rectangular designs or they can be readily moulded into the contours of a more rounded kidney shaped or similar pond design. Vertically sided pond designs do, to some extent deter heron from feeding off Koi or gold fish. But this is not an absolute guarantee. Although steep sided ponds do pose a challenge to Heron, they are determined and patient creatures and are known to stand as still as a log watching and waiting for a fish to swim to the surface for an easy picking!

If herons become a persistent problem to your fish pond and you have tried alternative deterants such as netting or enclosed wire grids then turning your pond into a wildlife haven maybe the best alternative. Unless, of course you are willing to try a redesign with steep sides, greater depth and inclusive of rocks and bolders positioned in such a way as to create a place for fish to hide when they feel threatened.

What do we know about Herons and a fish pond?

They eat predominantely fish, but also love amphibians, small mammals, worms and small birds.
They fish mainly at dawn or dusk – a time when fish are also the most active. This is why their visit to a fish pond often goes unnoticed (unless of course you are up and about very early!)
They visit garden ponds for easy pickings particularly at the start of the breeding season or harsh weather conditions when their usual food supply dwindles.
A fish pond located near canels, lagoons. lakes or other water sources that are home to Heron are most vulnerable to their visits.
They are a protected species in the UK
Herons nest in tree tops
They can appear to be quite arrogant – noice and movement is not always enough to deter them away from a pond.

Steep sided raised ponds are the safer option for keeping fish. No matter what the shape there really is no limit to what can be achieved when you line with a Butyl or Epalyn pond liner. The brick work creates a very appealing finish. Geotextile protective underlay and pond liner need to be secured in place once the build is complete. This can be done by securing them in place with metal rivets hammered into the brick work, as seen in this photograph.

For more information about pond liners, tailored-to-fit pond liners or about installing a pond liner into a deep, steep-sided pond then please visit our Pond Liners website or contact us on 01526 399 033

Previous blog articles >>

4 Valuable reasons ponds need aquatic plants

Planning a pond but not sure which pond liner to buy

4 Valuable reasons why ponds need aquatic plants

Aug24

Aquatic plants perform an important role in all types of ponds whether in residential or public gardens, obstacles on golf courses or those that make-up the landscape of office parks. There are four important reasons to justify why they are so important.

Importance of aquatic plants

Enhances the beauty of a pond, adds colour, gives height and bredth
Keeps pond healthy by balancing the ecosystem. Plants act as a biological filter
Pond water is kept clear and free of algae by reducing the levels of sunlight
Creates a wildlife habitat by providing a shelter for fish and other visiting creatures

The best time of the year to plant is mid spring to early summer. It is recommended that you do your research before going out to buy plants. Some aquatic plants grow vigorously and are therefore better suited to big ponds. Planted in a sm Aquatic plants including waterlilies all pond and you risk spending a lot of the summer having to cut back to allow sufficient light to your pond. Plants thrive when planted in the right conditions, so always read the labels before making a purchase. Some marginal plants have spiky, sharp roots which could damage a pond liner, even a durable puncture resistant rubber Butyl pond liner could suffer at the root of such aqautic plants. You will also need to invest in the right type of planting basket and soil (pond potting soil is free of fertiliser so that it doesn’t affect the natural balance in the water).

Types of aquatic plants

Aquatic plants fall into four sub-categories depending on where in the pond they should be planted.

Bog plants – suited to damp areas to the outer ground of a pond
Floating plants such as waterlilies give cover to spawning fish and aquatic insects.
Marginal plants are planted on shelves around the outer periphery of a pond. They are perfect for natural or wildlife ponds providing much needed cover. Popular choices include the Arum Lily, Iris, Lobella and Cyperus (Paper Reed Papyrus). For some marginal aquatic plants the depth of water they are grown in is very important, so read labels and check the requirements before buying.
Oxygenating plants are planted in the deeper waters of a pond

Plant aquatic plants that are easy to grow and maintain. Try to have a mix as well as variety of floating and submerged plants that suit your pond size. When positioning aquatic plants in your pond it is best not to use a garden fork or stick to aid your planting as you may inadvertantly touch the bottom of your pond and damage the pond liner. A further tip is the take any off cuts of rubber pond liner or geotextile protective underlay to place under your plant basket or boulders used to position your aquatic plants. Protecting the pond liner from damage should always be considered when placing plants in your pond.

One further tip is to ensure the plants you buy are healthy and free of pests or disease. It is advisable to rinse them off under clean water before adding to your pond.

How to install a Geotextile protective underlay liner

Aug17

Geotextile protective underlay is a tough, permeable material that is used to separate, reinforce and protect the primary pond liner from being punctured by rocks or other sharp objects. Geotextile is made from high quality mechanically bonded polyproplene and available in different grades of thickness for different application types. Geotextile, as sold by Liners Online is needle punched in the manufacturing process to add ‘air’ to the fabric to give it highly effective cushioning properties.

A lot of effort (and money!) goes into building a pond so it is worth the extra spend installing a pond liner protective underlay. The integrity of a pond liner is compromised when installed directly onto the ground because the force exerted by the weight of the water onto the pond liner will push it down onto any rough points in the ground creating straining points that may puncture over time. Water weighs one tonne per square meter, so that is a lot of force pushing down on the pond liner of an average size pond. Installing geotextile protective underlay

Geotextile underlay also acts as an escape route for any gasses that may build up under a pond liner. For garden pond designs that include the placement of soil, gravel, rocks or concrete features above the pond liner, then it is highly recommended to install Geotextile both above and below the pond liner for added protection.

Geotextile protective underlay installation

Dig the hole for your pond to the desired size and shape. Use a spirit level to ensure the ground around the periphery of your pond dug-out is level.
Prepare the top most layer of soil by removing as many stones, rocks and roots as possible. Use a granular fill if you find any weak soil pockets. Smooth the ground as much as possible.
Take accurate measurements of your pond to order the exact size Geotextile protective underlay.
For large ponds wider than the role of underlay, ensure a sufficient overlap (by 12 to 18 inches) so that any ground movement won’t expose the pond liner to any rough, stony ground risking a puncture.
For garden pond builds it is important to lay a protective underlay first. Geotextile is permeable and has the ability to reinforce and protect all types of pond liner.
When laying over the ground, secure it is place using ground pegs or boulders so it doesn’t slide out of place when installing the pond liner.

Why install a protective overlay liner?

There are a few situations where protective underlay liner is used on top of the pond liner such as around the edge of a pond before the stones or slabs, that will form the border of the pond, are put in place. Similarly, if your pond features an underwater shelf or platform for shallow water plants, those areas too should use a protective overlay. The presence of an overlay can also provide some protection against the sharp claws of pet dogs or cats – and even the stab of a heron’s beak!

Another area that can benefit from a protective pond liner overlay is underneath objects such as stone features or plant containers that you add to your pond. Or, when creating an attractive pebbled pond floor. As well as protecting the pond liner, the textured surface of the fabric will discourage pebbles and other features sliding about.

You might find our previous Blog article ‘How to get your pond liner size just right’ helpful in calculating the right size for your pond liner and underlay to avoid over or under ordering.

Planning a pond but not sure which pond liner to buy

Jul21

Pond liner use is two fold, namely to retain the water in your pond and to maintain water quality. The choice available to pond builders is either a preformed pond liner, flexible flat sheet liner or to line with concrete (the latter of which is seldom used today due to cost, maintenance and durability). Flexible pond liners include PVC or a rubber pond liner of which the options include Butyl or Epalyn (also called by it’s generic name – EPDM rubber liner). Flexible, flat sheet pond liners offer the best choice in pond design and the ability to create a more natural looking pond build.

Pond liner advise as given by the experts

buy the best pond liner you can,
don’t buy a pond liner in isolation but also give serious thought to the protective underlay
don’t buy your pond liner and underlay until the exact dimensions of your excavation are known (to avoid wastage or disappointment!)
allow enough pond liner for an overlap around the edges to secure in place by using appropriate materials such as boulders or paving bricks.

Best quality liners are Butyl and Epalyn rubber liners. There is no financial compromise with these genuinely high quality products. Butyl is the most well known pond-lining product in the UK although Epalyn (EPDM rubber liner) is surpassing it’s popularity die to the price differential. Both types of rubber liners are hardy and have great qualities such as flexibility and elasticity. They are unaffected by all weather conditions and temperatures. They are also much more heavy duty versus PVC and are less likely to be damage. So, now to decided between Butyl and Epalyn? Both are high quality, but Epalyn has a higher specification, is slightly more flexible, has the same guarantee and is considerably more cost effective. So if cost is the deciding factor, then Epalyn would be my choice of pond liner. But, lets look at each in more detail.

PVC pond liner for ornamental ponds

The most common type of garden pond liner is made from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), supplied as standard 0.5mm thickness. This type of pond liner is ideally suited for smaller, ornamental type pond designs. It is robust enough to last for at least 10 years provided it is installed above a protective underlay liner. PVC is flexible so it will readily follow the contours of your pond. However, it does need to be fitted correctly as it doesn’t stretch readily so will damage if you try to fit into narrow gaps and crevices. PVC pond liner

PVC has limited UV resistance so it will turn ‘brittle’ if exposed to too much sunlight, causing it to crack. PVC also does not repair well, going brittle when a repair treatment is applied.

The key benefit of a PVC liner is the price, being the cheapest option on the market, so if you have a tight budget, then PVC will suit your needs, especially if the pond is small. If you are keen to turn your build to a hobby and are aiming at a designer pond to house Koi fish, then it is worth investing in a superior quality liner. It will last longer, and if needed will repair with far greater success. Sharp objects in the ground, such as stones, can pierce a PVC pond liner much easier than a Butyl or Epalyn.

Butyl pond liner for larger pond builds

Butyl is a synthetic rubber membrane with excellent properties that make it far superior to the standard PVC pond liner. Butyl can be used for more demanding applications such as the lining of ponds and lakes. Butyl is more costly and this is due to the rising cost of the rubber polymer that creates Butyl. This rubber liner offers superior stretch qualities and is highly puncture resistant. Butyl pond liners have for a long time been the ultimate choice, however with the more recent availability of a cheaper, equally high quality alternative, Epalyn has now ‘knocked’ Butyl off it’s pedastal.

Butyl generally comes with a guarantee from 25 years to a lifetime when installed above a protective underlay. Butyl and Epalyn have a matt finish, which is a great advantage for pond keepers not wanting a shiny ‘new looking’ liner as with PVC.

Epalyn liners for a superior build

Both Epalyn (EPDM = ethylene propylene diene monomer) and Butyl pond liners are a synthetic rubber membrane with exceptional physical properties with a similar look and feel to them. Epalyn is flexible and resistant to UV, sunlight and a wide range in temperature extremes. It is tear resistant and unlikely to crack when installed with a protective underlay.

If you are serious about your pond and want a liner that offers lifetime protection, then Epalyn is an excellent choice. It is non-toxic to fish, offers far superior qualities versus PVC liners and offers a vast range in pond design flexibility. If we were to recommend a pond liner for your pond build, it would be a Epalyn 0.75mm or 0.85mm – or 1mm for large ponds or lakes. It is black in colour and can be recycled, which is a good feature for those that prefer environmentally-friendly choices.

We hope that we have offered you sufficient advice and information about the choice of available pond liners, be it a PVC liner, Butyl or Epalyn rubber pond liner.

Epalyn pond liners

Butyl pond liners

PVC liner

Tailored-to-fit or Box-welded pond liners

Calculating the water capacity of a rectangular or square shaped pond

Jul1

Ponds are the perfect addition to any size garden. A water feature soon becomes a magnet to wildlife attracting them into your garden in a way that makes you feel very honoured to have their presence. Ponds bring a sense of relaxation and reward. One aspect to maintaining a healthy environment is ensuring you don’t over-stock with fish. So here are simple formula to calculating pond water capacity.

There are many things to consider when planning a garden pond build, such as where the pond is to be sited, budget for the project, materials required and whether it should be a wildlife or fish pond. As part of the construction process you will need to measure the dimensions of the hole dug for your garden pond to calculate how much pond liner and protective pond underlay to order to minimise waste. Following these steps, you will also want to know the volume of your pond to then be able to shop for the correct size pond pump and filter. Continue reading →