Line your pond correctly because it is a key decision when establishing your garden pond. The available pond lining options include preformed ponds together with flexible pond liners. The two linings present their own benefits and limitations for selection in garden ponds, so we will review what sets them apart.
Why Do You Need a Pond Liner?
Before we compare the two, it is essential to understand why a pond liner is necessary. The natural groundwater seepage into your hole requires that you install a waterproof barrier before filling the pond with water. A pond liner functions as a durable, waterproof fabric material that contains water to support the vital ecosystem of the pond.
The reputable pond solutions provider That Pond Guy provides its customers with high-quality liners that serve different project requirements.
Advantages of Preformed Ponds
- Variety of Shapes and Sizes: A preformed pond exists within various shapes, which range from irregular natural designs to uniform oval and rectangular designs.
- Durability: Fibreglass and plastic serve as strong materials for ponds because they resist damage from tree roots, rocks, and broken branches.
- Easy Installation: Your hole only needs to be properly big enough. You only need to check that your hole is of suitable size before filling in the extra space.
Disadvantages of Preformed Ponds
- Limited Size Options: Preparing ponds for commercial use has built-in volume limitations that stop at 1,000 litres unless you plan for complex undertakings.
- No Alterations Post-Installation: Users cannot change the measurements of a completed preformed pond installation after installation.
- Poor Planting Areas: Some designs have narrow, shallow shelves that limit planting options and often dry out quickly.
- Risk of Shifting: If not filled adequately, the pond can move out of place.
Advantages of Flexible Pond Liners
- Customizable Shape and Size: Ponds can be made into any form or dimension by design, and you can expand their size at any time.
- Incorporate a Bog Area: Additional liner material can create a bog area fed naturally by the pond’s overflow.
- Cost-Effective: Pond liners, as a whole, tend to cost less than alternative solutions.
- Long-Lasting: Man-made rubber liners made of butyl rubber have the potential to surpass 50 years of service life.
Disadvantages of Flexible Pond Liners
- More Effort Required for Installation: You must dig the hole precisely as the liner will conform to its shape.
- Prone to Punctures: Rain stone and tree roots create risks for the integrity of the pond liner. Specialist geotextile underlay, together with old carpet material, offers extended protection against damage to the pond.
- Repair Challenges: The application of patch kits does not make the repair process straightforward.
The Verdict
Reformed ponds represent the most suitable solution for those who want an easy setup and long-lasting performance. Pond liners offer creative freedom along with better planting areas, so if you want these options and future pond expansion possibilities, choose flexible liners instead of preformed options.
Your decision between preformed ponds and flexible liners depends on both your garden layout and the duration you want to keep your pond in place.
