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9
WHICH LINER SHOULD I USE?
Liner Type
Advantages
Considerations
Flexible pond liner
• Synthetic rubber polymers
e.g. butyl, EPDM
• Plastic e.g. PVC
• Affordable
• Flexible
• Perfect for smaller ponds,
such as garden ponds
• Rubber liners, are very
durable and more flexible
than PVC
• Most rubber liners can be
made to any size, to order
• Advisable to use underlay
protection matting
• Sharp stones should be
cleared reducing damage risk
• Liners should not be exposed
to direct sunlight
• Harder to shape than
natural materials
No liner
• No cost
• Provides a natural substrate
for plants and animals
• Can be easily shaped
• Easy to make changes to
the pond
• Lifespan unlimited
• Not many gardens have
water-holding soil. If in doubt
dig test holes to check this
• Natural ponds can
sometimes be affected by
poor groundwater quality
Concrete
• Very robust
• Expensive
• Labour intensive
• Requires a large quantity
of concrete
• Prone to cracks and leaks
• Requires expensive sealant
• Cannot be shaped as easily
as natural substrates
Puddled clay
• Provides a natural substrate
for plants and animals
• Repairs and alterations
possible
• Requires a large amount
of clay
• Difficult to source
• Can be expensive
• Technically difficult to
make and labour intensive
• Liable to crack in dry
conditions
Bentonite - a natural mineral
clay, sold as sodium bentonite,
supplied in dry powdered form,
or as part of a geosynthetic
clay liner (GCL)
• Can be used to boost
the natural water-retaining
properties of soils
• Provides natural substrate for
plants and animals
• Repairs and alterations
possible
• Self-sealing around small
punctures
• Requires specialist
contractors
• Not suitable for small garden
ponds
• Results variable depending
on soil type