If you are wanting to install a large pond liner, following a few simple steps can make the process much easier. Western Liner provides a complete Pond Liner Installation Guide on their website, which outlines everything you need to know and do in order to install a pond liner.
The most important thing to do before you install a pond liner is to MEASURE CORRECTLY! Use the pond liner calculator to determine how big of a pond liner you will need to order. Correct sizing makes all the difference between installing a successful pond liner or one that will leak and not last.
For most pond liner applications (such as fish pond liners), use a reinforced pond liner product. These type of pond liners are affordable, lighter, stronger, more tear resistant than unreinforced pond liners. The thickness is not always an indicator of quality, so keep that in mind. For water ponds, the biggest consideration should be if the pond liner will be exposed to the sun or not. Sun exposure to a pond liner is often unavoidable. The best choice for exposed applications is a Reinforced Polypropylene, which will last more than 20 years even with constant sun and water exposure. If your pond liner is not going to be exposed to ultraviolet rays, then Reinforced Polyethylene will do the job. These products are very strong and specially formulated and can also last more than 20 years if properly buried.
Here are a few tips to a successful pond liner installation:
- Make sure that your delivered pond liner will be rolled up in a protective layer of geotextile/felt, which helps prevent the puncturing of the liner. They can always be damaged in transit so check with the company to see how it will be sent.
- Always inspect your pallet, roll, or box as soon as you receive it and BEFORE you sign for it. If it has been damaged in transit, you will want to make sure that the shipping company takes responsibility for the damage.
- If a forklift is used, make sure that the forks are placed in between the slats of the pallet so that the liner inside is not damaged.
- If your liner is going to be stored, make sure it is stored in a dry area where it won’t be exposed to the sun’s rays or extreme cold temperatures. Cold or freezing weather can make it difficult to unroll.
- Find out how the liner should be unrolled and ask for detailed pictures to be shipped with your liner if necessary. If sent on a pallet, the liner is most likely accordion folded. Most packed pond liners have arrows on them to help you place the liner in the correct location and show you how to unroll it.
- Do NOT install a liner on a windy or rainy day! Even the heaviest liners can be damaged easily with the wind. Rain also causes the liner to be weighed down, making it almost impossible to move.
- Again, if your liner is coming to you in multiple panels, a professional installer is a must. Welding these panels together correctly is tricky and needs an experienced installer depending on the material used.
