Ponds in your home are a great addition to aesthetics and farming during leisure. But to build an inexpensive pond, you will need a pond liner to help prevent algae and other dangerous organisms. However, these pond liners can be expensive and may not get you the intended results.
You can use a pool liner for a pond to protect against algae and still have a functional pond. Naturally, the pool liner is designed to stop bacteria from getting through it into the pool. The only difference now is instead of protecting a pool; it is protecting the pond.
Keep reading this article to understand some of the reasons to use a pool liner for your pond and some disadvantages you may encounter. After that, I’ll be answering some frequent questions on pond liners.
The Pros and Cons of Using a Pool Liner for a Pond
Pool liners are usually vinyl materials installed in all pool types worldwide. The manufacturers of these pool liners make different types, so you can use them with any pool.
Pros of Using a Pool Liner For a Pond
Some of the benefits of using a pool liner for a pond include the following:
There are Several Different Types to Choose From
Design options are vital when considering a liner for your pond. Ponds in any home are usually an afterthought, so they may take any shape depending on the available space. If you add a pond liner, you need something flexible.
Pool liners come in different shapes, sizes, and types, suited to fit your pond shape and size. If you are using a vinyl pool liner, you have three options to choose from, with their respective advantages:
- A unibead pool liner. The advantage of this pool liner type is its versatility and easy replacement procedure.
- A beaded pool liner. The main benefit of choosing this pool liner is its aesthetics, as it comes in different colors.
- An overlap pool liner. Its main advantage is the low cost of purchasing and installing this liner type.
You can choose any pool liners mentioned above for your pond and get the best results. Irrespective of your choice, you can always customize the device to what you need.
They Provide Extra Protection From Sun Rays
Ponds are usually exposed to sun rays, so any pool or pond liner must do well against the sun. Most pool liners perform well against sunlight since most pools are usually open.
The lighter colors are better, as they reflect the sunlight instead of absorbing it, which can lead to damage. Sometimes, you may prefer the darker colors because of the warmth they provide to your pond by absorbing sunlight.
Another way pool liners can protect against UV rays from the sun is their thickness. Pool liners come in various thicknesses, ranging between twenty and thirty mils. The thicker pool liners are usually more expensive, but they protect better against sun rays and regular wear and tear.
Reduced Cost
Your pond is a secondary construction in your home, so you will probably be looking to save costs as much as possible. A pool liner is cost-effective because it does its job perfectly over its long lifetime.
Pool liners can last up to fifteen years with proper installation and correct maintenance. But don’t worry, maintaining a pool liner is not a big problem.
At most, you will spend $4000 to install a pool liner in your pond—a cost dependent on many factors. These factors include:
- The type and design of the pool liner
- The size of the pond.
- The quality of the pool liner
- The contractor
- Your location
You can even purchase some used pool liners, reducing the price by a wide margin.
Easy Installation and Repairs
Installing a pool liner in your pond does not take so much time. You should be able to get it done if you have the technical knowledge, some helping hands, and good YouTube videos. However, hiring a contractor to do an excellent job is always better.
Also, pool liners are readily available due to the high amounts of pools in the country. Therefore, you will probably find a general retailer in your region, regardless of how remote it is.
If you install a vinyl pool liner, you won’t necessarily bother about repairing the pool. The smoothness of the surface makes it hard for bacteria to stay conveniently.
Cons of Using a Pool Liner For a Pond
Now let’s take a look at some disadvantages of using pool liners for your pond.
It’s Not Designed for Long Term Use
“Long term” in this context is relative to your needs. But most times, pool liners will average ten years maximally. This does not guarantee that your pool liner will last ten years, as some may not last up to five years.
If you want your pool liner to last long in a pond, pay for a professional to help with the installation.
It Gets Dirty Over Time
A pond does not contain clear water like a swimming pool, so you may not be concerned about the pool liners getting dirty.
However, if it is a pond you swim in at intervals, you should take an interest, as this dirt can cause slippery liners. Leaves growing in the pond and other metals can cause stains in a short period.
What Can You Use Instead of a Pond Liner?
Other tools you can use instead of a pond liner include fiberglass, impermeable soil (the best use is when the clay has at least a 10% of the soil), and tarps.
Naturally, tarps are not the best tools to use as a pond liner, but if you have a tarp treated to be UV resistant and waterproof, it works perfectly.
Can You Build a Pond Without a Liner?
If you want to build a pond, you can do away with a pond liner, although it is not the best decision. It is always better to use a pond liner, especially if your pond is not so big. However, If you go for a concrete pond, you don’t need a pond liner.
Concrete ponds are much better than liner ponds and last longer. However, they are usually a bit expensive, and since ponds are not a necessity, many people shy away.
What Materials Can You Use As Pond Liners?
Most pond liner materials are usually amongst or related to the plastic family. Some of the common options involved include reinforced, high, or low density polyethylene; PVCs; polypropylene; and EPDM rubber.
You may want to avoid using PVC if you stay in a sunny area because it can easily tear under heavy sun.
Conclusion
A pool liner is a great option to add to your pond to improve its aesthetics and durability. It is cheaper and will last long, provided you install it correctly.
However, having a suitable material for the pool liner is crucial to ensure the best results. Spending money on a thick pool liner is always better for durability.