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A Liner by any other name. . . .

© Vicki Paull

This is the first part of a two-part article.

EPDM, Permalon®, PVC, performed, cement, Clay/Bentonite, and others. All have their uses. All have pros and cons. All represent an investment of both time and money. So how do you decide?

The first decision to make is if you will use a flexible liner or not. Flexible liners are a good choice for small to medium ponds. They allow you to create a pond in any shape, will conform to shelves, beaches, streams, and various depths. They also work very well if you need to build up the sides. They don't develop hairline cracks if you have trees growing in your yard, and are reasonably weather resistant. The major drawback is cost. In most cases they will cost more than a cement pond (if you mix your own) or a preform.

OK, lets say you have decided on a flexible membrane, now WHICH ONE???

You can read the specs on the various materials, check out the installation notes and compare prices, but the most reliable indicator for success is experience.

My experience is limited to two liners, I used PVC in my first small pond, when I expanded I used EPDM and recycled the PVC for a bog garden. Since it is too early for me to form an opinion about the EPDM I have had to look around and see what others have to say. As I surf water garden sites, I look to see what kind of water barrier is used. EPDM seems to be a favorite with ponders, used even by commercial water garden plant suppliers. Why? Durability, most manufacturers say it should last twenty or more years. The big controversy here is; do you use pond liner or roofing? The results of the poll (SEE BELOW) indicate a preference for the roofing, although one respondent noted problems with it.

The manufacturers tell us the difference is that the roofing contains some anti-bacterial, anti fungicidal products that could be harmful to pond life. At least one states that their pond liner contains a product to promote pond health. According to many ponders that used the roofing, a good mopping with a strong vinegar-water solution and/or rinsing with clean water removed the talc and made it safe for their fish and plants.

One difference most note is the difference in price. In my area I was able to purchase Firestone 45 mil EPDM roofing for .33 a square foot including tax. The pond liner was unavailable locally so I searched the 'Net. EPDM liner can be had for .36 a square foot (for a whole roll) and up. Plus shipping. The rolls by the way are 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50, x 100 foot. Still if you need that much or have friends to split the cost it could be affordable.

The copyright of the article A Liner by any other name. . . . in Water Gardening is owned by Vicki Paull. Permission to republish A Liner by any other name. . . . in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.