Many do not like the idea of lining a pond with PVC film. The question often arises as to whether there is a natural alternative to pond liner. You can find out in detail what options are available here in our article.
It doesn't always have to be pond liner
Disadvantages of PVC films
There are enough concerns about the PVC foil commonly used for pond construction:
- the contained softeners and other substances can evaporate
- PVC film represents a significant burden on the environment, and its disposal even more so
- in fish ponds or ponds with aquatic life, the use of PVC film is highly questionable
- PVC undergoes chemical changes as the plasticizers evaporate and becomes brittle
- Repairs to PVC foils are often no longer possible after just a few years due to the change in material
In most cases, concerns about PVC film mainly relate to the environmental aspects of PVC and the possible health effects, for example on aquatic life.
EPDM as an alternative
The significantly more expensive EPDM liner is already an excellent alternative to conventional pond liners:
- it is significantly more environmentally friendly and does not emit any pollutants
- it remains highly flexible even in the cold
- it is extremely stretchy (up to 300% stretchability)
- it is highly tear-resistant
- it has an extremely long service life (up to 50 years, often a 20-year guarantee is given)
- she is easy to relocate
- it can be easily repaired at any time with liquid pond liner
As an ecological alternative, EPDM foil is also highly recommended due to its technical properties.
Liquid film as an alternative
Liquid foil is now used almost exclusively as a repair material. However, it can also be used as the sole seal.
Due to its extremely high flexibility, it adapts perfectly to the shape of the pond, is compatible with drinking water and does not harm living creatures in the pond. Its elasticity is even higher than that of EPDM (up to 400%) and it is even more tear-resistant. However, it can only be used on very smooth surfaces - such as concrete or tiles, alternatively smooth stones are sometimes possible.
However, the content of polyurethane and silane-modified polymers (SMP) may still cause some concern when it comes to environmental compatibility and naturalness.
clay seals
The pond is sealed here by a clay barrier, very similar to what is done with walls. You can either use moist blocks of clay for this, or swelling clay granules.
As a dry material, swelling clay granulate is significantly lighter than wet clay and when it gets wet, it bonds itself to form a stable layer of clay. The blocks of clay, on the other hand, must first be connected by tamping to form a stable layer of clay.
The necessary layer thickness is at least 15 - 20 cm, the soil underneath must be compacted. After the granules have been introduced, they are covered with around 10 cm of sand, followed by a fine layer of gravel for stabilization. The granulate is then first moistened and then the water is slowly poured in. The barrier layer is sealed after around 5 hours.
tips
Especially the alternative with clay ensures a very natural garden pond without any technical foreign materials in it. It is the most natural alternative available so far.