If you build your pond and install your pond liner yourself, you are often faced with simple but tricky questions. For example: which side of the pond liner is on top - the rough or the smooth side. Our article provides a detailed answer to this question.
It is not possible to say per se which side should be on top
Smooth and rough side
Many pond liners are equipped with different sides: a smooth side on the one hand and a rough or grid-like structured side on the other.
If the pond liner is to be installed, the question arises as to which of the two sides is best placed on top. This is not so easy to answer in individual cases - the decision for a side is influenced by several criteria.
deposits
One of the most common fears when installing rough or textured sides facing up is that the garden pond will become heavily fouled with debris and provoke vigorous algae growth.
But these fears are unfounded. Deposits at the bottom of the pond are normal and desirable. A large number of useful bacteria live in the deposits, which keep the water clean and ensure good water quality in the pond.
In swimming ponds, these deposits may be undesirable and difficult to remove - but they are definitely desirable in all other types of ponds.
algae growth is more likely to be expected on smooth surfaces - algae cannot grow as well on structured surfaces. Smooth surfaces (including stone surfaces) are more likely to be considered risk areas for excessive algae growth.
Kind of foil
Depending on the type of film you use, the position of the top can still be important. With many rubber foils (EPDM foil), the rule also applies from the foil manufacturer that the rough side should definitely point upwards, i.e. towards the water surface. Of course, you should definitely follow such instructions.
pond cleaning
The way the liner is installed plays only a minor role in pond cleaning. You should provide a sufficiently dimensioned cleaning and filter system for most ponds anyway, regardless of how you place the liner in the pond.
tips
When installing the pond liner, always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions very carefully. In many cases there are special things to consider. If possible, always install foil in summer, the higher temperatures make the foil significantly more flexible and installation easier.