Different materials with different thicknesses are used as pond liners. Each of these types of film has its particular advantages and disadvantages. Read our article to find out what these are and what pond liner you need.
Pond liners are made of different materials and in different strengths
materials
Pond liners can be made of different materials. The most common are:
- PVC
- PE and
- EPDM, a special rubber-based material
There are also some special foils made of special geotextiles, which are rarely used and are practically not used at all in private horticulture.
PVC foils
Among the film types, PVC films have the most disadvantages:
- the films generally have a very critical environmental balance when used
- the disposal of PVC is ecologically highly questionable
- over time, plasticizers evaporate into the water (although many films today at least do not emit highly toxic substances)
- PVC pond liners are not well suited for living creatures in the pond
- the durability of the film is limited (plasticizers evaporate, the film becomes brittle and leaky
- after a few years it can already be difficult to carry out repairs due to the lack of plasticizers and the brittle film
Despite the disadvantages, the PVC film is clearly the most commonly used film on the market and also in professional landscaping. "Sandwich foils" made of different materials are often used today in order to improve the properties at least a little - but this does not entirely succeed.
What speaks as an advantage for the PVC film is only the (significantly) lower price. PE films have a somewhat better balance sheet than PVC films, at least from an environmental point of view. The other properties are only slightly better.
EPDM foils
EPDM is a synthetic rubber material (ethylene propylene diene M group). It has some interesting properties, including high weather resistance. In addition, some other properties are also interesting for pond construction:
- the overall high durability of the film (up to 50 years, in some cases a guarantee of up to 20 years is given on the film)
- the high elasticity (even at low temperatures and up to 300% elasticity)
- the very high ozone resistance and UV resistance of the film
- the good environmental compatibility (harmless to people and creatures in the pond)
- the simple repair
Due to their properties, EPDM foils can be brought into very large formats, you can already buy ready-made rolls up to 15 m wide and 61 m long, which makes the seamless lining of even very large ponds possible without any problems.
EPDM or PVC
The question of EPDM or PVC actually answers itself based on the properties. PVC films only have an advantage if the price plays the decisive role.
thickness of pond liners
The right thickness of the film is crucial in the selection. Depending on the depth, the following thicknesses will fit (see table below)
| pond depth | recommended film thickness |
|---|---|
| up to 70 cm | 0.5mm |
| 70cm - 160cm | 1.0mm |
| taller than 160 cm or swimming pond or fish pond | at least 1.5 mm |
In the event of problematic soil conditions, an additional Pond fleece with an approximately 5 cm high layer of sand underneath used to protect the film. In such a case, a foil with a thickness of at least 1 mm, preferably 1.5 mm, should always be used.
tips
EPDM foils are also used for sealing flat roofs because of their good properties.