Would you like to create an aquatic paradise in your garden? Maybe you are dreaming of a pond full of colorful Koi fish or a cascading waterfall or fountain?
If you need guidance or even inspiration, read 8 Big Reasons to Build Backyard Ponds to Improve Your Home and How to Build a Beautiful Backyard Pond in 11 Steps.
Whatever type of water feature you are planning on building, one of the first steps you need to take, besides getting a pond pump and a pond filter, is to invest in a high-quality pond liner.
A pond liner is an impenetrable geomembrane that is used to retain water in a variety of water features like fish ponds, lakes, dams, and fountains. A high-quality liner will stop any water from leaking into the ground. It will also provide the shape and support for your plants and fish.
The 6 Best Pond Liners
- TotalPond Pond Skins Pond Liner
- AQUANIQUE Pond Skins Pond Liner
- Firestone PondGard PL45-1010 Rubber Pond Liner (Our Top Pick)
- Aquascape DIY Backyard Pond Kit
- MacCourt Ponds PC4709 Cascade Pond
- Aquascape Aquatic Patio Pond
Our Top Pick for the Best Pond Liner
Our top pick for the best pond liner is the Firestone PondGard PL45-1010 Rubber Pond Liner. Once more Firestone has delivered a high-quality pond liner that can be used for a wide range of outdoor water feature applications.
If you want to create a medium to large colorful Koi fish pond with a stunning waterfall that cascades down gently over a rock formation, or you just want a simple reflection pond to relax by after a hard day’s work at the office, the PondGard liner provides just the right foundation for your new water feature.
As well as being strong and flexible, and allowing you to shape it according to your design requirements, the Firestone liner is fish and plant-friendly. It can withstand the harshest temperatures, which make it excellent value for money.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Pond Liner
Pond liners fall into 2 categories: flat liners and preformed liners.
Flat Pond Liners
Whether you want to start building a small, medium, or large pond, a flat pond liner is very flexible. And you can bend and adjust the liner to any shape you desire.
Flat pond liners can be made from different materials like Reinforced Polyethylene, Polypropylene, EPDM Rubber, or PVC. These types of pond liners can vary in strength, flexibility, and some materials are better suited for particular pond types and sizes. However, the most common type of materials that are used in flat pond liners is EPDM Rubber or PVC.
– PVC
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) pond liners are the least expensive and they are usually quite lightweight and they may include plasticizers, which makes the material very stretchy and flexible. The downside of the PVC liner is that it may not be tear-proof. So the material can be easily punctured, which can cause the pond to leak.
This tendency to leak means that the PVC liner may not be the best choice for ponds that hold a higher water capacity. However, some manufacturers include a polyester weave in the fabric. This helps to reinforce the liner and make it stronger, or you could use an extra Geotextile underlayment for extra protection.
There are 2 important things to keep in mind in relation to PVC liners:
1. PVC liners have small traces of arsenic or other toxins that could be lethal to wildlife and harmful to humans if ingested.
2. The added plasticizers in PVC may also pose a threat to wildlife as these molecules may cause splits and cracks in the material.
PVC liners as not recommended for very cold climates as the material can cause some discomfort to the fish. However, if you are planning on creating a small lily pond or reflection pool, a PVC Pond liner is a very good choice.
– EPDM
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene-ethylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber) is a synthetic rubber and pond liners that are made from this highly versatile material are considered to be the best types of liners for medium and larger ponds.
Liners with EPDM feature thick rubber construction. However, they are also soft and supple. Making them very flexible and can be folded into almost any shape and the liner can be joined together with another liner by using a silicone sealant or pond seam tape.
Pond liners with EPDM are more resistant to punctures and tears. They are a great choice for ponds that contain a lot of plants and have decorative rocks that are placed around the edge of the pond.
The only downside of an EPDM pond liner is that it is heavier than other pond liner materials. You may find it hard to move around especially if you have a large liner, and as the material is soft, an underlayment is required.
– UV and Ozone Resistance
If you want to feature some beautiful brightly-colored Koi fish in your new pond or your garden gets a lot of sun exposure, EPDM liners are the best choice as the material is highly UV and ozone resistant. Liners that are UV and ozone resistant, help to guard your fish against excessive heat. And also stops the liner from deteriorating quickly and losing its flexibility.
– Do You Need an Extra Pond Underlayment?
One of the questions that many gardeners ask in their quest to build a new water feature is ‘do I need an extra pond underlayment or can I put a pond liner directly on the ground?’ Yes, you can put the liner on the ground by itself.
However, if the liner does not come with an underlayment, there is the possibility that there might be sharp stones in the ground where you want to build your pond which can cause a puncture in the liner and it will start leaking water.
An extra pond underlayment will protect your liner from getting damaged. It can also smooth over any uneven ground and sharp rocks or stones, and will help to maintain the durability of your liner over the long term.
Preformed Pond Liners
If you prefer a no-mess-no-fuss approach to pond building and do not want to wrestle with a heavy flat liner, or you just want a small pond that you can set-up anywhere, either outdoors or indoors, then a preformed pond liner is the pond liner for you. A preformed pond liner takes all the hard work out of installing a pond. Or you could invest in an all-in-one DIY pond building kit.
Preformed liners are already designed in a particular shape and they can be made out of hardened plastic or fiberglass. The downside of the preformed liner is that their predetermined shape. It does not allow you to change its shape unless you dig the whole liner out and use a flat pond liner.
Warranty
The length of the pond liner’s warranty is also important. Some manufacturers offer you more durability and product value for money. However, having a warranty that covers your liner for a considerable amount of time like 10, 25 years or more, gives you extra peace of mind. An extended warranty covers the liner in case it does not meet up with your expectations or it gets ripped or starts to leak.
Another important thing to consider is that some warranties have limitations. It is a good idea to read the fine print to find out what the warranty covers and what it does not cover. Some manufacturers do not readily display their warranty information next to the product. So you will have to request the details. Before you purchase a pond liner, visit the company’s website.
6 Best Pond Liners – Reviews
1. TotalPond Pond Skins Pond Liner
If you want to start building a small to medium-sized fish pond or fountain, the TotalPond Pond Skins Pond Liner is a great choice. This high-quality liner is made from PVC that is reinforced with a strong polyester weave in between the layers of PVC. Making this UV resistant liner very durable and puncture resistant and it is able to withstand water up to 1,200-gallon capacity.
The TotalPond liner is also flexible and lightweight and weighs 30% less than ordinary 20-mil PVC liners. So it is very easy to handle during installation. As well as its high-quality construction, the black liner also makes an attractive addition to your pond. This is done by merging into the pond’s environment to create a more natural look.
The liner’s textured surface is engineered to facilitate good bacteria growth in the water. This is necessary for a healthy, thriving aquatic eco-system.
TotalPond offers a variety of pond liner sizes. However, if you order a liner that is slightly larger than the hole you have organized for your new pond, you can cut the liner down to fit the hole. And if you find that the liner is too small, you can seam together multiple pond liners to form a larger pond liner.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Heavy-duty construction
- Strong PVC
- Durable
- Flexible
- Easy to install
- UV-resistant
- Multifunctional: can be used for a small or larger sized pond
Cons
- Liner has no shiny side; hard to see which is the right side up
2. AQUANIQUE Pond Skins Pond Liner
If your vision for a new aquatic habitat includes beautiful Koi fish, the strong 10 x 13-foot, 14.5-mil AQUANIQUE Pond Skins Pond Liner is destined to be your new pond liner.
This versatile liner is specially designed for residential medium-sized Koi ponds up to 500-gallons. It can be used for a water garden. So whatever shape of the pond you have or you want to set-up, this liner will conform to its unique corners and contours.
The AQUANIQUE liner is made from durable PVC and is reinforced with a strong polyester weave. It is placed between the layers of PVC, which is puncture resistant and can handle a lot of water pressure. It has good flexibility and can be attached to skimmers, waterfall filters, pipes, and hoses.
A bio-friendly liner, the Pond Skins is UV-resistant. So it will stop any deterioration from the harsh sun. While also providing a healthy, balanced environment where your fish and plants will thrive. AQUANIQUE offers a standard 20-year warranty on the pond liner.
Pros
- Durable puncture resistant PVC and strong polyester weave
- Flexible
- Bio-friendly and UV-resistant
- Easy to use
- Accepts skimmers and other pond attachments
- Comes with a standard 20-year warranty
Cons
- PVC is not as durable or flexible as rubber
3. Firestone PondGard PL45-1010 Rubber Pond Liner
Firestone is one of the most highly regarded manufacturers of aquatic products. Their dedication to designing superior quality liners make this Firestone PondGard PL45-1010 Rubber Pond Liner an excellent choice for a wide range of water features like decorative ponds, fish ponds, swimming ponds, waterfalls, streams, and fountains.
As water features, and especially those that include fish, can deteriorate or suffer from the effects of harsh weather and harmful bacteria, a strong, durable liner is an absolute necessity to maintain the pond’s delicate eco-system.
The Firestone PondGard liner is designed to be strong enough to resist the adverse effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is also ozone resistant. And as it is made from thick EPDM rubber that contains no harmful carcinogens, it is eco-friendly. Making it the perfect choice for maintaining fish and plants.
The liner is very flexible so it allows you to shape it according to your creativity. Whether you want a round pond, a curved design, or a pond that has very steep sides. Or you would like to include a beautiful, natural-looking waterfall to enhance the look of your backyard, the Firestone liner can be fitted to accommodate any type of water feature.
As well as displaying an outstanding, consistent resistance to extreme temperatures and being able to protect your pond from harmful bacteria, the high-quality PondGard contains no migrating plasticizers, so there will be no cracking or splitting of the material. The Firestone is both functional and very cost-effective.
Pros
- Excellent quality heavy-duty EPDM pond liner
- Great price
- Durable
- Eco-friendly
- UV-resistant
- Easy to cut and fold
- Functional design allows for endless creative possibilities
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Can be heavy to move
4. Aquascape DIY Backyard Pond Kit
An all-in-one kit, the Aquascape DIY Backyard Pond Kit has everything that you need to build and create your own stunning 500-gallon water feature.
As well as a durable 6 x 8-foot, EPDM rubber liner and a Geotextile underlayment that gives the liner extra protection from sharp objects, the kit contains a New Signature Series 200 Pond Skimmer, a BioFalls 1000-gallon filter with rock tray and bio-balls, AquaSurge 2000 GPH pump, 25-foot of 1½-inch kink-free hose, all the plumbing attachments, PVC glue, and a flexible PVC pipe sealer.
Forget the hassle of purchasing each item separately, all the components in this kit are well designed and they fit perfectly together.
Once you have unpacked all the items from the box, all you need to do is unleash your creativity and design your own Koi fishpond with a gently cascading waterfall.
The skimmer will keep the surface of the pond sparkling clean and the AquaSurge pump provides complete biological filtration so that the plants and fish in your aquatic paradise will thrive and flourish.
Installation is so easy and once it is complete, you can be proud of your own creation and just sit back and relax and enjoy your pond.
The Aquascape Pond Kit includes complete industry-leading step-by-step installation instructions and support resources, so if you get stuck, there is always a pond building expert available.
All of the kit’s components are backed by Aquascape Manufacturer Warranties.
Aquascape also provides kits for medium and large size ponds.
Pros
- All-in-one DIY pond kit
- High-quality materials
- Durable EPDM liner and Geotextile underlayment
- Easy to install
- Very good online support
Cons
- Expensive
- Instructions are hard to read
5. MacCourt Ponds PC4709 Cascade Pond
If you are dreaming of installing an elegant waterfall in your garden, the 47 x 20.5 x 9-inch, 5-gallon MacCourt Ponds PC4709 Cascade Pond will make your dream come true. In just a few easy steps, you can install the pond, and sit back and admire your new elegant waterfall attraction.
This durable preformed pond is made from UV stabilized non-toxic high-density polyethylene which is safe for fish and plants and is highly resistant to year-round fading, chipping, and cracking. As this pond has a smooth surface, it is very easy to clean and maintain. So you can spend less time cleaning the pond and more time enjoying your aquatic paradise.
The cascade waterfall pond has a triple bowl design which creates a rapid but smooth flow and enhances the pond’s aesthetic appeal with the natural sign and sound of water. As the 9-inch wide spillway has a lip, this feature also allows for maximum water flow into an existing pond. You can add a small water pump and filter and match the cascade pond with an existing pond.
One of the highlights of the MacCourt Ponds Cascade Waterfall is that you can install it in the ground, above ground, or even on your deck. You can place it anywhere in your garden as a relaxing conversational starter for family barbecues, or to create an idyllic ambiance for a dinner party.
Pros
- High-quality preformed cascade pond
- Great value for money
- Easy to install
- Durable UV-stabilized, non-toxic high-density polyethylene
- Triple bowl design creates a rapid but smooth water flow
- Wide 9-inch spillway lip allows for maximum water flow into an existing pond
- Smooth surface is easy to clean and maintain
- Can be used in-ground, above-ground or on a deck
Cons
- Can leak if you overfill the pond
- Pond is slightly smaller than the advertised picture
6. Aquascape Aquatic Patio Pond
Whatever your vision is for your new water feature, the 10-gallon, 24 x 12-inch Aquatic Patio Pond from Aquascape will create a beautiful aquatic plant display or a small fish pond.
The container is constructed from a lightweight, durable fiberglass-resin composite that never fades or chips and its natural rock veneer looks just like real stone. Its flat-bottomed design provides a stable platform and the integrated shelves, one with round holes, provide room for plants, and a placement area for a small water pump and filter.
The creative possibilities are endless with the Aquascape pond container. You can fill it with colorful Koi or Goldfish, water lilies, an elegant waterfall, or a stylish fountain. The pond’s material is UV stable so it is fish and plant-friendly. The pond container comes in 3 sizes: 24, 32, and 40-inch and 3 stylish colors: terra cotta, desert granite, and green slate, so you can easily pick the right design to complement your decor.
A very versatile pond liner, the Aquascape pond water garden can be used outdoors, on a patio, or even inside your home, which makes it the perfect choice for a stunning aquatic attraction or a unique indoor garden sanctuary. The pond is covered by a 10-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Perfect choice for a small water garden
- High-quality construction
- Lightweight, durable fiberglass-resin composite never fades or chips
- Natural rock veneer looks just like real stone
- Can be used as a Koi or Goldfish pond
- Integrated shelves with holes are ideal for plants, pond pump, and a filter
- Easy installation
- Can be used outdoors or indoors
- Available in 3 sizes and 3 stylish colors
Cons
- Expensive
Our Top Pick for the Best Pond Liner
Our top pick for the best pond liner is the Firestone PondGard PL45-1010 Rubber Pond Liner. Once more Firestone has delivered a high-quality pond liner that can be used for a wide range of outdoor water feature applications.
If you want to create a medium to large colorful Koi fish pond with a stunning waterfall that cascades down gently over a rock formation, or you just want a simple reflection pond to relax by after a hard day’s work at the office, the PondGard liner provides just the right foundation for your new water feature.
As well as being strong and flexible, and allowing you to shape it according to your design requirements, the Firestone liner is fish and plant-friendly. It can withstand the harshest temperatures, which make it excellent value for money.
Check the price on Amazon
