Any pond is only as good as its liner. In the end how well the pond holds water – and how long it lasts – really all comes down to the material used to line it in the first place. Although concrete and puddled clay are sometimes used very successfully, for most would-be water gardeners, the choice is usually between the versatility of flexible liners or the ready appeal of pre-formed ones.
Pre-formed pond liners come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials and offer some advantages over flexible liners, chiefly in that they do not have unsightly creases and folds and all the planting shelves have already been incorporated into the design. On the other hand, though they are strong and not prone to springing leaks, depending on design they can sometimes be awkward to fit perfectly, are not easy to transport, do not weather or naturalise particularly well and are generally limited to providing relatively small ponds. However, for some applications they can be well-nigh ideal.
Materials and Advantages
The principal advantage of pre-formed ponds are that they offer an almost instant solution to creating a pond – all that is needed is to pick one of appropriate size with the sorts of planting shelves you want and then dig a hole to fit. With the large range available, finding something to meet your needs should not be difficult, though often it may need to be ordered as few garden centres or pond suppliers carry a huge stock.
Fibreglass ponds are generally highly durable and provide the larger sizes of pre-formed liners and are typically fabricated with a number of planting features built-in. They have the greatest life expectancy of all the pre-formed liners and are usually available in a wider range of colours too, making it easier to blend them in to their surroundings. Alternative materials, such as ABS and HDPE are robust enough for most uses and considerably cheaper than their fibreglass counterparts, though they are only available in relatively small sizes. The smooth sides of most of these pre-formed ponds makes them easy to clean, but at the same time, they never weather to appear entirely natural – even if they are well planted, there is always a look of the pre-fabricated about them – though for some gardens this need not be a problem.
Using a Pre-Formed Liner
Modern pre-formed liners are sturdily built and easy to install. Creating a pond with a pre-formed liner is a relatively simple DIY project and can usually be completed in a single weekend, though it is essential to make sure that the liner is sitting correctly and is fully supported.
The trick to creating the perfect pond with a pre-formed pond liner is to dig the original hole to follow the contours of the moulding as closely as possible and then evening out any gaps with the protective layer of sand and finally adjusting it so that it sits level. Some back-filling will probably be necessary to achieve this, but ideally it should be kept to a minimum to guarantee the greatest possible support for the liner.
While they may not last as long as ponds made from butyl or EPDM, if the preparatory work is done properly, they should survive for ten years or longer. Although they have their limitations and cannot offer the range of tailor-made contours possible for a flexible liner, they are available in a range of sizes and shapes, offering a relatively quick route to a perfectly serviceable pond.
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Pros of using a pre-formed pond liner
- Easy to install – Pre-formed pond liners are usually simple to install since they are already pre-shaped and ready to be placed directly into a hole dug in the ground. There is no need to build a complex structure, and you can usually set up your pond in a matter of hours. This makes them an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts or anyone who wants to save time and effort.
- No creases or folds – Pre-formed liners do not have any creases or folds that can trap dirt or debris. This makes them easier to maintain and keep clean than flexible liners. The lack of folds and creases also means that the liner is less likely to tear or puncture, which can be a concern with flexible liners.
- Variety of sizes and shapes – Pre-formed liners come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you want a small water feature or a large koi pond, there is a pre-formed liner that can work for you.
- Durable and long-lasting – Pre-formed liners are typically made from high-quality materials that are resistant to UV rays, punctures, and other types of damage. This means that they can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
- Professional appearance – Since pre-formed liners are pre-shaped, they provide a professional and polished appearance to your pond. This can be especially important if you are creating a water feature in a highly visible area of your property, such as near the front entrance.
- Suitable for a variety of budgets – Pre-formed liners are available at a wide range of price points, making them accessible to a broad range of budgets. You can choose a basic model if you are on a tight budget or opt for a more expensive liner if you want something that is more durable or has additional features.
