Ponds 101 Chapter 5
An Introducation to Pond Components
There are basically two types of non-biological components to the Garden Pond. The first is the impermeable liner that keeps the water in; the second is the circulatory and filtration system that keeps the pond clean and aerated. That said, there are a multitude of variations to this simple theme. The liner is simply a waterproof material that keeps the water from seeping out. Many types of liner materials have been used over the centuries, including clay, tar and concrete, along with more recent options like butyl rubber, Poly Vinyl Chloride, High Density Polyethylene and Ultra Low Density Polyethylene, but one modern product has proven easiest to install and most reliable. EPDM is a synthetic rubber that is inexpensive, waterproof, easy to work with and very long-lasting. The industry standard is 45 mil EPDM, 45 thousands of an inch thick (about triple the thickness of a standard vinyl swimming pool liner), available in rolls from 5’ to 50’ in width by 100’ typical maximum length. Its resistance to punctures, abrasion and sunlight along with its relatively low cost make it the ideal material for most backyard ponds.
Laying Pond Liner
There are basically two types of non-biological components to the Garden Pond. The first is the impermeable liner that keeps the water in; the second is the circulatory and filtration system that keeps the pond clean and aerated. That said, there are a multitude of variations to this simple theme. The liner is simply a waterproof material that keeps the water from seeping out. Many types of liner materials have been used over the centuries, including clay, tar and concrete, along with more recent options like butyl rubber, Poly Vinyl Chloride, High Density Polyethylene and Ultra Low Density Polyethylene, but one modern product has proven easiest to install and most reliable. EPDM is a synthetic rubber that is inexpensive, waterproof, easy to work with and very long-lasting. The industry standard is 45 mil EPDM, 45 thousands of an inch thick (about triple the thickness of a standard vinyl swimming pool liner), available in rolls from 5’ to 50’ in width by 100’ typical maximum length. Its resistance to punctures, abrasion and sunlight along with its relatively low cost make it the ideal material for most backyard ponds.
Laying Pond Liner
