If you’re planning to install a new garden pond, one of the first things you need to decide on is how you’re going to line the pond.
Preformed ponds and pond liners are two of the most common pond lining options and they both have their pros and cons, so let’s have a look at each one in depth to see which one is right for your backyard pond.
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PREFORMED PONDS
Preformed ponds
Advantages of preformed ponds
Easy to install – The hole you dig for the pond doesn’t have to be exactly the same shape as the preformed pond. Once your hole is deep and wide enough, you can place the pond into position and backfill the hole.
Hardy – Preformed ponds will last for many years and they’re strong enough to withstand tree roots and rocks falling into the pond.
Disadvantages of preformed ponds
Size – Most preformed ponds range in size from about 9 gallons (34 litres) up to 40 gallons (151 litres) so you’re limited to a smaller size pond.
Limited number of shapes available – You can find preformed ponds in rectangle
Freight – The large size of preformed ponds means that they can be expensive to have delivered, especially if you live in a remote part of the country.
Can’t extend the pond – If you want to make your pond bigger later on you can’t expand a preformed pond. The only option would be to install a second pond and connect them with a waterfall.
Heaving – Many preformed pond owners have had trouble with the pond lifting out of the ground if there isn’t enough water in the pond to weigh it down. This makes it difficult to drain the water out of the pond to clean it.
Heavy rain – Rain water can become trapped between the preformed pond and the soil, (particularly clay soil), which can result in the pond floating out of the hole after heavy rain.
POND LINER
Pond liner
Advantages of pond liner
Inexpensive – Pond liners are an affordable way to create a custom designed backyard pond.
Flexibility – Using a pond liner means that you can create the pond in the exact shape you want, including curved edges, different depths and shelves around the edge of the pond.
If you decide to change the shape of your pond down the track, you can drain the pond and move the liner around.
Helps beneficial bacteria – Most pond liners have a textured surface which helps beneficial microbes to thrive in the pond.
Disadvantages of pond liner
Installation – Installing a pond liner takes a bit more time and expertise than a preformed pond.
When digging the hole, the shape needs to be precisely how you want it before installing the liner.
You’ll also need to make sure that the surface is level and there are no sharp rocks sticking up that could puncture the liner. It’s also a good idea to take your shoes off when installing pond liner.
Tree roots – If you’re planning to install a pond close to a large tree, you may have problems with tree roots puncturing the liner. As a precaution you can lay down some old carpet or a thick layer of newspapers underneath the liner for extra protection.
So there are some of the advantages and disadvantages of pond liners and preformed ponds.
I hope this has helped you to decide which option is best for your new garden pond.
RELATED ARTICLES
- Best Location For A Garden Pond
- 7 Pond Edging Ideas
- Winter Pond Maintenance
- 10 Ways To Decorate Your Pond
- Creating A Pond Waterfall
Do you have any questions about options for lining your pond? Let me know in the comments below.
Are you on Pinterest? I have boards dedicated to Backyard Ponds and Water Gardens that you may enjoy.
Great article, i’ve been researching pond liners. I read somewhere that putting sand and newspaper down before lining the pond helps prevent ripping, have you heard of this?
Hi Ashley, yes it’s a good idea to put something underneath the pond liner to protect it, especially if there are tree roots nearby. I’ve also heard of people laying down old carpet before they install the liner.
Hi There,
Interesting read. We have a small preformed pond but wishing to extend it as we have plenty of garden space to accommodate. Is it not an option to extend the existing pond by cutting the sides away on one side and then lining the pond and the newly excavated area to make one larger pond, rather than having to remove the pond and lining the whole area from scratch.
Thanks
Hi Derek, I haven’t tried to join a preformed pond with a liner but I think it’d be hard to stop the water going underneath the liner if it doesn’t cover the entire area.
Hi, I’m thinking of adding a small pond to my garden. I have a cockapoo who is not a water dog but there is always the chance she will stand in it if she’s thirsty. Do you think a pond liner would work or will it tear?
Also I have no outdoor tap – will I end up with a stagnant smelly pond? How can I avoid this have you any advice please as I’d love to have one
Hi Sarah, it might be better to use a preformed pond so you don’t have to worry about the liner tearing. To prevent the water becoming stagnant you can install a small fountain or bubbler.