Relaxing by the pond, watching fish move in and out through the plants in the water garden is a good way to spend a quiet moment. However, ponds need maintenance. When the liner of a water garden becomes damaged, what is a pond owner to do?
What is a Pond Liner?
A pond liner helps keep the water in the pond. Along with the underlying soil, it creates a shape for the pond as well. Pond liners come in many materials, including fiberglass, PVC, polypropylene, EPDM rubber, and polyethylene. The water gardener who is working with an existing pond may also find poured concrete at the bottom.
Avoiding Repairs: EPDM Rubber is a Good Choice for Flexible Pond Liners
The first step to repairing a water garden liner is to avoid repairs altogether. EPDM rubber is very flexible and does not break down easily when it is exposed to light. For the water gardener who would like to raise animals in the pond, EPDM rubber is a good choice, since it does not leach chemicals into the water.
Polypropylene and Fiberglass are Also Durable Pond Liners
For those who would like decades of use out of a pond liner, polypropylene is an excellent and sturdy material, but it is far more expensive than EPDM rubber liners. Those who prefer a preformed pond may choose fiberglass. Fiberglass ponds are simple to install and come in a variety of shapes. This material does limit the shape of a water garden, but it is durable.
Liners That Often Need Repairs
Some liners wear out more easily than others. While polyethylene is often used for large ponds because it is inexpensive, it is hard to repair and is not very sturdy for long term use. PVC liners are also flexible, but they tend to get stiff in cold weather. They only last about 10 years.
Adding Pea Gravel May Lead to More Repairs
Weigh the options when considering what to put at the bottom of a pond. While pea gravel can be attractive and is a good substrate for plants, the presence of gravel makes the pond hard to clean, and it is difficult to find, check, and maintain the liner. Small rocks may also punch small holes in the pond liner.
Maintaining the Garden Pond
Take care to maintain shrubs and trees around the pond. Careful pruning will minimize damage from snow and wind and prevent branches from falling into the pond. Using a pond skimmer, remove debris at regular intervals to prevent the pond liner from being punctured.
Repairing Damaged Concrete Ponds
Concrete ponds can be a challenge to repair. To patch a hole in concrete, the logical idea would be to add more concrete. However, this generally does not adhere well, and the new concrete comes off in pieces. There are waterproof coating that facilitate easy repairs in a concrete pond. Neoprene products create waterproof patch over a hole. Expandable foam can go into the gaps in a concrete liner and fill them.
Repairing a Pond Liner
To repair a flexible pond liner, start by draining the pond. Clean the pond liner with a scrub pad, and let it dry before trying to patch it. To patch a small hole, use seam tape over the hole, making sure that the edges of the tape are sealed. Pick up a peel and stick pond repair kit and have it on hand in case of small leaks. These repair kits are simple and effective, a bandaid for the pond.
Repairing Large Holes in a Liner
Large holes may require a new patch of pond liner. Using double sided sealing tape, connect the two pieces together. Overlap them by at least 6 inches. Again, seal the edges to ensure that water does not go between the two pieces of liner.
By practicing sensible maintenance and choosing a pond liner that will endure over time, water gardeners can spend more time enjoying the pond and less time maintaining it. Diligent maintenance and pond repairs can allow a pond to exist for generations in a garden.
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