If you are shopping for the best pond liner, the most important factors to consider are its size, material, and flexibility. Below, I have handpicked my favorite products based on these features. Keep reading to learn more about why they should matter to you.
If you’re planning to install a new pond, you will need a pond liner. Not only will it keep water from seeping back to the ground, but it will also prevent roots from growing into and clogging up your pond and filtration system. It will also provide a great foundation, so plants and fish can enjoy a healthier and cleaner pond.
In this article, I have included detailed reviews of the seven best pond liners on the market. I have researched various articles and user reviews to come up with these top picks. I have included a list of their pros and cons as well, so you can easily compare each product with another.
There is also a handy buying guide below the pond liner reviews. This section tackles the factors you need to consider before finalizing your decision. I will also answer some of the frequently asked questions about pond liners below. Hopefully, you learn something new about pond maintenance in general.
Here are the top pond liners to consider:
A Quick Comparison of the Best Pond Liners in 2022
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Editor’s Pick  |
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Runner-Up  |
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Top 7 Best Pond Liners
Below are my top picks for the best pond liners available on the market today. Each one uses a durable material to prevent water leaks and keep rocks and roots out.
1. Firestone 15 x 20 EPDM Rubber Pond Liner – Editor’s Pick
The Firestone 15 x 20 EPDM Rubber Pond Liner is the first product in this list of the best pond liners on the market.
It uses an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber material. This is a type of synthetic rubber common in many applications, including pond liners. It can withstand harsh outdoor conditions, harmful UV rays, and wear and tear of daily use. Thus, it can last you for a long time.
At the same time, this EPDM rubber pond liner is easy to maintain. There is no need to scrub it or apply special coatings.
Furthermore, it is ready to use right out of the packaging. Simply unfold the liner and install it on your fish pond.
As for the size, it measures 15 feet long and 20 feet wide. As such, this liner can fit medium-sized ponds, fountains, and water gardens. Plus, it is flexible enough for oddly-shaped ponds.
There is also no need to worry about harming your fish or the environment when using this flexible pond liner. It is both fish and environmentally friendly.
Most importantly, reviews for this best pond liner were positive. If there is any critique, it would be the weight, as it can be quite heavy to set up on your own. A few users were also disappointed with the delivery service because the package came crumpled.
But as you can see, the pros far outweigh the cons.
For this reason, I deemed the Firestone 15 x 20 EPDM Rubber Pond Liner as the best pond liner today.
Pros:
- The EPDM rubber material can last you for a long time
- Pre-cut and boxed garden pond liner is ready to use and install on your fish pond out of the packaging
- Flexible for artificial and koi ponds with creative designs
- Environmentally-friendly and fish-friendly pond liner does not cause unnecessary harm
- Easy to maintain
Cons:
- Heavy pond liner is relatively difficult to install on your own
- A few users said that the packaging was not secure enough
2. Dewitt 20 x 20 EPDM Pond Liner – Runner-Up
If you need a slightly larger pond liner for your water garden, consider investing in the Dewitt 20 x 20 EPDM Pond Liner.
Similar to the previous product, it uses a durable EPDM rubber construction. Hence, this material can effectively withstand harsh weather conditions and prolonged exposure under the sun. It also would not crumple or tear easily, owing to the 45 Mil or 0.045-inch thickness, unlike other pond liner materials.
Additionally, there is a 75-year life expectancy. This puncture-resistant EPDM liner can last you for years to come, as long as you maintain it properly.
And speaking of maintenance, this fish pond liner is easy to maintain. It does not require you to clean it every day. Just make sure to check it for tears and crumples from time to time.
As for the size, this best pond liner is 20 feet long by 20 feet wide. It covers more surface area, suitable for medium to larger ponds.
Moreover, it is safe for both fish and plants. It is even environmentally friendly, so you can ensure that it would not produce toxic fumes when installing it on your fish pond.
Finally, the manufacturer provides a 20-year limited warranty. Thus, it allows you to ask for a refund or return of the product easily when it did not meet your expectations.
Despite these benefits, it is still best to consider its downsides before finalizing your purchasing decision. First, it is more expensive than other EPDM pond liners on the market. Second, some users said that it was difficult to manage due to the heavy material.
Overall, though, the Dewitt 20 x 20 EPDM Liner is still among the best pond liners available today. I highly recommend it to those with medium to large ponds and want to ensure durability.
Pros:
- Puncture-resistant EPDM rubber material with a 75-year life expectancy can withstand cold climates, direct sunlight, and other harsh conditions
- It covers a larger surface area, ideal for big fish ponds, koi ponds, and other water gardens
- Safe to use for aquatic plants, fish, and the environment
- Low-maintenance pond liner
- A 20-year limited manufacturer’s warranty ensures excellent build quality
Cons:
- Quite expensive compared to competitors on the market
- A few users said that the pond liner is difficult to manage and install due to its weight
3. Firestone 20 x 25 EPDM Pond Liner
Those who own a large pond or water fountain can consider getting the Firestone 20 x 25 EPDM Pond Liner.
It covers a large surface area of 20 feet long by 25 feet wide. So whether you own a large pond or an irregular-sized one, this pond liner might fit your needs.
Additionally, this pond liner has a thickness of 45 Mil or 0.045 inches. It can ensure that turtles or raccoons would not easily tear the material.
Plus, it features EPDM rubber construction. This material is durable enough to withstand harmful UV rays and changing weather conditions. Hence, it can last you for years to come.
Furthermore, this pond liner is environmentally friendly. There is no need to worry about toxic chemicals and fumes when using this liner for your fish pond or water fountain.
On top of all these benefits, Firestone offers a 20-year limited warranty for this pond liner. So if you want to return or refund the item, this warranty coverage allows you to do so with ease.
But before buying this product, it is essential to consider its downsides. First, this pond liner is quite heavy to set up on your own. Second, it is relatively expensive compared to the other items on the market.
After considering its benefits, though, I think the Firestone 20 x 25 EPDM Pond Liner deserves a place on this list. I highly recommend it to users with large ponds or water fountains.
Pros:
- It covers a large surface area, ideal for big ponds and water fountains
- 45 Mil EPDM material is durable and thick enough to last you for years to come
- Environment-friendly pond liner
- It is safe to use for fish and plant life
- Manufacturer provides a 20-year limited warranty
Cons:
- The most expensive pond liner on this list
- Some users said that it is heavy to set up on your own pond
4. Firestone 5 x 10 EPDM Pond Liner
Do you own a relatively small pond or water fountain? Then, the Firestone 5 x 10 EPDM Pond Liner might be the right product for your needs.
It is five feet long by 10 feet wide, ideal for a small pond. It is also flexible and lightweight, making it easy to set up on your own.
But do not let its small size fool you! This pond liner offers unmatched durability, owing to its EPDM rubber construction. This material can withstand direct sunlight as well as changing weather conditions. As such, it can last you for a long time.
Plus, it has a 45 Mil or 0.045-inch thickness. Thus, this puncture-resistant pond liner would not tear when you mishandle it.
Furthermore, it is deemed safe to use for fish and plant life. It does not even produce harmful chemicals and toxins, making it environmentally friendly.
Lastly, Firestone offers a 20-year limited warranty. So if the product did not meet your expectations, it allows you to ask for a return or refund easily.
However, there are still a few cons to consider when choosing this pond liner. First, some users noticed that it was full of dust, forcing them to clean the liner before setting it up. Second, a few customers noticed that raccoons and turtles damaged the liner.
Nevertheless, the Firestone 5 x 10 EPDM Pond Liner is still a product worth considering. It is one of the best EPDM liners on the market today.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight pond liner is easy to install on your own
- 45 Mil EPDM puncture-resistant material can withstand harmful UV rays and harsh weather conditions
- It is safe for fish, plants, and even the environment
- 20-year limited warranty allows you to ask for a refund or return if the product did not meet your expectations
Cons:
- Some customers said that turtles and raccoons easily tore the liner
- A few users had to clean the pond liner before setting it up because it came full of dust
5. AQUANIQUE 13 x 20 Pond Skin Pond Liner
The AQUANIQUE 13 x 20 Pond Skin Pond Liner is another excellent product worth considering.
It uses polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material with a strong polyester weave placed between its layers. Thus, it can withstand harsh outdoor conditions and prolonged exposure under the sun.
Additionally, this PVC liner features a textured surface. It can help promote positive bacteria growth, so you have the right foundation for an environmentally balanced pond habitat.
Furthermore, it is just the right size for both medium- and large-sized ponds up to 1,200 gallons. It has dimensions of 9 feet long by 16 feet wide.
As for the thickness, this PVC pond liner is slim at 14.5 Mil or 0.145 inches. Hence, it is lightweight and easy to handle, compared to EPDM liners and RPE pond liners.
However, some users said that this pond liner could be too thin for their needs. It required them to install an underlayment to keep the water from leaking. Some customers also noticed that it could get easily punctured when they tried to install it, meaning its puncture resistance is weak in contrast to EPDM liners and RPE pond liners.
Overall, though, the AQUANIQUE 13 x 20 Pond Skin is one of the best polyvinyl chloride pond liners on the market today. I highly recommend it to users who prefer a lightweight and easy-to-install koi pond liner.
Pros:
- It uses PVC material to ensure many years of continued use
- Strong polyester weave can withstand UV rays and changing weather conditions
- 13 x 20 feet pond liner is ideal for large ponds up to 1,200 gallons
- Thin 14.5 Mil makes the liner lightweight and easy to handle
Cons:
- The pond liner is very thin, which requires you to have an underlayment
- Some users said that it could get easily punctured when they tried to install it
6. Aquascape PRO Grade EPDM Boxed Pond Liner
Do you want a thick yet easy-to-install pond liner? Then, consider investing in the Aquascape PRO Grade EPDM Boxed Pond Liner.
It features a fish-safe EPDM construction. This material leads the industry due to its excellent quality, puncture resistance, and reliability. It can survive harsh conditions, extended exposure under the sun, and even oxidation. Thus, it can last you for years to come.
Additionally, this best pond liner is 45 Mil or 0.045 thick. It will not tear apart easily when you try to install and secure it under decorative rocks and sharp stones.
And speaking of, this EPDM boxed liner has superior elongation and lay-flat characteristics. As such, it is easy to install without the need for special tools.
Finally, Aquascape provides a 20-year guarantee. This warranty coverage allows you to ask for a return or refund if the product does not meet your needs.
Despite these advantages, you might want to consider the downsides of this flexible pond liner. Some users noticed that it was coated with white powder once delivered. Thus, it forced them to wash the liner thoroughly before using it.
Nevertheless, the Aquascape PRO Grade EPDM Boxed Pond Liner is still among the top pond liners on the market. I highly recommend it to users who want to use the product right out of the packaging.
Pros:
- Fish-safe and environment-friendly EPDM material
- Superior elongation and lay-flat characteristics ensure easy installation
- THis pond lining does not require any complicated assembly and special tools
- Thick preformed liner does not tear easily
- 20-year limited warranty can guarantee excellent build quality that lasts for a long time
Cons:
- Some users said that the pond liner was coated with white powder
- You may need to wash it thoroughly before using it
7. TotalPond 7 x 10 Pond Liner
The last product on this list of the best pond liner is the TotalPond 7 x 10 Pond Liner.
It features polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material with a strong polyester weave placed between the layers. But unlike other PVC liners, this particular model weighs 30% less without affecting its strength and flexibility. Plus, it can withstand UV rays and harsh weather conditions, which can last you for years to come.
Additionally, this PVC pond liner has a textured surface. It can promote positive bacteria growth, so you can achieve an environmentally balanced habitat. This will pave the way for healthier plants and fish.
Moreover, it has a 14.5 Mil or 0.0145-inch thickness. This pond liner is lightweight and easy to handle.
Finally, this pond liner is small in size at only 3 feet long and 6 feet wide. It is ideal for small ponds with up to 200 gallons of water.
But before buying this PVC liner, it is best to consider its downsides. First, some users noticed that raccoons and other pests could easily tear the new pond liner apart. Second, it could sometimes get punctured when securing it with rocks.
Overall, though, the TotalPond 7 x 10 Pond Liner is one of the best PVC liners on the market today. I highly recommend it to those with a small pond or water fountain.
Pros:
- Durable PVC material weighs 30% less than other pond liners
- Strong polyester weave can ensure that the liner can last you for a long time
- The textured surface can promote beneficial microbial growth
- It is suitable for a small pond project with up to 200 gallons of water
Cons:
- Some users noticed that pests could tear the pond liner
- A few customers also said that it could get easily punctured when securing it with rocks
How to Choose the Best Pond Liner for Your Needs
By now, you probably have an idea of the best pond liners. But if you still have difficulties choosing the right one for your needs, fret not!
Below, I will discuss the factors you need to consider before finalizing your purchasing decision.
Size
The first thing to consider when choosing a pond liner is how much material you need. To determine this, you must figure out the dimensions of your pond.
Take note of the longest, widest, and deepest points of your pond. Then, double that depth and add one foot to the measurement.
Finally, add this number to both the length and width of your pond. You can now find the appropriate liner size for your needs.
For instance, if you have a pond that is 5 feet deep by 10 feet long by 8 feet wide, the calculation would be:
- (5 feet deep x 2) + 1 = 11 feet
- 11 feet + 10 feet long = 21 feet
- 11 feet + 8 feet wide = 19 feet
Thus, you need to invest in a liner that is 21 feet long by 19 feet wide to cover the entire pond surface area.
Material
Besides the size, you also need to check the material of the pond liner. There are different types of components that pond liners are crafted from. The most common materials are ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
The former is known for its UV-resistant properties and high flexibility degree. EPDM rubber is also easy to fold, especially around the corners. Most importantly, this material is safe to use around fish, plants, and the environment. The only downside is that it is usually heavier than PVC liners, making it difficult to ship and handle.
In contrast, a PVC pond liner is easy to lay down and install. It is lightweight and flexible, ideal for different types of ponds. However, this material often uses plasticizers to increase malleability, which can harm fish and the environment. Plus, it does not last nearly as long as EPDM rubber pond liners.
Choosing between the two depends on your needs and personal preferences.
Flexibility
You might also want to consider the flexibility of your pond liner. You must ensure that it can be appropriately shaped to align with your pond. Take note that the malleability of the liner largely depends on its material, so you have to choose carefully.
For instance, if you have a kidney bean-shaped or freeform pond, you must look for a flexible liner. It must be easy to shape into the curves and other crevices of the pond.
However, those who have a simple square or circle pond do not necessarily need a very malleable liner.
Safety
Finally, you need to ensure that the pond liner is safe to use for your fish and plants.
EPDM rubber pond liners are fish and environment-friendly. But be careful when choosing PVC liners for your pond. Some of them can contain trace amounts of arsenic and other toxic chemicals. These can be dangerous to fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a pond liner?
It might be tempting to skip using a liner during the excavation phase of your project. However, it is essential to install one.
The pond liner is a waterproof sheet that can keep your pond filled with water. As such, it can also prevent the water from leaching back into the earth. Plus, it protects fish and plants from harmful outdoor conditions.
Overall, a pond liner can ensure that your pond stays beautiful, fresh, and safe for years to come.
Which is better: PVC pond liner or EPDM liners?
The best type of liner depends on your needs and personal preferences.
But if you will ask me, the best type of pond liner uses EPDM rubber. This material can withstand harsh weather and prolonged exposure under the sun. Thus, it can last you for a long time.
How to install a pond liner?
A pond liner is relatively easy to install. If you already own an underlayment, make sure to lay that down first.
Once it is properly secured, you can unfold and roll out the liner along the length of your pond. Make sure that there are no sharp rocks in the vicinity. Then, you can proceed to pull the liner down to the bottom of the pond and up the other side. Afterwards, you can secure the liner by tucking it into the trench. Do not fill the trench until the pond is full of water.
WHen in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure successful liner installation.
Conclusion
That sums up my top picks for the best pond liners on the market today! I highly recommend every product to pond owners as it can keep the water in your existing pond from seeping back into the ground.
But if I can only pick one, it would be the Firestone 15 x 20 EPDM Rubber Pond Liner. The dimensions are the right pick for my medium-sized pond. Most importantly, it uses EPDM rubber to ensure durability for years to come. Furthermore, this best pond liner is easy to maintain and install. Lastly, it is safe to use around fish, plants, and the environment.
