The addition of a pond can take your property from being a mundane, boring place to one of tranquility and peaceful beauty.
Pond’s can also be helpful in growing vegetation thanks to their ability to utilize the hydroponic equipment needed to do so.
This project can also add value to your home and property, lending a unique and magical ambiance rather than just a plain, old backyard with grass and dirt.
The use of a quality pond liner will protect your investment in many ways.
From keeping the water inside to keeping rocks and roots out, this item is a necessity for any pond project. There are many different versions currently available made from different materials with a vast array of specifications.
We’ve demystified the world of pond liners and provided you with a buyer’s guide to help you sort through your options. We’ve also reviewed the most popular pond liners to save you time and money.
Selecting the Best Pond Liners in November, 2018
| Product | Dimensions | Weight | Brand | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firestone EPDM Pond Liner (Editor’s Choice) | 240 x 180 inches | 90 pounds | Firestone | Check Price |
| Firestone W56PL452020 EPDM Rubber | 16 x 16 x 16 inches | 131 pounds | Firestone | Check Price |
| TotalPond Skins Pond Liner (Editor’s Choice) | 17.3 x 17.3 x 4.3 inches | 25 pounds | TotalPond | Check Price |
| Beckett Corporation 35-Gallon Preformed Pond Liner | 39 x 39 x 18 inches | 7.4 pounds | Beckett Corporation | Check Price |
| Aquanique Pond Skin Pond Liner | 19.2 x 16.5 x 3.4 inches | 22.8 pounds | AQUANIQUE | Check Price |
| Firestone PondGard PL45-1010 | 12 x 11 x 14 inches | 30 pounds | Firestone | Check Price |
| Algreen Avonlea Rigid Preformed Pond Liner | 26 x 12 x 36 inches | 4 pounds | Algreen | Check Price |
| Beckett Pond PVC Liner | 20.8 x 17.8 x 7 inches | 26.9 pounds | Beckett Corporation | Check Price |
| Geotextile Underlayment | 20.3 x 12.8 x 12.7 inches | 10.95 pounds | PatriotGuard | Check Price |
| Aquascape EPDM 45 Mil Rubber Liner | 12 x 12 x 12.5 inches | 23.3 pounds | Aquascape | Check Price |
1. Firestone EPDM Pond Liner : Best For Creatively Designed or Very Shallow Ponds
The Firestone EPDM pond liner arrives precut, so it’s perfect for anyone who is busy and on the go. Its versatility is demonstrated by its ability to work amazingly within a plethora of projects.
You can use this liner in ponds, fountains, water gardens, and so many other applications.
The Firestone liner is built to last, resisting tears and punctures beautifully.
- Perfect for oddly shaped projects thanks to amazing flexibility
- UV resistant
- Protects against tears and punctures
- Great for cooler climates
- Helps ponds appear deeper
- Highly durable
- Plant and fish friendly
- Fifteen by twenty foot size may not work as well for larger ponds
2. Firestone W56PL452020 EPDM Rubber : Most Versatile Option
The Firestone W56PL452020 EPDM Rubber Pond Liner is an extremely versatile option.
This model is perfect for use in almost any type of pond, bog gardens, water gardens, fountain basins, cracked hard shell ponds, and much more.
This liner features a highly flexible membrane that’s also waterproof.
- Lightweight and highly flexible
- Can be utilized in a wide variety of water projects
- Folds easily making it great for corners and curved edges
- Versatile
- Resistant to UV rays
- Thicker than other options
3. TotalPond Skins Pond Liner : Great Lightweight Option
The TotalPond Skins Pond Liner is a lightweight option, which makes it easy to handle.
This PVC liner has been engineered to weigh 30 percent less than other PVC liners while retaining supreme strength and flexibility thanks to it being weaved with strong, durable polyester.
It is an excellent choice for larger ponds and can accommodate capacities of up to 1,000 gallons of water.
- Durable and flexible
- Weighs less than other PVC liners
- UV resistant
- Great for large ponds up to 1,000 gallons
- Supports healthy ecosystem
- Easy to work with
- Microbial growth design means there isn’t a shiny side, so it can be a bit confusing to make sure you have the proper side facing upwards
4. Beckett Corporation 35-Gallon Preformed Pond Liner : Best for Those Individuals That Are New to Ponds
The Becket Corporation makes lining your pond easier than ever with their 35-gallon capacity preformed liner.
This plastic lining option is sturdy and durable.
Its preformed with a flat bottom, which provides stability for plant life and fish.
- Preformed so it’s ready to be placed into your excavated hole
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Great for fish and plant life
- You cannot tailor it to your specific project since it is already formed and rigid
5. Aquanique Pond Skin Pond Liner : Best Lightweight Option for Ponds with Fish and Plant Life
The Aquanique Pond Skin Liner is a PVC based liner that is thinner than many of the liners crafted from PVC or EPDM.
It’s super flexible making it one of the easier liners to handle.
It has a durable mesh weave that aids in its resistance to punctures and tears.
- Perfect for fish ponds
- Supports the growth of healthy bacteria and algae
- Very lightweight
- Highly flexible
- Very thin but it holds up well under pressure
6. Firestone PondGard PL45-1010 : Best Value For Your Money
The PondGard is yet another outstanding product from Firestone. This pond liner is crafted from rubber.
This fact makes it highly malleable, so it is terrific for creatively shaped ponds or even waterfalls.
It is also extremely durable.
- Rubber material is easy to use
- UV and ozone ray resistant
- Durable
- Perfect for oddly shaped ponds or waterfall setups
- Little to no maintenance needed to upkeep this option
- Thicker than other versions
7. Algreen Avonlea Rigid Preformed Pond Liner : Best for First Time Users Seeking a Small Pond
The Algreen Avonlea Rigid Preformed Pond Liner is a lovely choice for newbies to ponds.
It is a preformed liner, so you won’t need to stress over correct placements, corners, or curves.
This model accommodates up to 33 gallons of water and features a flat base to allow for easier placement of essential items such as a pump or stable plants.
- Preformed
- Holds up to 33 gallons
- Great for plants and animals
- Easy to install
- Flat base for stable plants and pump installation
- At 36 inches in length, 28 inches in width, and a depth of 14 inches, it’s not the biggest option
- Preformed liner does not allow for creativity
8. Beckett Pond PVC Liner : Perfect for Larger Ponds
The Beckett Pond PVC Liner is sized at 17 feet by 12 feet, making it a wonderful choice for larger projects.
It can accommodate up to 945 gallons of water.
Made of PVC, it is on the thinner end of the spectrum at 20 ml so that it would be a great option for odd shapes.
- UV ray and weather resistant
- Flexible
- Great for larger projects
- Easy to work with
- May not be as resistant to punctures as other thicker options
9. Geotextile Underlayment : Best for Multitasking
The Geotextile Underlayment is actually a liner and underlayment all in one product.
This item adds a layer of cushion between your pond and any rocks or roots that may be hiding below.
It will reduce the wear and tear caused by these dangers as well as tears or punctures.
- Two products in one: a liner and underlay
- Durable and super resistant to tears and punctures
- Great for fish and plants
- Easy to use
- Several widths available
- Perfect for unstable soil situations
- Thicker than other available options
10. Aquascape EPDM 45 Mil Rubber Liner : Best for Ponds with Waterfalls or Streams
The Aquascape EPDM Rubber Liner provides excellent stretch while remaining resistant to punctures or tears.
It’s thin enough to be malleable yet protective enough to keep your pond looking serene year after year.
Its low upkeep means you can spend more time enjoying your pond and less time maintaining it.
- Flexible
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Perfect for ponds, streams, waterfalls, water gardens, and much more
- Fish and plant friendly
- Oxidization and UV ray resistant
- Slightly heavier than other options
Best Pond Liners – Buyer’s Guide
Whether you are constructing your first pond or your tenth, a liner is an essential part of the pond. The right liner will lend strength and integrity to your design.
With so many options and materials available, choosing the best one can get pretty confusing We’ve created this guide to help clarify the vast array of options available to you, so you are able to make an informed decision when purchasing a liner.
Do I Really Need to Purchase a Pond Liner?
During the excavation or hole digging phase of your pond project, you may be tempted to skip using a liner. You do not want to skip this imperative step. The pond liner is a waterproof fabric which will keep your pond filled with water, instead of it just leeching back into the earth. It also protects any fish or plants that have made their home there.
Most liners are attached sheets of fabrics. These joined areas, or “joints,” are sealed in the factory to ensure their strength and durability. Purchasing a liner meant strictly for ponds is an essential part of ensuring your pond stays beautiful, safe, and fresh for years and years to come.
Key Factors to Consider when Choosing a Pond Liner
There are several important factors to examine while searching for the perfect pond liner.
Exposure
The type of exposure your liner will be under is an important point to think about. Assessing whether your new liner will be exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays is an excellent place to start. UV rays aren’t just harmful to our sensitive skin. In many cases, the liner will be covered with cement, so this isn’t as much of an issue. If you live in a particularly sunny area, this may be of more importance to you and your pond.
Environmentally Friendly
Some of the materials that liners are crafted from can be prone to disrupting the various forms of flora and fauna found within your pond’s ecosystem. PVC liners fall into this category. If you’ll be filling your pond with fish or flowers, closely examining the materials constituting the liner is crucial. Additionally, some liners contain arsenic, which is extremely deadly to plants and animals no matter how low the amount.
Flexibility
You need your liner to be flexible so that it can be properly shaped to align with your pond or similar water project. Depending on the materials that your liner is crafted from, it will have varying degrees of malleability. Some of the more popular pond shapes like kidney bean shaped or freeform will require a liner that is easy to manipulate into the curves and crevices presented.
What are the Different Materials Available?
Let’s take a closer look at the components that pond liners are crafted from.
Reinforced Polyethylene Pond Liners
Reinforced Polyethylene Pond Liners, RPEs, are quite possibly the most durable type of liner. They are extremely solid and resist punctures and tears beautifully. This version is thinner than others and can be welded together using heat methods. RPEs are able to last over 40 years, which is an extremely long time as it pertains to liner lifespans.
RPEs are easier to pack and install thanks to their thickness. They are also lighter. Due to their thin characteristic, you will need to utilize an underlayment. This version is also safe for plant and animal life and costs less than other materials.
On the downside they aren’t very resistant to UV rays. As such, RPEs are best used in areas that aren’t subjected to much direct sunlight. You may be able to avoid this with cement or extra soil.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Pond Liners
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, EPDM, is heavier making it more difficult to ship and handle. These liners are easily folded, especially around corners, which is due to its high flexibility degree. EPMS are safe for plants and animals as well.
Unlike RPEs, EPDMs cannot be heat welded together, but you can attach them with tape. This particular material is not very resistant to punctures, so you’ll need to use an underlayment with this version. They are extremely UV resistant though.
Polyvinyl Chloride Pond Liners
Polyvinyl Chloride, PVC, is heavier than RPE but slighter than EPDM liners. They are the least expensive version available. Some of these liners may contain trace elements such as arsenic, so they shouldn’t be used for fish or plant-filled ponds if they contain these kinds of ingredients.
PVC liners often have added in plasticizers to increase flexibility, which may tend to split and crack. This makes them a dangerous hazard to many different types of wildlife. They are fairly easy to lay down and fold and fall in the middle of the puncture resistance spectrum when compared to RPE liners and EPDM liners. They are the least UV resistance and do not last nearly as long as other versions which may also make them undesirable for many products.
Calculating the Right Amount of Liner Needed
To figure out the size of lining needed, you’ll just need to perform some simple math equations. You can use these calculations in inches, feet, yards, or even meters. These equations will also include the overlap needed for the top lip portion of the pond.
• Necessary Liner Length = Length of pond + 2(depth of pond) + 2
• Necessary Liner Width = Width of pond + 2(depth of pond) + 2
Understanding Underlays
Underlays are a crucial piece of the pond puzzle. They will be laid down before your insert your liner. The purpose of this item is to add protection from both above and below pressures that could harm the liner. From sharp stones that could puncture or tear the liner to the weight of the water filling the pond, underlining is an imperative part of ensuring your pond’s structural integrity.
Underlays will also guard against dangers such as plant roots which continue to grow sight unseen beneath your pond. These roots may not be an issue currently, but eventually, they can become a thorn in your pond’s side, literally. An efficient underlay will act as a barrier to prevent such problems.
Thinking about what type of pond you want is the first step in determining which lining will be the perfect fit. If you plan to have a peaceful Koi fish pond, steer away from any liners with dangerous trace elements like arsenic. If your pond is very large, using RPEs may be your best bet, since they are easily welded together using heat. Understanding your needs and comparing them with each type of liner should make it much easier to find the best liner for your pond. Don’t forget to leave us a comment with your thoughts and tips.
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Anastasia says
We have a very large pond so we’ve chosen The Beckett Pond PVC Liner. It really does its work, it’s very easy to use this liner, recommend it to everybody, who has fishes and plants. And, of course, the price is very attractive.
Logan says
I’ve found a perfect liner for me, which is very flexible and works with my pond so well. The Firestone EPDM pond liner suits me cause I have a very small pond (I always wanted to make it, but I don’t have enough place for a huge project). Just want to recommend it to those people who don’t know what to choose. That’s the best one, really.
Ruby S. says
It’s so hard to choose a liner, it seems that I’ve read all the guides, reviews and recommendations, but I still doubt what to buy. I’ve heard from my neighbor that Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer are the best ones. Hope, your guide will set everything in place.
Bronx says
It was said about the most important factors in choosing. I call on you to buy something environmentally-friendly. Please! It’s very important to save our dying nature, just don’t turn your beautiful pond into a rubbish bin and remember that you’re trying to make a piece of nature in your garden! I hope anybody will support me.
Eva says
It is said that The Geotextile Underlayment is thicker than other liners, but it’s not a disadvantage I think. In our pond, it works not only as a liner but as a bedding material too. Two in one! It costs reasonable, that’s why I recommend to buy it to everybody. Thanks for your guide, we’ve chosen it with your help.
Jeremy says
All information written about PVC liners is the truth! I had so many troubles with such liners because they really tend to crack! Read as many reviews as you can, cause people won’t recommend anything bad. And now I want to be such a person and prevent you from buying a PVC liner.
Poppy says
I found a perfect pond liner for me – TotalPond Skins Pond Liner, it’s nice and big. I have fish in the pond and I didn’t notice they don’t like this liner. Also, it’s very easy to unfold it and to lay. We’re all happy with it and recommend to everybody.
Sopfie says
When I was buying my first pond liner, I didn’t read any guide or review, I just asked for my friend’s recommendation. Now I understand that I made a big mistake, cause my liner isn’t the best one, and I have chosen a new one here. Thanks for the useful information!
Chris says
Two weeks ago I got the best pond liner delivered. My choice wasn’t typical – Beckett Corporation 35-Gallon Preformed Pond Liner, but now I’m the happiest owner of ponds haha. It works really well, and the shape is suitable for my project. Hope, it’ll be in good condition for a long time. Give it a try!
Greg says
I have read everything on this page but still can’t decide what to buy. One is very expensive for me, the other has cons which I don’t like. I hope that my colleague will help me or at least a salesperson, cause I don’t believe such pages as much as I can believe real people.
Peter says
When my pond was considered just as a project, I wanted it to be small but attractive. That’s why I need a pond liner of the same size. I bought Algreen Avonlea Rigid Preformed Pond Liner recently and I’m not disappointed in this choice. Just read the pros and cons, watch the video and you’ll understand everything.
Keith says
And are you still happy about it? I’m just interested whether this liner is durable or not.
Jeremy says
Why buying all this equipment is such a difficult thing? I had a project of the pond in my head, and when I started to looking for a liner, it was so much I had to read and know about. Now I feel like I’m a professional in choosing pond equipment, but still visiting such sites to be updated.
Josh says
I’m so glad that I see The Firestone PondGard PL45-1010 in your guide. It’s a liner which I’m happy to have. You know how stressful it’s to choose something like pond equipment, but when you have this liner delivered you understand that everything is finished and it was your best choice. Recommend it to everybody.
Evan says
And what can you say about its durability? I’m just thinking of buying the same liner, but have seen some negative reviews. So now I’m completely lost and don’t know what to do.
Mark says
The spring has come and it’s the best time to get the backyard water garden up and running. As the temperature was getting higher, I needed to find a pond liner as soon as possible. Now I got it delivered and I can relax a little bit because it suits me perfectly. Recommend you to rush!
Charlie says
If I’m not mistaken, nobody has recommended The Aquanique Pond Skin Pond Liner here, I’ll be the first:) This liner has quite a high rate and a lot of reviews, that’s why I was confident buying it. But while using it I didn’t become disappointed, it was very easy to install the liner and I hope it won’t lose its qualities for a long time.
Michael says
I’ve read this guide and a lot of other pages and finally made my choice. Hope, my post won’t delay the order and I’ll get the liner soon. If I like it, I’ll leave a comment with a recommendation.
Margaret says
I have a little waterfall with a small pond and lots of fish in it, that’s why I needed something suitable for all of them. One more important thing for me is being eco-friendly. That’s why after hours of reading and researching I found
The Aquascape EPDM 45 Mil Rubber Liner and I don’t know what to complain about. It does everything it should for a reasonable price.
Kelly says
I spent so much time searching for the best pond liner. The problem is that after reading hundreds of pages on different forums an websites you just forgot what do you read it. And the answer can be somewhere near. I called my father and he recommended me the liner which I’ve been using for 6 months now.
Leora says
Same situation! Spent so much time on searching but found my liner in a neighbor’s garden.
Dereck says
I see that you have very good recommendations in this guide. I was pleased to see my favorite pond liner (The Firestone W56PL452020 EPDM Rubber Pond Liner), which I bought not only for my garden but for relatives’ one too. They were happy to get it cause it works well, the price isn’t high and it’s thicker than other option (and I still don’t understand why it is a disadvantage).
William says
Before I started all this research in order to find the best pond liner I thought it’s just a large black piece of rubber and what was the point to compare them. But now I see how much they differ and thanks to your guide for making my research easier.
Abigail says
When I choose something I always try to find the best variant no matter how much it costs and how many kilometres between me and my order. After weeks of surfing on different forums and sites, I came to a decision and ordered The Aquascape EPDM Rubber Liner. It was delivered three weeks ago and I still can’t give you a perfect recommendation only because I can’t prove its durability. But speaking of other features, they are great. It’s very flexible and I didn’t have any problems installing it to my pond. So, highly recommend!
Conor says
However pond liners are very durable, when a new season is about to open, I always spend hours reading and searching for some new equipment. Don’t actually know how to stop doing this and dreaming about changing the garden one more time, make some changes to the pond.
Peter says
The only pond liner that I’m confident I will buy again – The Firestone PondGard PL45-1010. Yes, it can be very heavy for someone and it can be hard to adjust it without help but it is the best variant for huge ponds.
Odry says
My new liner is much nicer than I expected. It stands up on its own and suits my pond perfectly. The material is so good and the way it looks, in reality, is much better than in the photo. So I’m happy now and hope it will be durable.
Polly says
I replaced my old liner with the Aquascape EPDM 45 Mil Rubber one and now I’m so satisfied with its quality so I want to share this. This liner is made from the more pliable material, it always stays flexible and its size suits me the best of all.
Rea says
I wanted to have a lot of fish in my pond so there was a need for something not dangerous for them. Also, my pond is really large that’s why it was a difficult combination to find. But finally, I’m waiting for my order to be delivered next week, hope I will share my positive experience.
Vincent says
My parents gone crazy and decided to make a huge pond full of fish and plants but, of course, all the equipment I had to choose. Thi liner which I finally bought I found on this page and want to say thank you. The Beckett Corporation 35-Gallon Preformed Pond Liner was extremely easy to install, I like that it’s UV resistant. A good purchase, recommend it to everyone.
Alexis says
The best liner I’ve ever had was chosen by my boyfriend, he knows a lot about pond and garden staff. I still don’t know the name of it but how great it is! I probably should know the brand and tell you.
Barbara says
The size of The Beckett Corporation 35-Gallon Preformed Pond Liner is perfectly suitable for my pond. I don’t know how I chose it but I didn’t mistake. The best one I’ve ever had and what is important for a pleasant price.
Lisa says
I’ve been searching for an ideal pond liner for so much time but it is hidden from me. I don’t know why but they all have many disadvantages and money which is given for them are bigger than the work they do.
Paula says
I like The Firestone PondGard PL45-1010 pond liner best of all. It’s quality and price suit me perfectly.
Tyson says
The Firestone EPDM pond liner is very durable! I’ve been using it for about 2 years and it’s still in a good condition. Recommend it to those who want to save money and to have a thing of high quality too.
Boris says
It’s impossible to find something “the best” really. All pond liners that I had were with problems so now I don’t hope to find anything.
Brianna says
All liners are disgusting I suppose but The Aquascape EPDM Rubber Liner isn’t as bad as the others only because it’s very flexible and I didn’t waste much time adjusting it to my pond.
Pablo says
My pond liner looks so bad and it has been working for a long time so I don’t even remember its brand. Hope, I’ll see it somewhere cause I don’t want anything else.
Coby says
If you ask me which pond liner is the best, I’ll doubtless say Aquanique Pond Skin Pond Liner. I’ve been using it for ages and never had any problems with it. Recommend to all pond owners really.
Hayley says
I can’t choose between PVC and rubber pond liners. It seems very hard for me to understand the differences and to find out which one is better.
Whitney says
I find rubber variants more durable, but maybe it’s only my opinion. So if you ask me which one to buy, I will recommend a rubber pond liner.
Homer says
I like how Geotextile Underlayment protects my pond for the last three months and that’s why want to recommend it to everyone who visits this website. Just read a little bit more about this liner to understand. Its characteristics are the best for me.
Gus says
So true! The best liner I’ve ever had. I was glad to find someone who thinks the same.
Monika says
How much I like sales! The pear before I’ve bought a great pond liner on sales, but now it costs too much. I don’t know what to do as I’ve never seen something better than this one.
Kev says
I haven’t seen here any comment about The Algreen Avonlea Rigid Preformed Pond Liner, and I feel like I should do it. It’s a great liner which has changed the way of gardening. Its quality and durability make me buying the same one when this one won’t be in good condition.
Susy says
Patriot Guard is a brand which I like most of all. That’s why my recommendation is to pay attention to Geotextile Underlayment liner. For me, it works as I waited.
Christian says
I always try to save money if I can, that’s why while choosing a liner a wanted to find an option which would have a lot of functions for a little price. Geotextile Underlayment is this very variant as it combines a liner with an underlay. Recommend this nozzle to everyone who is concerned about money and quality at the same time.
Anderson says
It’s not the most popular option, but I will recommend it. Beckett Corporation 35-Gallon Preformed Pond Liner is a liner which will work for your and pond for many years, believe me. It’s a great purchase. The nice sum for this quality.