How to Install a Garden Pond Liner

A liner is necessary to prevent the pond water from seeping into the surrounding soil. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a durable liner material that allows you to create a garden pond in any shape or size. Installing a PVC liner can be done in a single day; but allow at least a weekend for completing a garden pond project. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• PVC liner
• Sand
• Rocks
• Hose

1. Measure the depth, length and width of the hole you have dug for your pond. Take the length and add 3 times the maximum depth then do the same for the width to determine the minimum size of PVC liner to purchase.

2. Look at PVC liners at a local home improvement or gardening center. Liners vary in thickness and may have different color options, such as blue or black. A thicker liner is less likely to puncture, so purchase the thickest you can afford.

3. Spread at least a 1-inch layer of sand in the bottom of the hole to help protect the liner against punctures from rocks or roots.

4. Center the liner over the hole and push it down into the hole. Temporarily place a few heavy rocks on the liner around the edge of the hole.

5. Fill the pond with water from a hose, allowing the weight of the water to push the liner all the way into the hole. Remove the heavy rocks holding the edge of the liner to allow it to naturally conform to the sides of the hole.

6. Get in the pond barefoot and use your hands and feet to smooth out wrinkles as the pond is filling.

7. Cover the edge of the pond liner with soil or heavy landscaping materials to hold it in place.

Tips & Warnings

• PVC liners have UV protection but will not last more than several years when exposed to direct sunlight. Cover any part of the liner that is exposed above the water level.

• Using cheaper plastic for the liner will not hold up in UV light and some plastic materials are toxic to fish.

• Do not leave small children unattended near a pond that is either filling with water or completely filled. A fence maybe required around particularly deep or large ponds.