How to Build a Flexible Liner Garden Pond
One of the easiest ways to build your own garden pond is to use a flexible liner to hold the water, accessories, fish and vegetation. With a little planning, some elbow grease and a touch of imagination, you can build and design your very own outdoor water feature. Here are the steps to follow. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Flexible pond liner
- Underlay (sand, old carpet, or matting)
- Bricks
- Mortar
- Decorative edging
Instructions
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1
Determine the dimensions of the pond. This is crucial because these dimensions will dictate how much flexible liner, underlay, bricks, mortar and decorative edging you will need to complete your project. Know the length, width and depth of your desired pond.
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2
Determine how much flexible liner you will need, taking the depth (at the deepest part) into consideration. First, double the depth and add it to the length; then double the depth and add it to the width; then add about a foot and a half to both length and width to allow for the extension at the edges or perimeter. The new total length and total width will give you the dimensions of the liner you need.
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3
Decide which type of flexible liner to use. Polyethylene liners are economical, but may not last long; PVC liners are cost-effective and come in various grades; butyl rubber is highly flexible and durable, but somewhat expensive.
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4
Dig the pond. Mark the ground with a trail of sand and dig out the soil, providing for several depth levels if desired. Remove all rocks and sharp objects from the dig.
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5
Install the underlay. Whether it's sand, old carpeting or commercial matting, a good underlay will help cushion the flexible liner.
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6
Reinforce the edge of the pond with brick and mortar. The solid edging will help keep the shape of the pond and prevent the edges from collapsing.
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7
Lay the flexible liner in the pond. Tap it down gently so that you can gauge if the overlaps are even on all sides.
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8
Slowly add water to the pond. As the water fills, the flexible liner should eventually take the shape of the pond. Hold the edges of the liner or weigh them down with bricks to prevent them from falling into the pond. Check for trapped air pockets.
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9
Trim off the excess liner. When the pond is filled, trim the excess overlap along the edges with scissors.
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10
Add a decorative trim or edging to hide the edges of the flexible liner. Consider using stone slabs, pavers, bricks, stepping stones, rocks or boulders, holding them in place with mortar.
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11
Add plants and décor. Condition and cycle the water if adding fish.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that flexible pond liners are best used for creatively designed or uniquely shaped natural-looking garden ponds, but depending on the quality, can easily tear or puncture and may be difficult to clean out or repair.
