Fitting a rigid pond liner is most likely the fastest possible method to not only install a pond, but to install a durable, long lasting and low maintenance pond, that is, assuming you fit it well.

An appeal of the rigid pond liner is the sheer simplicity behind the idea. Having identified the liner shape that best suits your plot and design aspirations, dig a hole and in goes the liner. Fill it with water, some plants and some fish and Bob’s your uncle. In truth the process is almost that simple, it just requires a little care to ensure that each of the steps is performed in a satisfactory manner.

The most durable materials used in constructing preformed liners is fibreglass. This material also has the advantage that it does come in a variety of colours. One consideration in choosing a pond liner should also be transportation. It is quite likely you will make your purchase from a catalogue due to the inability of any retailer to hold extensive stock of the hundreds of available shapes. Take advantage of this method of purchase to ensure the liner is delivered to the ponds eventual location.

There are two key elements in ensuring the way you fit the pond assists in prolonging the life of the installation. The pond excavation should be as level as possible. Having a level surface will ensure that your pond does not look off kilter but will also maximise the volume of water held. Importantly though, the level base, covered with a layer of sand will reduce stress on the liner. With a litre of water weighing exactly 1Kg, or a bag of sugar, a pond liner is supporting a substantial load. The more the liner is supported the better. It is for exactly this reason that the excavation should also follow the shape of the liner as closely as possible. When the liner is fitted, it is important to backfill the cavity between the liner and surrounding earth. As backfilled soil will pack less densely than undisturbed earth, the less backfilling required the better. All of this care is to ensure that the liner is simply performing the job of a waterproof membrane and not acting as a load bearing structure.

With these simple actions followed, you should find that a preformed liner not only gave you a very simple and speedy pond solution, but also one that lasts for many years with minimal maintenance requirements.