Knowing the exact size needed for a garden pond liner can be tricky, but it is essential for the creation of a healthy, well balanced water garden pond. As well as the size, you will also need to determine what material is best for your pond liner.

A good pond liner is one of the most important components in a successful water garden pond as it provides a barrier that stops the water leaking out into the surrounding earth. Pond liners are available in many different weights and materials. You can purchase standard sizes that have already been cut or choose a roll that you will have to trim to the correct size yourself. Pond liners are sold at all big box stores that stock fish pond supplies and also at specialty water garden pond stores. You can even order pond liners online if you know the exact material you require. The price of a pond liner varies according to its quality. The following guidelines will help you calculate the size of pond liner required for fountains, pondless waterfalls and most water garden ponds.

Choosing the Correct Material for a Pond Liner

The first thing you will have to decide is the type of material you would like. There are many different choices including PVC, fibreglass, polyethylene and rubber. Possibly the best material available for pond liners is rubber as it is cheap, flexible and comes in a variety of weights. It can also be used permanently without ever having to be replaced and will not harm any fish or plant life in the pond.

Measure the Garden Pond Accurately

Using a tape measure, take accurate measurements of the length, width and depth of your water garden pond.  If your pond is a strange shape, be sure to measure the deepest, longest and widest parts to get an accurate result. Never round up your measurements as it is much better to purchase a pond liner that is slightly larger than one that is too small to cover the floor of your pond.

Calculate Pond Liner Size with a Simple Equation

Calculate the length required by adding the length of your water garden pond + twice the depth + 2 extra feet. An example would be if your pond is 6 feet long by 3 feet deep, then the formula would be 6 + 6 + 2 = 14 feet.

The additional 2 feet is essential to allow you to fit the pond liner into any small crevices and rocks that may be on the floor of your pond. It also provides adequate space for the pond pump and reduces the risk of tearing from overstretching.

Calculate the exact width needed for your pond liner by adding the width of your water garden pond + twice the depth + 2 extra feet. An example for a pond 3 feet wide by 3 feet deep would be 3 + 6 +2 = 11.

Based on the aforementioned calculations, the correct pond liner required would be 14 feet long and 11 feet wide.

Adding the extra two feet to the measurements will allow you to install your pond liner in one piece. This is an important factor when it comes to installing an effective leak-proof water garden pond. If you find that you have extra material left over at the edges of your pond, fold or tuck it under so that it is out of sight. You will be grateful for the extra length when it comes to cleaning the pond as the liner will not accidently dislodge from under the rocks when using a pond vacuum.

Pricing a Pond Liner

Do some research on the cheapest stores close to you before purchasing your pond liner. Large liners will obviously be more expensive, but some stores are much more reasonable than others. Do not be tempted by lighter materials or those of an inferior quality when shopping for pond liners. These are far more likely to tear on jagged rocks and may even develop leaks after a short time. Better quality materials such as heavy gauge rubber are recommended as they will last a lifetime without compromising the health of your pond.

Using more than one liner for your pond is tricky as you will need to seal the edges with sealant to prevent leaks. One large pond liner is much easier and safer to use in a water garden pond. Once you have the correct size pond liner, you can build a beautiful pond that will stay healthy with correct maintenance and care.

Sources:

123Ponds. Com, My Favorite Online Pond Supplies Store

http://www.123ponds.com/

Exotic Aquatics, Exoticwaterscapes.com,

Fall Pond Care

http://www.exoticwaterscapes.com/fall-pond-care.phpDoityourself.com

Fish Pond Cleaning: The Organic Way

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/fish-pond-cleaning-the-organic-way