Selecting the Right Material for Pond Liner

What is an HDPE pond liner?

Ponds are ubiquitous bodies of water that often serve a specific purpose. Some serve ecological needs like habitat restoration or water retention. Others, like water gardens and koi ponds, are decorative. Ponds working as reservoirs to hold animal waste, industrial waste, or runoff need added forms of containment.

Pond liners are among the essential elements in waste containment. Today, pond liners made of reinforced polyethylene (RPE), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are available. And while there are no shortages of pond liner choices, each type has its unique advantages. In this article, we will explore the merits of each liner.

Reinforced polyethylene pond liners

Despite their strength, RPE liners are lightweight and have half the thickness of other liners, making them easy to transport and install. Although they are not as flexible as EPDM or other liners, they still fold well and do not need underlayment. Separate sheets can be fusion welded together.

Ethylene propylene diene monomer pond liners

EPDM has been the go-to material for pond liners thanks to its UV resistance and flexibility. The material is safe for both fish and plants and give the essential impermeability necessary for a pond liner. Unfortunately, it suffers from some drawbacks. The material’s poor puncture resistance as reported by the Geosynthetics Institute leads to frequent maintenance. Furthermore, the maintenance requirements means it is less cost-effective than the other liners in the long-term. EPDM liners are also the heaviest, making it expensive to ship and more labor-intensive to install.

HDPE pond liners

When a tough, flexible liner is required, HDPE pond liners fit the bill as they are among the most durable and long-lasting polyethylene liners on the market. Additionally, these liners bring high resistance to chemicals and corrosion. They can be fusion weld together, forming permanent seals in the field. The fusion welding aspect requires an experienced welder and related equipment to ensure a quality installation. HDPE liners are safe for both fish and plants. Overall, HDPE liners are very cost-effective and have among the highest service lifespan of all polyethylene liners.

In summary, RPE, EDPM, and HDPE are each a competitive choice for you pond. But if you are curious in moving forward with HDPE liner for your next pond product, keep in mind that there are differences even among liners of the same category.

Choosing the right HDPE liner for your next pond

While HDPE liners offer a host of advantages, not all are equal. For example, even liners of the same material can show significant differences in performance. The Geosynthetic Institute (GSI) is responsible for setting test methods, standards of practice, and product specifications for HDPE pond liners. This responsibility includes design and installation guidance. If you are working with an HDPE liner, ensure that your selected product meets the GRI GM 13 test values.

AGRU’s chosen manufacturing approach, flat-die cast extrusion, allows for high-precision and reliable liners with consistent thickness values. Thanks to this approach, AGRU HDPE Smooth Liner exceeds GRI GM13 test values, making it a reliable and practical material for lining ponds. The liner is available in thicknesses between 30 and 100 mils, is available in various colors, and can be coextruded with a conductive layer. Such a conductive layer enables installers to incorporate Construction Quality Assurance Testing for holes, punctures, tears, cuts, cracks, and similar breaches over the geomembrane using ASTM D7240.