Designing and creating your garden pond may seem like a rather daunting project, but in reality, it can be a relatively easy endeavor. An essential aspect of the planning and design process would be to decide which type of liner you will use to line your pond. Going for a thicker pond liner can often add to your pond’s life expectancy. Therefore, before starting construction on your pond, it would be a good idea to research which are the best thick pond liners available.
10 Of the best thick pond liners are:
- Firestone 45 Mil EPDM
- Actrey 15.6 Mil PVC
- Growneer 22 Mil PVC
- AquaScape Pro Grade EPDM 45 Mil
- UWIOFF 20 Mil LDPE
- Beckett Corporation Flexible Pre-Cut 20 Mil PVC
- Ogrmar LDPE 20 Mil
- LifeGuard 45 Mil EPDM
- Happybuy LLDPE 20 Mil
- TotalPond Rubber 20 Mil
You might think that all pond liners are identical due to their appearance, but this could not be further from the truth. Various kinds of pond liners are made of different materials with different thicknesses. Thicker pond liners can be a beneficial choice if you want longevity or need a thicker liner due to the surface you plan on building your pond. Having your choices narrowed down can be highly beneficial and make the decision process more manageable.
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10 Of The Best Thick Pond Liners
There are many different kinds of pond liners on the market today, and of those, there is a whole range of thicker liners from which you can choose. Researching the ins and outs of each brand of thick pond liner would be a tiresome and time-consuming endeavor. For this reason, we put together the following list of some of the most highly reviewed thick pond liners for your convenience.
1. Firestone 45 Mil EPDM Rubber Pond Liner
The Firestone 45 Mil EPDM Rubber Pond Liner is made from synthetic rubber, a highly versatile material perfect for constructing medium and larger ponds. It is a thick, supple, and durable liner that is more resistant to tears and punctures. The Firestone Pond Liner is easily cuttable with a knife or scissors if you wish to adjust the size. It has a 20-year warranty and an expected 75-year life expectancy.
The thickness of this liner makes it the perfect choice for those who need to place their liners onto a rough or rocky surface or if you need to work around sharp edges. One thing you should bear in mind, this liner is rather heavy and will require some maneuvering to get it properly in place.
Some of the pros and cons of the Firestone 45 Mil Rubber Pond Liner:
Pros:
- Large Size
- EPDM Rubber
- Durable
- Environmentally friendly
- Safe for plant and fish life
- UV-Resistant
- Easy to cut
Cons:
- Heavy to move
2. Actrey 15.6 Mil PVC Pond Liner
Actrey 15.6 Mil PVC Pond Liner is made of Polyvinyl Chloride, the least expensive pond liner material. PVC is also lightweight; in some cases, it can contain plasticizers, making the material flexible and stretchy. Actrey Pond Liner is excellent for midsized ponds, waterfalls, and fountains. This pond liner has a textured surface that promotes good bacterial growth.
The Actrey brand uses high-quality PVC that will cause no harm to any fish living in your pond. One downside to this pond liner is that it is relatively stiff, making it challenging to work with, especially if you plan to use it in a pond with an odd shape or steps.
Some of the pros and cons of the Actrey 15.6 Mil PVC Pond Liner:
Pros:
- Lightweight
- UV resistant
- Puncture resistant
- Textured surface
- High-quality PVC
Cons:
- Hard to work with
- Stiff
3. Growneer 22 Mil LLDPE Pond Liner
Growneer 22 Mil LLDPE Pond Liner is made of low-density polyethylene, a material that has become an economically viable alternative to PVC pond liners. LLDPE pond liners have greater flexibility allowing you to have a neater finish to your pond as they mold to the pond shape more snugly with a lower chance of wrinkles.
This pond liner from Growneer is safe for plant and fish life and is an excellent choice for fish ponds, waterfalls, and water gardens. Its 22 mil thickness provides you with superior durability for anti-decomposition and anti-aging. The liner has a textured surface which is excellent for beneficial bacterial growth. One downside to this product is that its flexibility can lead to tears and length-wise deformation.
Some of the pros and cons of the Growneer 22 Mil LLDPE Pond Liner:
Pros:
- Great flexibility
- Relatively inexpensive
- Safe for plant and fish life
- Conforms to irregular shapes
- Durable
- Decent UV-protection
Cons:
- Susceptible to permanent deformation and length-wise tears
- Not as UV-resistant as other products
4. AquaScape Pro Grade EPDM 45 Mil Pond Liner
AquaScape Pro Grade EPDM 45 Mil is a synthetic rubber pond liner. This material is the most popular geomembranes used for lining ponds. The AquaScape EPDM pond liner is excellent for building fish, koi ponds, or waterfalls. The thickness of this pond liner allows for superior durability while at the same time allowing some stretch making installation all the easier.
AquaScape EPDM liner has exceptional resistance to oxidation, high temperatures, and UV exposure. It has a 20-year guarantee, and the thickness protects against rocks and other rough surfaces that might cause holes or tears. A downside of this product is that it is rather heavy and will need some strength to get it in place.
Some of the pros and cons of the AquaScape Pro Grade 45 Mil Pond Liner:
Pros:
- Soft and flexible
- High strength
- Resistant to high temperatures
- UV-resistant
- Resistant to low temperatures
- Safe for plant and fish life
Cons:
- Heavy
- Relatively costly
5. UWIOFF Pond Liner 20 Mil LDPE
The UWIOFF pond liner is the perfect option for smaller ponds, streams, fountains, and garden waterfalls. Made out of low-density polyethylene, it is UV resistant, lightweight, and ultra-durable. This pond liner is easy to install, environmentally friendly, and safe for plants and fish. It is also anti-aging and tears and puncture-proof.
If you seek a pond liner that will withstand rocks and dog claws at the bottom of your pond, this is the liner for you. The thickness of the UWIOFF pond liner makes it a little less pliable than its thinner counterparts. One setback of this pond liner is that it is hard to get it into the correct shape due to its limited flexibility, makings it not an excellent choice for ponds with steps or multiple curves.
Some of the pros and cons of the UWIOFF 20 Mil LDPE Pond Liner:
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- UV-resistant
- Safe for plants and fish
- Environmentally friendly
- Anti-aging
Cons:
- Limited-pliability
- Slippery
6. Beckett Corporation Flexible Pre-Cut 20 Mil PVC Pond Liner
The Beckett Corporation pond liner is an ideal candidate if you plan to build a koi pond, small pond, fountain, or water garden. This pond liner is made out of polyvinyl chloride, allowing it to be one of the less expensive pond liner options. PVC pond liners are ideal as their material makes them flexible and thus easy to install. This pond liner is puncture-resistant, lightweight, long-lasting, malleable, plant and fish-friendly, UV-resistant, and ice-resistant.
The Beckett Corporation pond liner comes with a 15-year manufacturer’s warranty and makes an excellent foundation for any pond. This product’s flexibility allows you to mold it into the required shape, conforming to irregular angles and shapes. Some handy advice would be to leave the liner in the sun for a few hours, making it more pliable and easier to mold.
Some of the pros and cons of the Beckett Corporation 20 Mil PVC pond liner:
Pros:
- Safe for plants and fish
- Puncture-resistant
- High and low temperature-resistant
- Lightweight
- Flexible
Cons:
Not as resistant to UV rays and ozone as other pond liners
7. Ogrmar LDPE Pond Liner 20 Mil
Ogrmar LDPE 20 Mil Pond Liner is made of low-density polyethylene, and it is lightweight and puncture resistant. This pond liner is safe for fish and will not leak any BPA into your water. It is relatively UV resistant and functions in average pond water temperatures. The thickness of this pond liner allows it to be quite pliable and flexible, which enables it to conform to rough terrain with fewer wrinkles.
Ogrmar pond liner has a smooth surface and is easily cuttable and foldable. The thickness of this pond liner ensures reliable impermeability while allowing for some flexibility. A downside of this particular product is that it is relatively stiff. This stiffness can enable cracks to develop along the folds when folded for shipping.
Some of the pros and cons of the Ogrmar LDPE Pond Liner 20 Mil:
Pros:
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Relatively inexpensive
- Safe for plant and fish life
Cons:
- Stiff
- Cracks can occur
8. LifeGuard Pond Liner 45 Mil EPDM Rubber
The LifeGuard 45 Mil EPDM Pond Liner is exceptionally durable and made of synthesized rubber. Its thickness makes it puncture-resistant and highly versatile, best used for koi ponds, fish ponds, waterfalls, streamliners, retention basins, and aquaponics. The liner has a 25-year warranty, is easy to install, and is certified wildlife and fish safe.
The PolyGuard pond liner is UV resistant and heat and cold resistant. Its chemical composition contains no plasticizers, reducing the tendency to become brittle, which reduces cracks and splits. One downside is that this liner is relatively heavy and may require some heavy lifting to get it in place. This brand of pond lines comes in sizes up to 50 feet in width.
Some of the pros and cons of the PolyGuard 45 Mil PDM Pond Liner:
Pros:
- UV-resistant
- High and low temperature-resistant
- Safe for plant and fish life
- Strong and durable
- Flexible
Cons:
- Heavy
9. Happybuy LLDPE Pond Liner 20 Mil
The Happybuy LLDPE pond liner is perfect for waterfalls, fish ponds, artificial lakes, aquaculture farms, and rooftops. This pond liner is made from low-density polyethylene and is not only flexible but also anti-aging and durable. It is also environmentally friendly, wear-proof, tear-proof, and puncture-proof.
This Happybuy pond liner is easy to fold and bend into the exact outline of your rocks and pond. One thing to remember with this product is that it is not as thick as other liners, and you will need to be aware of sharp edges and rough surfaces that can cause holes. The life expectancy is 50 years without exposure and ten years under intense sunlight exposure.
Some of the pros and cons of the Happybuy 20 Mil LLDPE pond liner:
Pros:
- Durable
- Anti-aging
- Environmentally friendly
- Safe for plant and fish life
- Flexible
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Susceptible to holes from sharp objects
- Only relatively UV resistant
10. TotalPond Pond Skins Liner Rubber 20 Mil
The TotalPond rubber liner is an excellent choice if you plan to build a koi pond, fish pond, waterfall, or garden fountain. This pond liner comprises layers of PVC material reinforced with a strong polyester. It can withstand all weather conditions, is UV-resistant, and puncture-resistant. Perfect for medium ponds, this lightweight, easy-to-install pond liner requires no tools for installation.
The TotalPond rubber pond liner is excellent quality and environmentally, plant, and fish safe. The textured surface enables the promotion of beneficial bacteria growth, which adds to the balanced environment of your pond. You can cut or fold this liner according to the shape of your dugout pond. The easiness of installation means that your children could help you install this pond liner.
Some of the pros and cons of the TotalPond 20 Mil Rubber Total Skins pond liner:
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Environmentally friendly
- Plant and fish safe
- Durable
- UV-resistant
- Malleable
Cons:
- Not as flexible as the EPDM rubber liners
- Only relatively UV resistant
Is 14.5 Mil Pond Liner Good?
Some of the highest-rated pond liners are 14.5 mils. This thickness provides the required durability while at the same time allowing for some stretch. This stretch is great if you need to mold your pond liner into an irregular shape.
You could employ some preventive measures to protect your pond liner, including laying down a suitable underlayment before laying down your liner. Also, ensure no sharp rocks or edges that might puncture or tear the pond liner. 14.5 mil pond liners might be thinner, but as long as you take the correct precautionary measures, these thickness pond liners will be a good option.
How Long Does A Koi Pond Liner Last?
Depending on the thickness and quality of your pond liner and where it is situated will depend on how long it lasts. Most pond liners will last between 15 – 30 years, with some of the thicker, better quality ones lasting up to 75 years. If you purchase a pond liner of inferior quality, you might find that it only lasts a decade or so.
If you have located your pond in an area that receives hours of direct sunlight without any gravel or rocks, you might find that your pond liner will only last about 10 – 15 years. If you place it in a shady area, it might last up to 30 years.
The longevity of your pond liner comes down to purchasing one that has good reviews and is of decently high quality. Laying down an underlayment underneath your pod liner will extend its life expectancy. Another great suggestion is to build your pond in a shady area or use some aquatic plants, gravel, or rocks to protect your pond liner from harsh UV rays.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best thick pond liners for building your pond, you can’t go wrong with choosing any of the following thick pond liners: Firestone 45 Mil EPDM, Actrey 15.6 Mil PVC, Growneer 22 Mil PVC, AquaScape Pro Grade EPDM 45 Mil, UWIOFF 20 Mil LDPE, Beckett Corporation Flexible Pre-Cut 20 Mil PVC, Ogrmar LDPE 20 Mil, LifeGuard 45 Mil EPDM, Happybuy LLDPE 20 Mil, and TotalPond Rubber 20 Mil.
If you plan on using a thinner pond liner, ensure that you have a good quality underlayment underneath the liner and watch out for rocks or other sharp objects that might puncture or tear your liner.
References:
https://www.itsafishthing.com/best-pond-liners/
https://www.swelluk.com/help-guides/what-is-the-best-pond-liner/
https://www.amazon.com/Water-Garden-Pond-Liners-Seals/b?ie=UTF8&node=13764271
https://worldofwater.com/how-to-ponds/pond-liner-guide/
https://morningchores.com/best-pond-liner/
https://www.torontozoo.com/adoptapond/urbanoutback/part28.html
https://www.backyardboss.net/best-pond-liner/
https://findanyanswer.com/what-thickness-pond-liner-is-best
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/long-firestone-pond-liners-last-84482.html