Installing Flexible Pondliner

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Step 1

When digging ensure that the walls of the excavation remain as solid as possible. Replacing or filling with soil and attempting to compact it once disturbed is very difficult. Ideally the excavation should be carved out of the soil in rather the same manner as cutting cheese, that which remains behind being firm and solid. Dig the whole of the pond down to the marginal shelves. Mark out the deep area of the excavation and dig down again. This helps to ensure that the hole is accurately produced with a solid base and walls that will remain firmly in place when the liner is laid and water added. During the digging process, make sure that the pond is level from end to end and side to side using a series of wooden pegs and a board with a spirit level. If the edges are not level, then when the liner and water are introduced there will be parts of the pond that will flood and other areas with large expanses of bare wall.

Step 2

Dampening the underlay helps to mould it to the contours of the hole. Irrespective of how tough the pond liner is believed to be, it will benefit from some form of cushioning in the hole. Make sure that there are no sticks or sharp stones in the excavation that may puncture the liner when the weight of water is added, and then add a generous layer of fine sand. The kind that is used for bricklaying is ideal. If damp, it can be smoothed around the excavation and will even adhere to the sides. Fleece also provides a useful protection, as do thick wads of old wet newspapers or pieces of discarded carpet.

Step 3

Spread the liner across the pond, weighing down the edges with pavers or rocks, then run water from a hosepipe into the centre so that the liner moulds to the shape of the hole. As the liner moulds to the contours straighten out any wrinkles and where necessary make bold folds to create corners. Once installed, finish the edge with an arrangement of tiles, pavers or stone. Spread the liner over the excavation and add water, adjusting wrinkles as the pond fills.