Installing a dam or pond liner is a crucial step, so knowing how to do it properly is very important.
Below, we’ve outlined the top 7 mistakes that we see the most.
1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Pond Liner
Mistake: A lot of the time, people opt for the cheapest pond liner because they think quality isn’t important. They tend to look for the least expensive one, but overlook the right liner for the pond’s size, shape, depth, and purpose. Leaks and system failures often result from the quick degradation of cheap thin plastic liners or repurposed materials
Solution: The best thing to do is to invest in a high-quality liner like EPDM. This liner is UV-resistant, highly durable, conforms extremely well to the contours of the shape, and lasts for years. With unrivalled performance, a natural look in wild settings, and easy installation, Rollgum EPDM liner stands out as our top pick. Made in Spain, this professional-grade liner offers exceptional durability and up to 400% stretch.
2. Purchasing the Liner Before Digging the Hole
Mistake: Buying the liner before you dig the hole often results in sizing issues. And what does this cause? Headaches and hassle! Pond shapes are rarely symmetrical so it can be quite a struggle. If you don’t measure properly, you could end up with a very small liner that doesn’t stretch or an oversized one that doesn’t work.
Solution: Digging the hole first will help to overcome this issue. Once you get your final shape, measure the longest length and width, including the slopes. Add an additional 0.5–1 metre of overhang on all sides to make sure you have enough liner to anchor it securely.
3. Skipping the Underlay
Mistake: Rocks, roots, and shifting ground can easily damage a liner placed directly on bare earth, making it highly vulnerable. An underlay is designed to avoid this, so it’s a very important step to do during the installation process.
Solution: To dramatically extend the life of your pond liner, add a geotextile underlay beneath it. This protective layer helps prevent punctures and wear by cushioning the liner against sharp objects, and it’ll protect it for years to come.
4. Making the Pond or Dam Too Shallow
Mistake: Some people make the pond or dam too shallow, increasing the amount of algae and weeds that grow. This happens because it heats up easily and the sunlight can therefore reach most of the water. These weeds consume the beneficial bacteria in the water, creating a murky look and causing harm to the aquatic life living there.
Solution: Even if you are digging a small dam or pond, try your best to get the sections as deep as you can, aiming for them to be more than 2m deep. Generally, the deeper the water body, the healthier it is. So if you can excavate 5m or more deep, you’ll create a much easier environment for keeping the water healthy.
5. Planting the Wrong Plants
Mistake: Sometimes people accidentally opt for plants with strong roots that can damage the liner. After spending time installing your liner, the last thing you want is for it to be damaged by plant roots, despite the plants helpfully collecting nutrients before they enter the water. The best practice is to be very careful which plants you choose to plant near your liner, if any at all.
Solution: Choose liner-safe plant varieties to absorb nutrients and avoid placing plants with woody or invasive roots near the liner edge. Instead, use potted aquatic plants or create dedicated planting zones where roots can’t get to the liner.
6. Overcomplicating Pond Shapes and Contours
Mistake: An overcomplicated pond or dam shape can lead to problems. Sharp transitions like tight corners, vertical walls, or jagged shapes make it difficult for liners to conform properly. They can lead to folds, tension points, or spots where the liner may lift or tear.
Solution: Keep it as simple as possible. Use smooth, rounded contours with gentle slopes and wide curves to help the liner lay flat and stay stress-free. Simple shapes are easier to install and more structurally stable. Not to mention, they look more natural.
7. Adding Rocks Without an Extra Protective Layer
Mistake: Sometimes, people add rocks for aesthetic purposes but forget that heavy ones can increase the risk of punctures. As pressure builds over time, rocks placed on the liner without an extra protective layer can cause damage.
Solution: To protect your liner when adding rocks, double up on protection by placing underlay first, then the liner, followed by a second layer of liner or geotextile beneath the rocks. This extra buffer helps spread the weight and prevents damage.
Get it Right with Rollgum
Are you feeling more prepared to line your pond or dam now? Mistakes are common but easy to avoid, especially when you know what not to do! The liner you choose plays an exceptionally large part in the process of lining it, and we recommend Rollgum as a top choice.
This premier liner is manufactured in Spain and is best-known for being incredibly long-lasting and durable. The first liners that were placed in Spain 50 years ago are still going strong today, so worrying about expensive and time-consuming replacements is not on your to-do list.
The liners also stretch up to 400% and can withstand UV exposure, making them great in all kinds of conditions. Plus, they’re safe for both animals and aquatic life, and you can trust Rollgum to perform effectively in all kinds of conditions.
Do you need help planning your pond or choosing the right size liner? Get in touch today for expert advice and products, or buy Rollgum here for easy installation.