Can I Build a Wetland or Recreational Pond With a Liner?

If you’re thinking of creating a lush wetland habitat or a peaceful pond for swimming and relaxing, you’re probably wondering: Do I need a liner? And if so, which one?

The short answer? Yes, and Rollgum EPDM liner is your best bet. This liner is excellent for holding water effectively, keeping maintenance low, and making sure long-term success is secured. 

Let’s break down why lining is so important and why Rollgum EPDM is a standout choice for both wetlands and recreational ponds.

Why You Should Use a Liner for Wetlands and Recreational Ponds

Keeping water in place is essential, whether you’re designing a native wetland, a stormwater filter, or a place to cool off during the summer. However, lots of properties, especially those with sandy or porous soils, struggle to retain water on their own. And that’s where the liner comes in. 

A high-quality liner helps you:

  • Retain water without constant top-ups
  • Support aquatic plants in designated areas
  • Keep water levels consistent
  • Avoid erosion and bank collapse
  • Save on long-term maintenance

Some soils can naturally hold water, but they often need heavy compaction or imported clay, which drives up costs and causes environmental disruption. But, a liner offers a controlled, predictable, and efficient solution.

Why Choose Rollgum EPDM Liner?

If you’ve been shopping around, you might’ve come across Rollgum EPDM liner before. EPDM, which stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, is a very popular choice of liner. And for good reason. Not only is it stretchy and durable, but it’s long-lasting and can stand for over 50 years, all whilst maintaining its shape and sturdiness.

Here are some reasons why Rollgum EPDM is the best choice if you want to build a wetland or recreational pond:

Flexible and Easy to Work With

One of Rollgum’s main benefits is that it’s super flexible, and therefore, easy to work with. This liner is a pliable rubber material that stretches easily to fit nearly any shape, making it ideal for curved ponds, planting pockets, as well as multi-level wetlands. Unlike rigid plastic liners, it won’t crack or become strained as the ground shifts or settles. Plus, it has 400% stretch which is more than any other liner on the market.

Seriously Tough and Weather-Resistant

EPDM liner is very tough and weather-resistant. With high-grade UV protection, this liner holds its look and strength, even after decades of exposure to the harsh Australian sun. 

The liner is designed to maintain its look and quality in extreme temperatures ranging from below -40ºC to +150 ºC. This is not the case with plastic liners which become brittle in the cold and stretch in the heat.

Rollgum EPDM offers a lifespan of over 50 years, making it a smart long-term investment for property owners and land managers developing ponds or wetlands. 

Safe for Wildlife and Aquatic Life

Rollgum EPDM liner is free from any chemicals that can harm wildlife and aquatic life, so you can rest assured that they’re safe. Being completely non-toxic and inert, it won’t leach chemicals into the water. It’s safe for fish, frogs, birds, and aquatic plants, which is exactly what you want in a functioning wetland or recreational pond.

Easy to Seam and Repair

Not an expert? Luckily, EPDM liner is simple to seam using tape or adhesives. And, on the rare occasion that there is a tear or an issue with the liner, it’s really easy to repair. The repairs can even be done quickly on-site without draining the pond or replacing the liner. If you need to, you can purchase a top-notch EPDM repair kit here, and get the best results. 

Ideal for Professional and DIY Installations

Whether you’re a contractor working on a stormwater wetland or a homeowner tackling a weekend pond project, Rollgum is easy to install and handle and is available in a wide range of sizes. No matter the scale or complexity, it fits the job, making it highly versatile. 

With all these benefits, it’s no surprise that it’s the most in-demand liner on the market. 

Building a Wetland? Rollgum Helps Make It Work

Water moves slowly through aquatic plants and soil in constructed wetlands, removing pollutants, sediment, and nutrients. A liner prevents water from seeping away and ensures it flows through your carefully designed treatment or habitat zones.

With Rollgum EPDM, you can:

  • Maintain shallow zones for planting
  • Create separate wetland cells or overflow channels
  • Support wildlife and native vegetation
  • Add built-in features like forebays, spillways, and marsh zones

Can I Swim in a Pond Lined With Rollgum EPDM?

Yes, you can! Rollgum EPDM is smooth underfoot and safe for swimmers, which is great. It also doesn’t break down from sunscreen, body oils, or exposure to sunlight, making it perfect for natural swimming ponds.

More and more people are swapping chlorine pools for EPDM-lined recreational ponds that look great and feel even better.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Cut Corners on Your Liner

Creating a wetland or recreational pond requires a liner that will do its job correctly. That’s why EPDM is the best choice if you’re looking for a liner; it won’t let you down. Rollgum’s quality is unmatched and the benefits it offers are unlike any other liners on the market currently. 

From excellent safety benefits to unparalleled safety features, if you’re looking for a quality liner, Rollgum EPDM is the best choice. 

We’ve got experience with all kinds of pond and dam liners, and we can’t recommend Rollgum enough. 

If you want any advice on installation or sizing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Or, if you’re looking to buy today, shop our excellent range of Rollgum here, and enhance the look and feel of your wetland or recreational pond.