Introduction
A pond liner is an important part of virtually any project involving water containment. Whether a small ornamental pond, an aquaculture or fish-farming system, or a large industrial water storage reservoir, the liner creates the barrier that ‘holds’ water in place and which will not allow the water to “leak” into the ground below. In many countries the soil cannot be relied upon to hold water naturally, due to factors such as low permeability, cracking, or lack of thorough compaction. As a result, the use of geomembrane liners, particularly HDPE and LLDPE, has become accepted as ‘the’ solution to this problem, providing a system of effective water retention with minimal care and attention.
Key explanation
The pond liner is basically an impermeable membrane – that is, it should not allow the passage of water – placed at the bottom and sides of a pond or reservoir to arrest the loss of water to the soil and, at the same time, protect the foundations of the pond or reservoir itself. The vast majority of pond liners in use today are of synthetic manufacture, though some old earth-type pond linings still exist, albeit in limited locations.
Principal types of modern pond liner materials include:
HDPE geomembrane (high density polyethylene)
LLDPE geomembrane (linear low density polyethylene)
Manufactured under controlled factory conditions to conform to ASTM standards and the principles of ISO, these liner materials establish a relatively constant “known” factor of thickness and tensile strength across the entire surface of the pond lining. The way that a pond liner “works” is fairly simple; by virtue of its available sealing properties it forms a continuous band that prevents water from “seeping” through into the soil. Proper installation procedures in terms of subgrade preparation, welding (or sealing), and anchorage are essential in ensuring that the system will perform as efficiently as possible.
There are now both “textured” geomembrane and “smooth” geomembrane fabrics available today. The textured linings, in particular, have high friction coefficients, and are generally employed on slopes. The smooth liners are employed to a greater extent in flat bottom ponds.
Applications / Use Cases
Pond liners are versatile products and can be found in a huge variety of environments across many different industries.
Aquaculture Ponds
Fish and shrimp farming use pond liners to keep water levels stable while provide cleaner and safer water by inhibiting contaminants from soil and disease agents.
Agricultural Water Storage
Because of their convenience, farm irrigation ponds fitted with pond liners will make water easier and more reliable to store and be able to use.
Landfills
Leachate can wreak havoc wherever it seeps into the resting place of solid waste. A geomembrane liner protects the ground from any rubbish within.
Mining Operations
Durable and resistant to corrosive materials, liners of many different types will act to safely mitigate against seepage.
Decorative and Landscape Ponds
Whether commercially or in landscaping, pond liners aid in fountains and ponds keeping their shape, preserving more water and use less electricity.
Industrial Containment
Digester, wastewater treatment and chemical storage relies heavily on quality geomembranes.
Comparison or Benefits
Compared to clay or compacted soil, pond liners are more:
Impermeable: Less water seeps away even in very loose things
Durable: UV exposure and chemicals will not destroy the product
Economical: Save huge amounts of water over time
Flexible: Pliant lining easy to mould
Less Time-intensive: Large sheets are quick to lay using welding rods.
HDPE liners are the most durable. LLDPE products are more flexible in reach and simple to use in more elaborate shapes.
How to Choose / Buy
To choose the perfect liner to suit your next project, pay close attention to:
Substance of material: Polyethylene is the most widely used for large ponds, and is available, HDPE for strength and, LLDPE for more shape and adaptability options.
Thickness: Thicker linings wear-down less over longer periods.
Type of surface: Generally the range of product types should include at least smooth and rough arable surfaces.
UV Resistance: For surfaces that will be exposed, the online manufacturer should have a UV proof product.
Standards: At least light pre-manufactured, for consistent quality; look for lighting rod AST or similar standard; when unsure, consult with your partner supplier.
FAQ
What is geomembrane? What does it do?
Essentially it is a synthetic layer membrane that stops loads of liquid from insidiously escaping, being designed and manufactured for projects including ponds and landfills.
How does that work?
Geometrically, on a string of consecutive layers within itself, nor normal soil!
Cost or lifespan?
The price changes according to the kind of material being sited, how thick the liner is and also how far from the manufacturer your project is. If fitted and cared for all the while a liner should last ten years plus.
Best option?
Really, a good choice is a geomembrane made of HDPE which is great for industrial/aggressive applications. LLDPE for the more flexible non-uniform designs.
Common issues?
Usually these will happen if a liner is improperly managed throughout its day-to-day life.