Installing a Flexible liner?

Before you attempt to lay a flexible liner you must put in a "pre-liner" first. The best i have found is sand. If you use any thing like carpet or old newspaper it will rot and give no support, however there are some special materials available for the job. The idea of the pre-liner is to prevent the liner it self from being punctured by any sharp stones, also you can use it to ensure that the bottom of your pond is level.

The next step you have two choices, you can either unfold the liner across the hole and anchor it down on the edges, and start to fill it with water and as the liner fills it will slowly pull it self into shape. (Remember to move the anchors in as it fills.) Or you can unfold the liner and make it into the appropriate shape and then fill it with water. (Please, if you do this, do it with bare feet.) Which ever way you do it is up to you, but i prefer to start with the first and finish with the second that way you can make neat folds for any "corners" you may have, since you can not cut the liner to fit.

How much liner do i need ?

No matter what shape your excavation is the calculation is the same. You must measure from the furthest points. (Imagine that it is in an invisible oblong.)

It goes like this Length (then add twice the depth) multiplied by breadth (then add twice the depth) equals the size you require You then want to buy the next size up! if you are buying a "standard" size

Which liner?

There are loads of different types of liner, from different suppliers.

Polythene

usually thin and lasts 5 years Cost: relatively cheap

"special name"

Some suppliers have their own brand which have varying names, these are usually polythene layers bonded together, most will last 10+ years, some will even out last butyl at 30 years

Cost: more than polythene, less than butyl

Butyl rubber

Said to be the best its usually quite thick (can be 1/8th of an inch which is thick for a liner) but its thickness can be a hindrance when laying it, great for large pools though lasts 20 + years

It can also be welded to a custom size so that if for example you have a formal pool it can be made to fit within the pool and no corners for you to hide

Tip, unfold your liner and leave it in the sunshine for a while this makes it more flexible and easier to handle.

Cost: can be expensive

before you actually buy a liner always check its guarantee, some now last longer than butyl

Now you can fill it up.

All Done?

Well now that it is full it is recommended that you leave it for at least a day to give the liner a chance to finish "settling in" 

Now you can trim off the surplus but leave at least six inches all around. You can now decorate the edges with what ever material you have chosen. Choosing a pump? click here

A few words of caution.

If you are adding fish either leave the pond for at least a week or add a dechlorinator. If you are adding a fountain follow the manufactures instructions carefully and please use an R.C.D.

Get a nice deck chair sit back and enjoy.

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