Rugged Liner Material for Ponds or Water Containment
Depending on your application, you might require a rugged liner that can withstand punctures, abrasion, or other forms of abuse. While all liners should ideally be treated with respect and care to minimize damage risk, some liners are undeniably tougher than others, offering extra insurance against harsh elements. For instance, in the past year, we've created several dog swimming ponds. As you can imagine, the contractor in these cases sought the strongest liner available to endure any potential claw contact.
Our Recommendation – Premium RPE Pond Liner
If you're someone who prefers a straightforward recommendation, we usually suggest our RPE (reinforced polyethylene) liners for rugged liner applications. RPE is strong, lightweight, and highly puncture-resistant for its thickness. It is available in various thicknesses, so choosing the right one is essential. For maximum strength, the Classic 40 mil is the thickest and most robust option. Classic RPE is also available in 30 mil and 24 mil for standard applications. For those requiring the best UV resistance and waterproofing performance, we recommend our Premium 30 mil RPE liner. Keep in mind that as the thickness of any liner increases, it becomes less flexible. For applications where the most bendable liner is needed, the Premium 30 mil is advisable. If puncture resistance is your top priority, the 40 mil liner is the strongest, featuring two layers of reinforcing, compared to just a single layer in the 24 and 30 mil liners.
RUGGED LINERS VS LINER PROTECTION
Often, when people contact us for advice, they initially believe they need an extra rugged liner for their project. While this is true in many instances, it's not the case for all. For example, we often recommend starting with a reasonably strong liner and then adding protective measures to create a more robust application. Why rely solely on the liner when you can cover it with a less expensive material to prevent abrasion or punctures? Take the dog swimming pond we mentioned earlier: we began with our 30 mil Premium Grade RPE liner and added a layer of geotextile underlayment fabric on top. We then covered this with a 6-inch thick layer of gravel in areas where dogs might walk. This approach not only protects the liner but also enhances the pond's aesthetic appeal by concealing the liner. However, there are always unforeseen circumstances, like dogs that like to dig, which is why we still recommend a liner that can withstand a bit of abuse.
RPE VS OTHER MATERIALS
Another commonly used pond liner material is EPDM Rubber. However, EPDM is not the best choice for rugged liner applications due to its softness. While it is very flexible and easily bends around corners and shelves, it is also prone to tearing and puncturing. For this reason, we typically recommend it for applications where the liner will experience light traffic. Additionally, when using EPDM, it's crucial to use an underlayment and ensure that nothing sharp or abrasive comes into contact with the liner.
Do you have questions about your specific project, or would you like us to provide a custom quote for a rugged liner that we recommend? Feel free to give us a call or send an email to speak with a pond expert.
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