EPDM Vs PVC Pond Liner – Which Is The Better Option?

Last Updated on September 8, 2024 by Sara Rose

You are thinking of building a pond in your yard and wondering which is the better choice for liner, EPDM vs PVC pond liner? In this article, we will put your wondering to rest. Keep reading.

What Is A Pond Liner?

When you construct or build a pond, you want it to store water for various reasons such as keeping fish, providing water for ducks, chickens or other birds, or just having it as a garden feature. Whatever the reason for building your pond is, ponds are good because they help contribute to biodiversity by being a habitat for various small creatures.

A pond liner is an impermeable material or membrane that is placed at the bottom of ponds, dams, reservoirs, artificial streams, constructed wetlands or any structures that are dug for the purposes of retaining water for various uses

Why Is Pond Liner Important?

The function of the pond liner is essentially to prevent water loss. Because it is an impenetrable membrane, it prevents water from draining through the soil. Without a pond liner, all the water that you use to fill your pond would drain through the soil and not be retained for use.

It is essential that you ensure your pond liner is free of any holes or cracks through which water could leak. It is only able to fulfill its purpose if it has no damage to it.

What Are The Types Of Pond Liners And What Are Pond Liners Made Of?

There are many different types of pond liners made from different types of materials. All pond liners however have to be young and durable to be able to hold large volumes of water and withstand a wide variety of environmental conditions to which they may be exposed.

The most common materials used for the construction of pond liners are polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), butyl rubber (sometimes just called butyl), reinforced polyethylene (RPE) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).

These materials are different but durable, can be hard or soft and can be flexible so they can be used in any shape of a pond.

You can read more about the materials used to make pond liners at: https://closerpets.co.uk/blogs/news/what-are-pond-liners-made-out-of

There are many different types of pond liners but one debate question that often comes up is which is better between EPDM and PVC. Let us discuss this.

EPDM Vs PVC Pond Liner

EPDM vs PVC pond liner, which is the better option? Let us help you answer this question by discussing the pros and cons of the two.

• EPDM

EPDM pond liner is very soft, making it easy to use and shape. It is also durable and resistant to pressure, temperature and extreme weather conditions. It is not resistant to chemicals but is safe for fish. It is difficult to seam. This may present challenges when doing it yourself and you may require the assistance of a professional. EPDM is more expensive than PVC and other pond liners such as HDPE.

• PVC

PVC is more readily available and cheaper. It is very flexible and therefore easy to install, therefore ideal for DIY projects. While it is resistant to chemicals, it can wear out over time because it is not UV resistant. So if your pond is outside, where it will be exposed to sunlight, PVC may not be a good choice. Some grades of PVC may also be toxic to fish, so be careful to check before you purchase.

Best Pond Liners

So which are the best pond liners? There is no “best” pond liner per see, each has its advantages and disadvantages. The best pond liner is the one that best suits your needs. Here are some important considerations when it comes to choosing the best pond liner for you:

• The flexibility of liner – some pond liners are not as flexible as others. If you are building your own pond and want to line it, you will need to choose a liner that is flexible so that you can bend and fold it without breaking, so it can conform to the shape of your pond. Hard pond liners can be a nightmare if you are building the pond yourself. In this case, you will need to get a professional installer to do it for you
• Quality – because the durability of different pond liners differs, you will need to buy the best quality for your pond or project, so that you only buy it once.
• Environmental conditions – climate conditions such as temperature and strong winds can influence your choice of pond liner. If you live in areas that are prone to extreme weather conditions, you will need to get the toughest or hardest liner, so it can have a longer life.

Fish Safe Pond Liner

If you are building a pond to keep fish in, it is of utmost importance that you purchase a pond liner that is safe for fish. Both EPDM and PVC have grades that are safe for fish. You will however have to find out from your supplier before purchasing it so that you don’t end up wasting your money on the wrong type.

The fish-safe types of these liners are however more expensive that the regular ones. But trust us, the slightly higher price is absolutely worth it if you want to avoid the disaster of all your fish dying.

Conclusion On EPDM Vs PVC Pond Liner

We hope this article on EPDM vs PVC pond liner has provided you with all that you needed to know to make the best decision for your pond liner. With so many options to choose from, making the choice can be a bit of an overwhelming task.

We hope this article has helped put your mind at ease with regard to making this choice. Remember that some pond liners come with a lifetime guarantee. This will probably make your decision that much easier when purchasing one.

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