When designing a pond, it’s important to use the right materials. It is this phase during the design process, which often leads to a discussion on pond liner vs concrete-based construction.
Which one is the right fit for your pond?
In most cases, it’s going to depend on your setup, expectations, and budget. With these variables in play, it’s also important to dig into what the pros and cons are of both materials.
This guide is going to take a look at this comparison on pond liner vs concrete construction. Take this information in hand and make sure you see tangible results when it is time to design your new pond at home.
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Best Pond Liner for Your Pond (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
- Ideal for small ponds (3 ft. x 6 ft. x 1.5 ft.); up to 200 gallons of water
- Lightweight, ultra-durable, and easy to handle
- 14.5 mil thickness
Last update on 2023-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The TotalPond Pond Liner is an all-encompassing solution for those creating a full-fledged pond in the yard. This solution offers a reliable, well-designed option that works well in all situations and is as flexible as you want it to be.
TotalPonds offers a lightweight design that encompasses a comprehensive textured surface area for added water retention. This seamless design is perfect for those serious about making the most of their new pond.
What is a Pond Liner?
A pond liner refers to a geomembrane containment system designed using state-of-the-art hydraulic barrier technology. This ensures the water is safely retained within the pond and doesn’t leak leading to chronic water issues.
A pond liner is specifically designed to assist with any type of water loss and helps to retain the pond’s consistency year-round.
It is also appreciated for being an aesthetically pleasing addition to a pond and can easily increase its lifespan over time.
Pond liners are used across all industries including golf courses in some of the warmest places on the planet. These aquatic features require something consistent, easy to manage, and efficient, which is something all new-age pond liners have to offer.
The pond liner helps reduce water loss and makes sure nothing falls apart in different conditions.
Since pond liners are designed to be used in a flexible manner, they can easily adjust to any type of pond and will deliver impressive results throughout the year. They also work well when it comes to managing water clarity regardless of the presence of dirt.
Due to the geomembrane, these pond liners keep the water where it needs to be rather than letting it leak through.
What is a Concrete Pond?
A concrete pond has long been cited as a conventional material for pond building. Over time, it has lost its charm and is now being replaced by new-age pond liners.
It’s also important to think about how preformed or flexible liners work in comparison to a concrete-based solution.
A concrete pond takes quite a bit of time to install and is designed using this robust material from one end to the other. This can require attention to detail before the concrete is set into place and can begin to dry.
A concrete pond is the most expensive material used during pond construction and is generally reserved for high budget projects.
The reason this material tends to work well has to do with its durability. Concrete is renowned for lasting for years without cracking or breaking down. This is something other pond liners are still trying to catch up to!
Concrete ponds are also ideal for larger ponds as there’s a sense of uniformity in the design. The concrete doesn’t have weak points from one end to the other as long as it was set by a trusted professional.
Pond building has been around for a long time and there’s always going to be a spot for concrete ponds in the industry.
Pond Liner vs Concrete
Permanence
In the comparison of pond liner vs concrete, it’s important to start with durability as that is a common discussion point among experts.
Pond liners are known to last longer and longer with each passing year due to technological advancements. This means they can age well even after 5-10 years as long as they are properly maintained and not overused.
On the other hand, concrete ponds are highly-rated for being the longest-lasting lining material on the planet.
Concrete was used around the world for a reason and it had to do with durability. Pond owners knew when the concrete was set by a professional, it was going to last for as long as they wanted and could even be passed onto the next generation!
This type of permanence is a major advantage for concrete, but pond liners are slowly catching up as innovative designs are released onto the market.
When it comes to getting more out of your pond, it is always best to start with permanence. This can be a good launching pad towards a high-quality lining material that will do its part properly.
Stability
How stable is the pond liner or concrete when it is put to the test?
In general, stability is something both lining materials do well. The concrete is going to be slightly ahead as it is solidly in place as soon as it has been set. However, pond liners these days do age well and are going to remain stable in all conditions.
Pond liners also do a good job of regulating the pH level in the water in comparison to traditional concrete.
If stability is a requirement with a fish pond, you will want to take a look at both options carefully.
Stability can come from different angles whether it has to do with how long the pond lasts or how long the water doesn’t leak.
This is all about perspective and making sure you are using a well-rounded lining material.
In most cases with a pond liner vs concrete, it always comes back to affordability and weighing it with stability. As a result, a new-age pond liner is the way to go when it comes to stability.
You are going to be getting a solution that is well-built and is going to deliver similar results to conventional concrete.
Why not take advantage of it while building and designing a new fish pond at home?
Cost
The cost is where the difference begins to show between a pond liner and concrete pond.
In general, concrete is an expensive material, which means it can start to add up depending on how large the pond is.
For the average person, it’s recommended to look for alternatives since modern technology has closed the gap on different materials. A high-quality pond liner is more than good enough to manage a pond and help with water retention.
The only time it’s okay to go ahead and invest in a good concrete pond for your yard is when the budget is high or unlimited. Otherwise, you are going to end up eating too much out of your budget on the lining.
When looking at pond liner vs concrete ponds, you have to focus on what the pros and cons are. On average, both materials work well and it comes down to your monetary requirements. If you want to save and still access a high-quality pond liner then it’s best to steer clear of concrete.
Remember, performance and maintenance is all that matters, which is something you are going to get from a great pond liner.
Chemical Resistance
Chemical resistance is essential when it comes to lining a pond and making sure it’s protected over the long-run.
When chemicals make contact with the lining, it shouldn’t fold nor should it crack.
Why is chemical resistance is important with a pond liner or concrete? If there is any contact made during the maintenance of your pond, a damaged liner isn’t going to retain water properly. This means the entire pond is going to leak out.
It is your responsibility to focus on chemical resistance.
In general, both pond liners and concrete do well against chemicals. They have a solid surface layer that keeps the chemical where it is before being washed or removed.
It’s important to note, in a comparison of pond liner vs concrete, this is often an underrated variable by pond owners.
However, if chemical does start leaking onto the surface, it can cause quite a bit of damage to the pond.
Be diligent when making a decision and do use this variable as a part of your process. Whether it is a high-grade pond liner or traditional concrete, it needs to be well-settled to keep chemicals from causing unwanted damage.
Aesthetics
This is something you will often see golf course owners think about when creating aquatic features and the same goes for a koi fish pond.
The right lining for a koi fish pond has to be easy on the eyes and look as natural as possible!
The charm of going with a pond liner is knowing it is going to be aesthetically appealing and unique. It is a lot harder to get the same type of uniqueness from concrete because it’s such a straightforward material.
By going with a pond liner, you will have more to choose from and it’s going to modernize your design at the same time.
Plus, pond liners do a great job of adding water clarity to your pond, which beautifies it immediately.
Final Thoughts
In understanding the differences with pond liner vs concrete, it’s best to look at the variables mentioned in this guide.
Each situation is going to be different and that means what works for some isn’t going to work for others. However, more and more pond owners are now looking towards flexible pond liners because they work well.
Concrete holds value but it can be pricey and isn’t the first investment a person wants to make for their new pond.
When looking at pond liner vs concrete, it all comes down to your attention to detail. Choose the right fit for your needs and watch as the pond remains protected year-round.
For more information on managing fish and ponds, please take the opportunity to read more at – Reasons for a fish swimming in circles, how to warm a fish tank quickly, how to cool a fish tank, and how to add aquarium salt into a fish tank.