What is the best material for fish pond liner?

RPE – Reinforced Polyethylene Pond Liners

RPE pond liners are reinforced, they are stronger and more puncture resistant than the two other major types of pond liners.RPE is a proven solution to many containment needs due to its excellent puncture resistance and UV stability.

RPE Features

• RPE liners are half thickness of EPDM and PVC liners
• RPE liners are light weight of other liners, making it easy to produce larger liners
• RPE packing smaller than other liners and easier to install
• RPE pond liners don’t require underlayment because of high strength and puncture resistance
• RPE pond liners can last for 40 years

EPDM – Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Pond Liners

EPDM is a unique and popular choice for a variety of applicationsdue to its outstandingflexibility,easeof installation, and UV stability. EPDM is becoming a widely used and accepted liner in several geomembrane markets.

RPE Features:

• EPDM liners are made from rubber, very flexible and fold easily
• EPDM pond liners require an underlayment due to soft and flexible the material is
• EPDM liner can’t be welded together with heat, can be adhered with liner tape
• EPDM liners is difficult to ship due to heavy weight, are the heaviest of these liners
• EPDM liners are the least puncture resistant of these liners

PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride Pond Liners

The third popular kind material for pond liner is PVC. PVC liners are generally the cheapest option, but their disadvantages far outweigh their low cost.PVC is a widely used and proven solution to many containment needs. PVC has excellent elongation characteristics which allow for better settlement on difficult
sub-grade and trasitions. PVC requires 12 inches of clean cover soil.

• PVC liners are heavier than RPE liners, but not as heavy as EPDM
• PVC liners are more puncture resistant than EPDM liners, but not as much as RPE
• Plasticizers are added to make PVC liners more flexible
• These liners contain amounts of arsenic and other toxins that are lethal to fish shrimp
• Plasticizers can cause cracks or splits in the liners, which threaten wildlife
• PVC liners are cheap and easy to use, but not desirable for cold weather
• PVC pond liners have a lack of UV stability,means direct sunlight can have negative effects
• PVC liners can be seamed using liner tapes or heat for larger areas

HDPE-High Density Polyethylene Pond Liners

High Density Polyethylene is the most commonly used liner in the industry due to its high strength, good chemical resistance, and proven track record. High Density Polyethylenemustbeinstalled by certifiedtechnicians, but still manages to be acosteffectivealternative.

• HDPE pond liners are not as durable as EPDM, especially in cold temperatures, but is stronger than PVC.
• HDPE liner is less flexible than PVC or EPDM
• HDPE has great chemical resistance and durability
• UV stable