Koi Pond Construction Method: Liner Ponds

There are various methods of constructing a pond; the preferred and easiest method is to use a flexible pond liner.

PVC pond liner versus Butyl Rubber pond liner

Although many PVC pond liners are reinforced they lack the flexibility and stretch of a Butyl Rubber pond liner and are relatively short lived in comparison to. Butyl normally carries a lifetime guarantee and can be box welded for more formal ponds so there are no creases.

When installing a pond liner it is important to construct a concrete collar, this should be done before digging the main hole. A collar is a 1'x1'x1' trench in filled with concrete around the perimeter of the pond adding extra support and strength to the ponds edge. If a bottom drain system is being installed the filtration return pipe and side surface skimmer (optional) should be set in the collar at this stage.

Next the main hole should be dug with a minimum depth of 4?. The bottom drain/s should be installed at this stage set in concrete, with a gate valve on the bottom drain outlet pipe that should be closed until the filtration is fully installed. It would be a good idea to make the whole base of the pond concrete for stability. Be aware areas with a high water table could cause the liner to float.

Next it is important to install a specialist underlay that will prevent roots or sharp rocks piercing your liner. At this point only cut accurately around bottom drain/s, not around the edges, outlet or surface skimmer.

Now we are ready to install the liner, be sure to leave equal lengths of surplus around the perimeter of the pond. All creases can be stuck down using double-sided sticky tape to hold them in place until the pond is filled. Again only cut the liner around the bottom drain/s not around edges, inlet or surface skimmer.

The bottom drain/s now need to be sealed with a proprietary sealant and the flange on the bottom drain should be clamped down in place to prevent any leakage.

The pond can now be filled using a flow meter so you can accurately measure the volume of water in your pond, this information will be very useful at a later date if any treatments are to be added, then the correct and accurate dose can be administered.

Once the pond is full it must be emptied slightly to trim around the outlet and surface skimmer, these can now be sealed, and flanges clamped into place to prevent leakage. When trimming around the perimeter it is best to leave some excess to go under any decorative stone or paving that is to be laid around the edge.

When sealant is dry the pond can then be refilled for the finished product. If you are constructing a liner pond without a bottom drain please ensure that a specialist filter system is installed together with a solids handling pond pump. Oase produce excellent pond filtration systems and these are detailed on our website.

Remember to do your research and try to construct the pond correctly first time as this will save time and money in alterations at a later date.

To speak to an expert about Koi, please call 0161 304 704

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