About Us

News

News and articles about products used for the containment of water and the use of flexible rubber liners for many environmentally enhancing projects.

Best pond liner material for garden ponds

Garden pond water containment solutions

In the UK, choosing the best type of pond liner material depends on your budget, pond size, and intended use. In this article we discuss the merits of the most popular and effective materials:

EPDM rubber (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

This synthetic rubber pond liner also goes by the name of Epalyn EP.

  • Extremely flexible, UV-resistant, long-lasting (successfully installed in ponds that are now 40 to 50 years in existence), eco-friendly, and fish-safe.
  • Best for large or irregular-shaped ponds due to its flexibility.
  • Epalyn EP tends to be slightly more flexible than Butyl, which can make it easier to install in ponds with irregular shapes or contours
  • Highly durable and resistant to punctures, tears, and UV radiation. However, some users argue that Butyl may have a slight edge in terms of longevity and resistance to degradation over time.
  • Epalyn EP  liners are more cost-effective than Butyl liners, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious garden pond enthusiasts.

Both Epalyn EP and Butyl synthetic rubber pond liners are excellent choices for pond liners, and the decision between the two often comes down to personal preference, budget considerations, and specific project requirements.

Butyl rubber liners

Butyl pond liners remain a popular choice despite their higher cost because of their exceptional quality, longevity, and durability. Here are reason why many pond owners and professionals still prefer Butyl:

  • Highly durable, weather-resistant, and flexible.
  • Butyl is extremely pliable, making it easy to mould into complex pond shapes and contours without creasing or tearing. This flexibility ensures a snug fit, reducing the risk of leaks.
  • Butyl is highly resistant to punctures and abrasions, making it ideal for ponds with rocks, roots, or wildlife.
  • Butyl is non-toxic and completely safe for aquatic life. Unlike some PVC liners that may release harmful chemicals over time, Butyl remains stable and inert.
  • More expensive than Epalyn EP with similar performance. Although the upfront cost is high, Butyl’s long lifespan and low maintenance requirements mean fewer replacements and repairs over time, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.
  • Best for premium or commercial pond installations.

PVC pond liner for the humble garden pond

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) pond liners can be a good choice for certain applications, but they generally don’t match the quality, durability, or flexibility of Butyl or Epalyn EP liners. 

  • PVC is an affordable and lightweight material.
  • Less durable, more prone to punctures, not UV-resistant (unless specially treated).
  • Budget-friendly for the smaller garden pond.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) liners

HDPE is not as flexible as Butyl or Epalyn EP (EPDM). This makes HDPE liners difficult to install in small or irregularly shaped garden ponds. It is a material more suited to large, flat-bottomed ponds, lakes or reservoirs.

  • Cost-effective, strong, resistant to UV and chemicals.
  • Less flexible, harder to install in irregular shapes.
  • Large-scale ponds where budget control is essential.

If you’re building a large, durable pond with minimal curves and need a long-lasting, puncture-resistant liner, HDPE is a great choice. However, for garden ponds with intricate designs, Epalyn EP or Butyl remains the better option.

Preformed pond liners (rigid plastic or fiberglass)

Preformed pond liners (also called rigid pond liners) are quite popular among beginners, small garden pond owners, and those looking for a quick, easy installation. They are commonly found in garden centers and DIY stores.

However, flexible pond liners (EPDM, Butyl, PVC, HDPE) are far more popular for larger, custom-shaped, or natural-looking ponds due to their versatility.

  • Easy to install, durable, UV-resistant.
  • Limited in shape and size, less customizable.
  • Small decorative ponds.

Pond line recommendations

For most UK gardeners, Epalyn EP rubber is a top choice due to its flexibility, longevity, and suitability for fish and plants. For a more budget-conscious option, consider PVC for small ponds, but protect it with underlay to reduce puncture risks.

Share on: