Installing a new pond in your garden can be a difficult challenge, especially if you are new to ponds. There are lots of things to consider and it's easy to get confused. You need to do a bit of research into which type of pond will be best suited to your needs. You can use a few different materials for your pond liner, and there are different types of liner to choose from. Here is a bit of information about the different types of pond available.
Flexible Liners
These types of liner are a very popular choice for garden ponds. You can get them in different materials and their main benefit is they are simple to manipulate and one of the cheaper options. It does depend on what material you choose though, try and go for a tougher more durable material to avoid punctures, as some flexible liners can be quite thin.
Set Shape/Preformed Liners
Some people opt for preformed liners, that are moulded to a set pond shape. These types of liners are very long lasting and durable. They are also fairly simple to install as they come in a set shape. However, they cannot be manipulated, so you have to make sure you are happy with the shape you have chosen. Preformed liners are probably best in medium sized gardens.
Concrete Ponds
Concrete ponds are perhaps less popular because of their cost. They are much more expensive than other types of pond, because unless you are a builder, you will have to hire a professional to concrete the pond. The materials aren't cheap either. However, if you want a reliable, long lasting pond that will last for years then this is a good option. Once your pond has been put in place you will need to coat it with a few coats of special pond paint, this will make your pond last for longer.
Pond Liner Materials
Before you choose what pond liner material to go with, you need to consider what sort of pond you want. For example, how big do you want your pond to be? What sort of quality are you happy to go with based on your budget? You also need to think about what species of fish and other wildlife you want in your pond, as different fish have different needs when it comes to what sort of pond they should live in. Some of the main pond liner materials include rubber, PVC, fibreglass and polyethylene. The most popular being rubber and PVC. PVC is a relatively inexpensive material to use but it doesn't last as long as some of the other materials. Rubber is a good option as it is durable, flexible and not too expensive.