Installing a custom preformed pond liner is becoming a popular alternative to purchasing and installing an expensive preformed garden pond. A preformed pond liner is made from the same material as the liners used in professional pond construction, and they can be ordered and installed at your local dealer. Preformed pond liners are more attractive and cost efficient than preformed garden pond liners, and they can be shipped directly to your home. If you decide to install a preformed pond liner, follow these easy steps to ensure your installation is a success:
* Make sure that your pond is not located under any trees, shrubs, or other obstacles that may obstruct the water flow through the spillway. * Make certain that there are no low branches, overhanging tree branches, or low ground slopes that could damage the spillway and cause the water to spill. * Be sure that there are no underground gas or oil tanks near the location of your pond. Oil tanks can easily leak and cause an accident. * Do not close the drainage system to the pond, as this will cause the water to overflow. The best approach is to leave a two-foot gap between the drain and the top of the pond, providing ample water flow through the spillway.
* Your preformed ponds will need some type of water treatment and filtration, such as lime and chlorine filtration. This is very important to removing toxins and contaminates from the pond. You must also provide a means of draining out all of the water in the pond. If there are creeks or rivers in your garden area, it is highly recommended that you locate them and properly channel the water away from the garden area. Removing all of the water from the pond area will make it much safer for anyone to walk into and play in.
* Once you have your water garden, it is time to add the various fish and plant life that you desire. If you want to raise fish, it is important that you select which fish you will be using and where they will be placed in the pond. Some fish will be better placed in deeper water areas while other fish can be placed near the surface of the water. The best thing to do is to place fish that are known to live in deeper water in a deeper part of the preformed pond liner.
* There are two types of preformed pond liners, HDPE and vinyl. Vinyl is usually used for more delicate projects around the garden. HDPE is much stronger and is typically used for larger projects such as a custom pond. One thing to keep in mind with any preformed pond lining is to make sure that it is thoroughly watertight. Any leakage can cause severe damage to the liner and to the pump.
* If you choose to use a preformed plastic pond, there are a few other things to consider. First, does your garden area sit above or below ground? If so, it is important to check the local building codes. Also, is your garden area located on a slope?
* Water gardens are great for providing exercise for your pet. Unfortunately, many pet owners do not realize the health benefits from having their pet exercise in a garden. When purchasing preformed ponds, check the amount of “spill arrest” plastic in the liners. Most finished pond liners have enough spill arrest plastic to protect your pond from any accidental spills of water.
These are just a few simple things that you should think about when looking at preformed pond liners and how to install them in your garden. An easy way to learn all of this information is to visit one of the many websites dedicated to the topic. One such website is “How To Build Your Own Garden Ponds”, which has an abundance of valuable information on this subject. Another place you can visit for all of your pond construction needs is “Garden Answers”. Both of these websites are excellent and provide valuable information.