Let’s look at another liner type, the flexible liner. A flexible liner is just that, flexible. They’re perfect for customized water gardens especially for non-traditional shapes used in stream bed or large irregularly shaped water gardens. Another advantage is that flexible liners are easy to install, and you can do the job quickly.
You’ll need a shovel or spade, sharp scissors, underlayment, liner, and a garden hose to do this project. First, you dig a hole, as with rigid liners, the level of the hole is also important, but a bit less so because the water will fill in more naturally than with a rigid liner. Flexible liners need to sit on a bottom layer called an underlayment. Underlayment protects the liner from punctures and damage. You can purchase special commercial underlayment, or you can use sand, or several layers of newspaper, or carpet to line the sides. Whatever underlayment you decide on, it goes into the hole next. If you choose a non commercial underlayment, make sure that it is a ½ inch to 1 inch thick, depending on the material. It must provide an adequate cushion. Extend the underlayment upto the area where the edging will be positioned, this helps prevent stones from puncturing the liner along the edges.
Once the underlayment is in place, position the flexible liner. With a large pond, you may need a friend or two to help you position the liner, Avoid dragging the liner over the ground, rocks or gravel may tear it. Position the liner neatly being careful not to stretch it. Allow plenty of give in the bottom of the hole so you can pinch an inch here and there. This allows the liner to spread out a little when filled with water. If you need to stand on the liner, avoid wearing heavy shoes with cleats or non-skid ridges which might hold bits of sharp gravel which could puncture the liner. Along the edges, neatly pleat the liner. Use stones and bricks to hold it in place, making sure they don’t rip it. Add a few inches of water to the pond, this will help it settle, pressing the liner into its more permanent place. However, the liner should at no point be stretched, if it is, remove whatever bricks or boulders are hiding the edge in place and re-adjust to relieve tension on the liner. Continue to adjust, and pleat, and tuck the liner to fit the contours of the water feature. Do a first trim of the liner at this point to eliminate bulky pieces that get in the way. Be sure to leave plenty of liner to use while installing the edging.
If you are piercing the liner the way you might for a stream or a waterfall, now is the time to seal the seams with waterfall foam or other sealant. Allow the sealant to cure per package directions, usually 24 hours. Save the left over liner pieces in case you need to patch the pond on a later date.
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