Installing Pond liner

    Stage 1 Map out the shape of the pond with a hose. When you are happy with the size and shape. Always start digging slightly inside the outline to allow for final shaping. The first stage of the excavation is to remove the turf, if the pond is on lawn, dig down 6inches (15cms) and spade off the turf.

    Stage 2 Start digging a the ponds deepest area and gradually work outwards. Once the deepest area is dug, start to dig out the plant shelves in the sides. Shelves should be around 1foot from the top of the pond. The idea of the shelves is to keep the fish out of the plants and to have an area for the plants out of deep water.

   Stage 3 Check the depth and make sure you are following your plans, When digging the basic hole, be sure to plan any "shelves" you may need for positioning plants at different levels and providing different bottom levels for the fish. excess digging of the ground is not as good as  undisturbed dirt will be for the foundation. use a spirit level , since the water will immediately will show any faults. Check your digging ends up level on the top of the pond..

   Stage 4 After final digging and shaping , the side and base of the excavation must be closely inspected using bare hands and any sharp stones or roots removed. Before laying the liner put a layer of brickie sand on the bottom of the hole approximately 1inch deep, this is done to produce a smooth surface which will not damage the liner. On very stoney ground you could use old carpet as a precaution over the base and up the sides. Which ever material is chosen its object is the same; to provide a thin cushion for the liner, reducing the risk of any sharp object penetrating the liner.

  Stage 5 Its now time to fit the liner. The liner should be opened out fully for an hour or so prior t being fitted. this will enable it to absorb heat from the sun and be more pliable as a result. The pond liner should then be draped loosely into the excavation with an even overlap all around. Stones should be positioned at each corner and along the sides to hold the liner in position. As the pond fills the stone weights should be lifted occasionally to allow the liner to fit snugly into the excavation. It is helpful if someone stands in the pond while it fills & straightens out any bad folds. Remember to take off your shoes.Some Creasing is inevitable, but this can be minimized  by stretching and manipulating the liner as the pond fills. 

  Stage 6 When the pond is full any excess liner at the edges can be trimmed away so the there is a 15cm flap around the side. This can be temporarily secured using nails to ensure that the liner does not slip. Ensure that the edge of the liner is cut off and secured above the level of the surrounding ground. This will prevent water draining into the pond from the surrounding garden.

  Stage 7 Formal Ponds can be lined with stone slabs and less formal with bush rock of different sizes. Either way they should be laid on a bed of mortar comprising 3 parts sand to 1 part cement. The stones or rock should overlap the pond edge by 1-2inches (2-5cms) to conceal the liner and protect it from the suns rays. Once completed the pond should be drained and refilled before fish and plants are added. Particularly if cement has fallen into the water during construction. 

 Stage 8 Informal ponds can be surrounded with pieces of rock, gravel and bogwood, which can be arranged to provide a natural transition from dry land to the water. Plants can be positioned in the gravel  or shallow water to enhance the natural appearance of the pond. Creating a pond that does not look man made.

 congratulations and well done you have a pond!  www.windsorfishhatchery.com.au

Windsor fish hatchery does not sell pond liner, however we have been in business for over 37yrs and have installed thousands of liner ponds in Rubber and PVC. 

All the ponds at Windsor fish hatchery are lined. Rubber was used for the grow ponds the largest size in width you can get in rubber is 15 Meters Wide Sold on the roll by the meter. The largest size in width you can get in pvc is 8 meters wide sold on the roll by the meter.

The best place to buy liner is from an irrigation supplier who should be able to order the liner for you or direct you to a local shop that sells it.

Windsor fish hatchery koi and goldfish farm sells fish to the public online. www.windsorfishhatchery.com.au