Instructions for laying EPDM pond liner

EPDM pond liner (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is only available in black, but in different thicknesses and widths. The individual tracks can be connected to one another, creating a large area. Seamless installation is only possible up to a size of 930m², but that's a lot.

Properties of the EPDM pond liner

• Long lifetime
• Extremely resistant to UV radiation
• High resistance to ozone
• Pollutant neutral
• Environmentally neutral
• Biologically harmless
• Very flexible, stretchy, elastic and supple
• Lighter than many other pond liners
• Compatible with fish and plants
• Without plasticizers
• Does not contain any toxic substances
• Easy to process
• Suitable for all types of ponds
• Resistant to naturally occurring chemicals
• Not rhizome resistant
• Roll width up to over 15 m
• With professional installation, there can be material guarantees of up to 20 years (depending on the seller). The shelf life is given as 30 years.
• There is one disadvantage, the higher price compared to other foils.

Tip: EPDM foils are produced in great lengths and widths and can be cut to size for consumers. They are expertly folded and rolled up. Basically

so no lanes need to be connected. However, it can happen that a hole is created. Then the film can be touched up in the same way, which is why it is important to use it correctly.

Pond planning

If you do everything correctly when planning the pond, you will save yourself a lot of work afterwards. Planning includes:

• Find the most suitable place for the pond
• Determine the shape and size (also the depth, very important with fish stocking and their wintering)
• The surface preparation

Calculation of the amount of film

To calculate the amount of liner, the length, width and twice the pond depth plus one meter for the edge are added.

Lay EPDM pond liner

Basically there are no differences when laying the EPDM foil compared to other pond liners. It is important that the surface is smooth. When the excavation has been done and the surfaces have been straightened, the membrane can be tackled. All sharp and pointed objects must be removed before laying. The pond construction is complete. The foil can now be laid. Sufficient helpers are important. Especially with large ponds, these are important in order to put the liner in place and hold it in place so that it does not slip and not many or, better still, hardly any wrinkles form. Pond liner is difficult, the more people lend a hand, the easier it is

the project succeeds. It is recommended to lay a fleece under the pond liner. It's pretty easy to do. The fleece is offered as a roll. The individual strips are simply unrolled. The fleece must overlap by about 5 centimeters at the transitions between the strips. To prevent the fleece from slipping, it is advisable to weigh it down with flat stones.
Tip: Place the fleece at right angles to the direction in which the pond liner is rolled out!

instructions

1. Lay out the film as smoothly as possible without tension. It must not be stretched or kinked. It is carefully rolled out or unfolded.
2. At the top of the pond, start rolling out on the fleece. Unfold the foil and pull it into the pond. The fleece must not slip. In the case of rolled goods, start at the edge of the pond, roll lengthways into the pond and then pull up again on both sides of the pond slopes.
3. Let the foil rest for an hour
4. Position the film, i.e. lay it as planned. It is important that it protrudes abundantly at the edges of the pond.
5. Establish the necessary connections for the floor drain, pipe penetrations, pump connections and the like.
6. Pull smaller folds towards the pelvis so that a large fold is created there. Fold this backwards.
7. Let in water, but only about a third
8. Possibly Retighten if something has slipped.
9. Let it fill up
10. Let everything sit for a few days
11. Create a capillary barrier so that plants planted on the edge or the soil itself cannot draw water out of the pond.
12. Alternatively, attach the pond liner to the edge with sand or stones

In the case of particularly large ponds, it is sometimes better to have an excavator come and pull the sheeting over the excavated pond depression. Alternatively, one helper should be included for every 70 kg of film weight.
Tip: It is easier to plant the pond when it is empty or when it is empty. only slightly filled. First you plant the deep areas and you can gradually fill in more water.

Connect foil webs

If the liner cannot be delivered in one piece, it can be attached to each other like other pond liners. EPDM pond liner is bonded differently than other pond liners. There is no normal gluing or welding here. The film is vulcanized. That sounds complicated, but it isn't if you follow the instructions carefully. A two-component system is required.

• 1. The area to be overlapped is marked on the foil. 7 to 8 cm in width is usually sufficient.
• 2. Then lay the two foils on top of each other in a dry state. There must be no tension on either slide.
• 3. Fold over the film on top.
• 4. Both surfaces must be cleaned.
• 5. If the substrate is unclean, it is better to lay a separating fleece right away. Pond fleece increases the life expectancy of the liner. The fleece prevents dirt particles from getting onto the work surface.
• 6. The primer is applied to both surfaces. One liter is sufficient for approx. 15 m.
• 7. The tape is then applied. The connecting tape is pressed lightly with the palm of the hand onto the lower surface of the film.
• 8. Now fold over the second primed surface.
• 9. Pull off the protective film from the side of the tape. You have to proceed very carefully and make sure that no remnants of the protective film remain.
• 10. Firmly press both surfaces. It is beneficial if you roll over it with a roller.

Conclusion
EPDM pond liner has many advantages over conventional pond liners. It is very elastic, UV-resistant and durable. In addition, it does not contain any plasticizers and it does not harm the environment or the fish and plants living in the pond. The film has one disadvantage, that is the higher price, but it pays off over the years of durability. EPDM foil is easy to lay, although the weight can of course cause difficulties in large ponds. It is best to work with several helpers, which makes the work a lot easier. It is important that the floor is well prepared and that a fleece is laid under the film. This is used for protection.