Asked By: Bob from Red Bluff, CA
A: Natural ponds and lakes can exist for millennia without requiring a pond liner, so you might be tempted to skip this step in your backyard pond. Depending on your location and soil conditions, this could be a costly, leaky, and messy mistake.
Natural water basins form in concave areas where the underlying soil is fully saturated. This saturation can result from proximity to the water table, a spring, or heavy clay and rock that prevent seepage. If these elements are present at your chosen pond building site, you likely already have standing water there, at least during rainy weather.
Without this natural barrier, water will seep into the earth, leaving your pond plants and fish high and dry. You could keep refilling the pond, but this will be an uphill battle against nature that will prevent your aquatic environment from maturing and establishing a balanced ecosystem.
Forgoing a water-tight barrier like our Custom PVC Pond Liner for large ponds can also lead to clarity issues and algal overgrowth. However, avoid using a cheap pool liner in your outdoor pond, as the material could leach toxic compounds that harm your fish and surrounding wildlife.
If you want a more natural option, you can use soil-cement as a plastic-free pond liner. Not all areas are suitable for cement-lined ponds, so ensure your soil is coarse grain and doesn’t contain a high concentration of clay balls before choosing this route.
Learn More About Pond Liners
Do you need help selecting and sizing the right pond liner for your new pond build? Contact our pond experts at 866-POND-HELP for in-depth, customized advice.
Read more pond liner tips and tricks below:
Pond Liner: The Essential Guide
Find and Fix Leaks in Pond Liners
Last Updated: January 7, 2025