Content
- Pond liner - is there an alternative?
- Disadvantages of PVC films
- EPDM as an alternative
- Liquid film as an alternative
- Tonabdichtungen
- Tips
It does not always have to be pond liner
Pond liner - is there an alternative?
Many do not like the idea of lining a pond with PVC film. Often, therefore, the question arises whether there is not a natural alternative to pond liner. You will find out in detail what options are available in this article.
Disadvantages of PVC films
Concerns about the PVC film commonly used for pond construction are sufficient:
In most cases, the concerns about PVC film mainly concern the environmental aspects of PVC and the possible health effects, for example on aquatic life.
EPDM as an alternative
The much more expensive EPDM film already offers itself as an excellent alternative in the area of conventional pond liners:
As an ecological alternative, EPDM film is also highly recommended due to its technical properties.
Liquid film as an alternative
Liquid film is today used almost exclusively as a repair material. But it can also be used as the sole seal.
Due to its extremely high flexibility, it adapts perfectly to the pond shape, is compatible with drinking water and does not harm living things in the pond. Its ductility is even higher than that of EPDM (up to 400%) and it is even more tear resistant. However, it can only be used on very smooth surfaces - such as concrete or tiles, but sometimes even smooth stones are possible.
However, the content of polyurethane and silane-modified polymers (SMP) may still give some people some cause for concern when it comes to environmental compatibility and naturalness.
Tonabdichtungen
The sealing of the pond is done here by a Tonabsperrung, much like you do in the walls. You can either use damp clay blocks or swelling clay granules.
Swelling clay granules, as a dry material, are much lighter than wet clay and combine to form a stable clay layer when wet. The clay blocks, on the other hand, must first be joined by pounding to form a stable clay layer.
The necessary layer thickness is at least 15 - 20 cm, the ground underneath has to be compacted. After the introduction of the granules this is covered with about 10 cm of sand, then it comes a fine gravel layer for stabilization. The granules are then moistened first and then slowly filled the water. After about 5 hours, the barrier layer is tight.
Tips
Especially the alternative with clay makes for a very natural garden pond without technical foreign materials in it. It is the most natural alternative that exists so far.