Pond liners are a sheet of polythene used to separate water from the ground where it is stored. They are primarily used in places where the soil is porous to prevent water loss through seepage. The reinforced polyethylene acts as a waterproofing membrane hence water stored in the pond cannot be lost by drainage.
The technological advancement of liners has been helpful in tropical areas around the globe, and the liners have vast applications in the aquaculture and mining industries.
Selecting a suitable pond liner that matches the soil type has been a blow to farmers and engineers for a long time. To take home the right polythene, you must have some factors to consider glued in your mind, especially if you want to protractedly enjoy the benefits. How do you ensure that the ordered liner is what you need? This guide educates you on how.
Material type
In considering the material used to manufacture pond liners, there are two classes; preformed liners and soft-shell. Preformed liners are plastic made; they are robust, weather friendly, and last longer. This type is well suited for virgin dams to lay a proper foundation for future benefits.
Soft-shell liners are light and flexible and can be molded to various custom designs; however, they may need to be more vital to withstand harsh weather.
Liner type
This point is close to the material used to make the liner. When talking of types, in this case, it is just a further breakdown of the components that make the liner. There are four types; EPDM, PVC, HDPE, and RPE liners.
Let us disintegrate this – EPDM dam liners are ethylene propylene diene monomers made; they are flexible and auspices from microbes, growing weeds, and plants to extend their longevity. RPE liners are polyethylene reinforced and are the thinnest of all types, suitable for short-term projects.
Liner’s thickness
Determining how thick the liner is will show you how durable it is. Low microns liners are used in smooth-surfaced small-scale ponds storing irrigation water. In contrast, higher micron liners are applied in larger ponds, storing a large volume of water, and surviving even on bumpy soil surfaces.
It is thoughtful to establish the nature of the surface and the scale of operation, then match it with the correct thickness of the liner.
The liner’s cost
Dam membranes come with a wide range of prices, and deciding what price matches the best product can take time and effort. In most cases, the highly cost-rated liners are the top-notch ones.
However, some other factors still play along in the price determination of the products. As an entrepreneur, it is essential to make reasonable expenses to cater to all needs sufficiently. Small-scale business owners can go for the cheap liners; then, as the business ameliorates, one can dig into the self-pocket for top-tier liners.
Color of the liner
In fish farming, many farmers are excited to see the fish in the water clearly, so they buy a light-colored liner, not knowing it is a double-edged sword since predators can easily see the fish. Colored liners are also liked by many because they stand out and provide beautiful scenery.
However, they are arduous to maintain and sustain. It is recommended to use dark liners because they are easy to maintain, and the fish are not easily exposed to predators.
Conclusion
All aqua-farmers have no excuse for not owning a pond liner. Although tropical environments are most prioritized for this, it is best to be on the safer side by installing a membrane in your pond or dam. Upon going through the above factors, choosing the fitting liners resides with you. Check also water pumps.
