Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Renovating a Pond or Lake? Pond Liner- seams or seamless? Epdm vs rpe?

Hello all,
I have a pond that we are looking to line this spring. I’ve started doing research and I’m in a quandary. I understand the gold standard seems to be 45mm epdm. However, the size I need (245 ft x 145ft) would require multiple seams from what I can gather. I can get a single piece of RPE in various thicknesses- no seams! Which of these options is better?

This is a DIY install, so multiple seams concerns me. We have a large deer population and our boys will fish in the pond, so puncturing in a big concern. Any advice or direction would be greatly appreciated.

In my book, the gold standard for ponds is this: https://www.btlliners.com https://www.btlliners.com/aquaarmor

Way lighter than the EDPM, and a LOT tougher (hard to cut with a sharp knife). A customer made a wildlife pond on his place in Arkansas where there are hogs, and after 6 or 7 years there are still no holes or tears in it. His soil is really rocky too. Talk to them about doing a DIY, they are easy to talk to and they will send you a sample at no charge if you ask for one.

Weight is a big concern, do you have equipment to move it around when you lay it out? What would a 245x145 piece of RPE weigh?

Thank you!

We do have equipment to move it around. I know it will be an all hands on deck situation, but we do have machines to help as well.

I’ve seen this liner advertised. It’s just hard to tell what is really “the best” because they all claim their product is better, more puncture resistant, etc. I’ve seen multiple people say that anything other than edmp is asking for trouble, though. Again my issue with that type is the seams.

What I really want is a liner I won’t have to mess with for at least 20-30 years!

Make the pond with gentle enough slopes to be able to cover the liner with dirt to protect it from the sun.I would say minimum 12" and 24 being better. Yes, that is a lot of work and expense. I think the biggest problem would be beavers or muskrats trying to tunnel into the banks and maybe chewing a hole in the liner. Never seen that, but just throwing that out there.

Check with the mfg for installation tips, and I would get samples from each mfg to make your own decision on what will best suit your needs. So far I like the stuff from BTL the best due to it's toughness and lighter weight.