When trying to build a pond in your backyard on a budget, you may be tempted to use common materials like a tarp. However, a tarp is no replacement for a real pond liner. Tarps are made from woven materials rather than non-woven calendared or extruded sheets. The gaps between the strands of the woven material allow water to escape the liner. Your pond will continually leak from day one if you use a basic tarp as a liner. A repurposed “tarp” made from PVC may work, but it’s not the most durable material and will develop leak within a few months to a few years.
Stick to properly made reinforced polyethylene (RPE) or reinforced polypropylene (RPP) liners. It’s far more affordable to order a real liner from us here at BTL Liners than to try and repurpose a different material. Tarps are generally designed for use underwater or below layers of dirt and mud. The liners we sell here will last for decades and are easy to patch if a leak does develop. Don’t deal with tarps that will constantly leak, float, or both at the same time. Avoid repurposed liners as well from pools or billboard covers since these materials may have chemicals that interfere with your water plants or specialty fish.
