It’s all too easy to get a quote on a roll of pond liner and then compare that to the cost of a preformed liner at the local hardware store. In most cases, you might assume that you’re saving money by going with a preformed liner. However, the cost of pond ownership goes beyond just what you’re paying during installation. Saving a few dollars on the liner you choose generally doesn’t pay off in the long run. By factoring in the real cost of installing and maintaining a preformed liner, you’ll clearly see that a flexible liner is the more affordable choice.
Shipping and Handling
Flexible liners are much more affordable to ship and easier to handle once you receive them. Large, custom, preformed, pond liners are usually cast in place and then shipped hundreds or thousands of miles to the job site. If the pond liner is 20 feet or more in length, winches and a flatbed truck are needed for delivery. Even the largest, flexible pond liners are much more easily shipped and unloaded.
Maintenance
Both types of liners require similar maintenance, but flexible liners make the work a little easier. This adds up over time to create savings you can rely on. Rigid liners are more prone to damage when using metal tools to rake and lift up muck and other debris. Flexible liners are tough enough to withstand punctures and scrapes, reducing the chances of a costly repair after a routine maintenance chore.
Replacement
The cost of a liner must be pro-rated out over its lifetime for a true comparison. A $100 preformed pond liner that is projected to last only 10 years is not equal to $100 worth of flexible liner that can last over 20 years. In that case, the true cost of the flexible liner is only $50 when compared to the preformed option. Factor out how often you’ll pay to completely replace the liner material to see how much you’re spending per year. Keep in mind that lower cost, preformed liners don’t even last a decade and may leave you replacing the material every few years instead. Frequent replacement is especially common in cold climates with freezing damage.
Repairs
It’s simply not possible to repair most preformed liners. Once there’s a crack or a hole, the only option is to lay down the layer of flexible liner you should have installed in the first place. Patch kits and adhesives exist for these rigid materials, but they rarely work or feature chemicals you don’t want leaching into a pond. Stick to a material that is reliable, resistant to damage and can be patched or sealed on the rare occasion that damage occurs.
Upfront Costs
To keep cost minimal, find a manufacturer that will cut you a custom liner rather than requiring you to order an entire roll. This way you will have an exact fit for your project and not pay for unneeded material.
Preformed liners tend to cost far more than flexible liners once you weigh out all the costs of ownership. If you’re ready to choose a flexible pond liner, check out our selection here at BTL Liners or call to discuss your specific needs with one of our expert team members.
