Residential ponds may come in many different designs, but they all fall into a few different categories. Many ponds are built to serve more than one of the following purposes. Some of the intended uses for a backyard pond directly affect the type of liner needed, while others don’t. Either way, all of the residential ponds falling into the following five categories will need impermeable liners. Even the smallest backyard ponds built for a few koi or as decorative water features need liners to keep them stable and easy to maintain. Here’s a quick overview of the main types of residential ponds and how their liner needs vary.
Retention and Detention
The majority of residential ponds built today, especially those larger models built on a community or subdivision scale, are designed as retention or detention ponds. Both types of ponds are intended to capture runoff water generated during heavy storms. The main difference between the two types is the length of time the water remains in the pond. Detention ponds feature drains at the bottom so that they eventually empty between storms. This is also known as a dry basin pond. The retention pond is designed to keep water in between storms, staying filled unless there’s a long-term drought. Retention ponds are the best choice for most communities since they’re easy to keep natural looking and healthy. Since detention ponds dry out routinely, they lose the bacterial colonies and water plants that help keep the water clean. This means they tend to have unpleasant odors and unattractive appearances when filled or dry. Whenever possible, choose retention over detention designs and ensure they actually hold water as desired with impermeable liners.
Since they collect stormwater, these ponds are often exposed to significant amounts of chemical contamination. Make sure to select a liner material with good chemical resistance to ensure runoff and residues don’t shorten the lifespan of the materials used to build the pond.
Decorative
Second in volume, by number of installations, is the decorative residential pond. Decorative ponds can be among the easiest to maintain since they often just need to stay attractive and free from odor issues. Water quality fluctuations that would make it hard to swim or fish from the pond don’t necessarily matter if the water feature is strictly decorative. However, many people who add large ponds to their communities or backyards want to keep colorful koi or goldfish in them as well. This means that many decorative ponds need fish-safe liners, in particular, to keep their finned residents in good health. If a liner is used that isn’t rated for fish safety, future owners of the pond will need to know they need to change the material before adding in any koi. Decorative ponds built without fish in mind still need a durable liner material that won’t tear during installation or from the weight of the water on it.
Recreational
Recreational ponds are widely desired across the real estate world, but relatively few designs are actually built with these uses in mind. Trying to swim or boat in a pond that’s not designed for it can result in health risks to residents and damage to the banks. The more intense the recreational activity planned for the pond, the tougher the liner and cover system must be to compensate for wear and tear. Boating uses are among the hardest on a pond, especially if it’s a large body of water capable of creating waves when wake crashes against the shore. Without extra reinforcement and the right liner from BTL Liners, recreational ponds quickly develop erosion issues and leaks where friction wears through the material.
Conservation
If a building project disturbs existing wetlands, creeks, or ponds, environmental protection measures may call for building a water feature elsewhere to replace it. Other conservation ponds are built by homeowners or property developers that want to help local wildlife populations. These ponds definitely need fish-safe and plant-safe liners and materials to protect the species they’re designed to attract. Conservation ponds can be small in scale while still making an impact, but even ponds of just a few dozen gallons will need a liner. It’s no help to let a conservation pond dry out suddenly, due to a drought, right when fish, insects, birds, and animals need the water the most. With a liner, conservation ponds need relatively little attention or maintenance over the years.
Irrigation Ponds
Irrigation ponds are among the rarest types of residential ponds because they’re mostly found on golf courses and farms instead. However, some housing developments need enough water that their decorative or detention pond doubles as an irrigation source. Irrigation ponds won’t hold the water that’s needed if they’re built without lining. Seepage constantly wastes valuable irrigation water, putting golf greens or turf at risk for damage. However, there’s usually no need for a fish-safe liner for this kind of pond.
No matter the type of residential pond you need to build, it’s not hard to find a great liner to complete it. A pond designed for both recreational and detention use will need a slightly heavier duty liner than one for only decorative purposes. Find all the residential pond liners perfect for any kind of project here at BTL Liners. We’ll help you make the right selection even if you’ve never built your own pond before.
