While looking for other ways to safely line your pond, you may come across an option know as Visqueen. But is it safe? Is it a durable option for your pond?
Visqueen can be safely used as a ponder liner when carefully placed over the area of the pond. Though not as durable as other pond liners, you can arrange the Visqueen liner so that when it’s gently pressed into the hole, it extends at least 12 inches past the edges of the new pond to secure water.
As you ponder the decision to use Visqueen as a pond liner, here are some things that you should know.
Visqueen is a Polyethylene Plastic
Visqueen is a brand of polyethylene plastic sheeting, typically Low-density polyethylene, produced by British Polyethylene Industries Limited. It is the most common plastic in use today, making it pliable for desired use in as many ways as possible.
As a polyethylene plastic that is durable and easy to use, it makes for an excellent option as a liner for your pond. However, there are many things to consider before purchasing your Visqueen polyethylene liner.
Visqueen Polyethylene is Vapor Retardant
Visqueen polyethylene is better known as a vapor retarder as it really just slows the passage of moisture through the concrete and doesn’t really block or create a true impermeable barrier.
However, if the desired affect is to trap in moisture with the pond liner, not minding that the water is seeping into the ground below, then Visqueen polyethylene would be an excellent decision to line your pond with.
Types of Durable Visqueen Polyethylene Liners
It is important to choose the correct Visqueen polyethylene pond liners. Each kind has its own benefits and durability. The following pond liners can be found at ‘DripWorks quality drip irrigation‘.
- PDB20 (20 mil) – Is a thin, more flexible liner that consists of three separate layers of varying density. This kind of liner is recommended for much smaller pond projects.
- PDB24 (24 mil) – If your project is a larger pond then this type of liner is more durable and flexible for such a project. It has a greater resistance to damage and is much less likely to rip or tear. The function should be about the same as their PDB20 (20 mil) Polyethylene liner in its variation of density.
- PDB30 (30 mil) – This type of liner provides a high level of resistance to hydrostatic. It requires a much thicker coating than other liners, while also providing its durability in a varying three layer density.
- PDB40 (40 mil) – This type of liner is the thickest and heaviest liner. Unlike the previous liners, this type has five layers of varying density. And, just like the PDB30, it provides a high level of resistance to hydrostatic.
- PDBGEO – This type is a self-customizable liner for your needs. The geotextile style is a workable style for laying it under or over in order to increase the life of your pond liner.
| Reinforced Polyethylene | 20 mil PDB20 | 24 mil PDB24 | 30 mil PDB30 | 40 mil PDB40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Foot Price | .35 | .39 | .49 | .61 |
| Lb. per 1,000 sq. ft. | 75 | 90 | 135 | 138 |
| Max. Size (sq. ft.) | 100,000 | 80,000 | 80,000 | 40,000 |
| Expected life in years (exposed) | 10 | 10 | 12 | 15 |
| Warranty (covered liner) | 20 yrs | 20 yrs | 20 yrs | 20 yrs |
Possible Problems with Visqueen Polyethylene
An experienced young pond owner did not receive what was promised. This young pond owner goes on to explain that his experience was not what was originally expected. He explains the commonality in the use of swimming pool liners among pond owners.
There are many methods to do this. From scrubbing it with detergent and rinsing it well, to simply laying in in a pond and allowing it to sit for a while. He later adds that remaining in the water was a large part of it.
He then goes on to describe the experience that he had with a similar plastic to visqueen polyethylene that was previously discussed. The plastic was purchased from a greenhouse supply company in order to prevent his pond from seeping. A fish farmer had reassured the pond owner that it was nontoxic to his fish.
Later, when the pond owner placed the liner over his pond, he explains his frustration in the way that it punctured his diffuser, causing the pond to continue to seep. Overall having an opposite affect than the desired solution.
As the young pond owner reflects on his experience, he adds that one of the more troubling problems for him, was the lack of natural nitrification that you get with a more earthen bottom pond.
The final decision of the young pond owner, was to us what he referred to as “the sprinkle method”. Using betonite for his small holding pond, he claims that it worked far better, and at a much lower cost. (Source: Polyethylene Film (Visqueen) Pond Liner Question – Pond Boss Forum)
When choosing your pond liner, be sure to verify the validity of it’s durability and promised outcome before placing it into your pond.
The Benefits of Choosing Visqueen Polyethylene According to ‘DripWorks’
- Visqueen polyethylene is easy to install if you’re looking for a fast solution to your problem.
- It is also safe for fish and plant life. It’s a likely option for a quick resolution of what pond liner to use to keep your fish and plant life safe.
- The line is UV stabilized for a long life, meaning that it won’t melt or be degraded by the rays of the sun.
- The liner is tear and puncture-resistant, providing a safer option for rougher ground. The liner itself has a guaranteed twenty-year warranty.
- When purchasing them from ‘Drip Works‘ they come custom cut according to your specifications. They will be shipped quickly and efficiently, arriving within two to three days.
- They continue to remain flexible down to extreme temperatures. Even down to -65 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The liner has an inherent hydrocarbon and chemical resistance.
- They also offer a tremendous anti-burst strength of 818 psi for the twenty four mil material.
Installing Visqueen Polyethylene Liners
Visqueen polyethylene is easy to install if your looking for a fast solution to your problem. All you have to do is arrange the Visqueen liner so when it’s gently pressed into the hole it extends at least 12 inches past the edges of the new pond.
Once the pond is filled with water, place gravel, river rocks or flagstones around the perimeter to cover the liner. Leave one or two places where the stones are flush with the water’s surface so small creatures such as frogs, turtles and unwary pets can crawl out of the water. Add a dechlorinating product or wait several days before adding plants and fish to the new pond.
