INSTALLING A FLEXIBLE LINER
 
 
Flexible pond liners of PVC plastic or rubber are by far the most popular options for pond foundations.  They are not only relatively inexpensive (compared to a preformed pond), they iconicon are easy to install and will provide unlimited creative opportunities in size and shape of your pond.  It is also a lot easier to load into your car's rear seat or trunk.  You will find that most flexible liners are black to give the illusion of additional depth.  On occasion you may see other colors.  The liners come in a variety of stock sizes, and larger sizes are also available via special orders.  Some dealers carry large rolls of liner material in standard widths.  You can simply pull the length of liner you need off the roll.  Consider ordering online if you do not have a well-stocked supplier within easy driving distance.

Estimating the Size to Buy
I highly recommend that anyone installing a pond for the first time add a foot to your calculations in both directions.  Re-do your math a couple of times, and then have someone recheck your figures.  As quality liner material is not inexpensive, you will want to be very careful with your calculations.  You or your helpers will not enjoy digging the hole only to find you do not have enough liner to fill it.

Tools and Materials
Rope and stake, (for circular ponds) garden hose, (for irregular ponds)
Batter boards and string (for rectangular ponds)
Framing square (for square or rectangular ponds)
Sharpened stick (for circular ponds)
Flour, powdered gypsum, or nontoxic spray paint (for marking outlines) iconicon
Measuring tape and calculator.

Outline the shape.  You will need to clear the area of any obstructions, plantings, etc. before beginning.  If you pond will be shaped irregularly, use a rope or garden hose to mark the perimeter.  For squares or rectangles, use batter boards, string, and a framing square to make sure all corners meet exactly at a 90-degree angle.  For circular ponds, the easiest way is to just make a simple "compass" with a stake, sturdy twine or rope, and s stick, screwdriver, or other pointed object.  Find the center of your pond area and drive the stake into its center.  Attach a rope the length of its radius and use the stick or screwdriver tied to the other end to mark the pond's outside edge.  Now go over the line with flour, powdered gypsum, or nontoxic spray paint to make it more visible.  Once you have your pond completed add this combination pump and filter.  It combines an easy to use filter, with a hgh-tech, fully submersible Magnetic Drive Water Pump (250 gph), for pond up to 600 gallons.

Calculate the liner's size.  To do this measure the overall width and length of the pond: then determine the smallest rectangle that would enclose the pond area.  To allow for depth, decide on the maximum depth of the pond, double it, and add this figure to the width and length of the rectangle.  To allow for overlap around the edges, add an additional 24 inches to the width and length of the liner.   This will provide 12 inches of overlap around the pond rim once the liner is installed.  It is best to overestimate when calculating your liner, especially if the pond's shape is irregular.  Also, you may need to trim excess liner material from an irregular pond to provide an even overlap around the entire pond.  Also, if you are adding a wetland or bog to your pond be sure to allow extra liner.iconicon  Install a backyard pond in one afternoon with this pond kit.  The sparkling and splashing of water will make your yard an irresitible haven for wildlife and for you.  It is easy to install and will easily mold to the hole you dig without fussy fitting.