Trusted Since 2009

Pond Liners in Utah

EPDM liners, geotextile underlayment, seam work, and leak testing — built for Utah’s sun and freeze/thaw cycles. Sizing help, installation, and repairs.

Liner Thickness45–60 mil

Premium EPDM options built for Utah sun, freeze/thaw, and year-round flexibility.

UnderlaymentGeotextile

Non-woven protection layer that reduces punctures from rock, roots, and settling.

Leak PreventionSeams + Testing

Proper folds, penetrations, seam work, and test fills to confirm watertight results.

Local SupportUtah-Based

Sizing help, delivery logistics, and install/repair service across the Wasatch Front.

Why “Pond Liners” Matter (and Where Most Ponds Go Wrong)

It’s not just the liner — it’s the system

A durable pond liner is the foundation, but long-term performance comes from the details: underlayment, folds, penetrations, seams, edge treatment, and a proper leak test before rockwork is finalized. We help DIY builders and provide full-service installs and repairs across Utah.

Need materials? Start with pond materials, or browse pond supplies.

EPDM pond liner installed in a basin prior to leak testing and edge finishing

The right liner for your pond type

EPDM rubber liners are the go-to for koi ponds and naturalistic water features. We also support PVC and specialty applications where welded seams or formal shapes are preferred.

Underlayment is not optional

Most “liner failures” are puncture failures. A quality geotextile underlayment protects the liner from rocks, roots, and ground movement—especially on shelves and edges.

Edges & penetrations done correctly

Skimmers, returns, bottom drains, and edge treatment are common leak points. We handle critical details so your liner system stays watertight for years.

Pond Liner Sizing (Simple Formula + Real-World Notes)

Sizing formula

Liner length = pond length + (2 × max depth) + 2 ft overlap
Liner width = pond width + (2 × max depth) + 2 ft overlap

  • Overlap helps anchor edges and protects against settling
  • Shelves, folds, and streams may require additional material
  • Penetrations (skimmers/returns) should be planned before trimming
EPDM liner options

EPDM rubber liners are fish-safe, UV-resistant, and remain flexible through Utah winters. We commonly use 45-mil and 60-mil depending on site conditions and risk factors.

  • Great for irregular shapes and naturalistic ponds
  • Excellent durability under freeze/thaw cycles
  • Pairs best with high-quality geotextile underlayment
Underlayment (geotextile)

Underlayment is your puncture insurance. It protects from rock points, roots, and differential settling — especially on shelves, edges, and hard transitions.

  • Reduces punctures and abrasion
  • Helps protect folds from stress points
  • Improves liner longevity in harsh outdoor conditions
View Underlayment Options

Pond Liner Types & Sizes

We stock EPDM and RPE liners in multiple thicknesses and widths. Need help choosing? Call us or bring your pond dimensions in-store.

Liner Types

EPDM Rubber Liner

Industry-standard pond liner. Extremely flexible, UV-resistant, and fish-safe. Ideal for naturalistic ponds and irregular shapes.

  • Stays flexible in freezing temps
  • UV resistant
  • Fish and plant safe
  • Easy to repair

RPE (Reinforced Polyethylene)

Lightweight, puncture-resistant liner with high tensile strength. Great for larger ponds and commercial applications.

  • Lighter weight
  • High puncture resistance
  • Lower shipping cost
  • Excellent for large ponds

Thickness Options

45 milStandard duty - ideal for most residential ponds with proper underlayment
60 milHeavy duty - extra protection for rocky terrain or high-traffic areas

Available Widths

10' WideSmall ponds, streams, and water features up to 8ft wide
20' WideMedium ponds up to 15ft wide with standard depths
30' WideLarge ponds up to 25ft wide or deeper builds
50' WideExtra-large ponds, commercial builds, or complex shapes

Custom lengths cut to your specifications. Sold by the linear foot.

Installation Overview (What We Do Differently)

1

Sizing & takeoff

We calculate liner size using pond length, width, and maximum depth—plus overlap for anchoring. For complex shapes, we plan folds and seam locations up-front.

2

Underlayment + liner placement

Underlayment goes in first, then the liner is positioned with correct slack for shelves and transitions. This prevents tension tears and keeps folds controlled.

3

Seams, penetrations, and leak testing

We address seam work, skimmer/return penetrations, and edge detail. Then we test fill and verify water levels before final rockwork closes everything in.

Real installs from our Utah projects. These show underlayment, liner placement, fold management, and staging before rockwork and final edge finishing.

Large pond build with EPDM liner and protective underlayment staged before rockwork
Large-scale liner + underlayment staged before stone placement.
Underlayment and EPDM pond liner laid into excavation with edges left long for proper overlap
Correct overlap and slack: protects seams and prevents tension tears.
EPDM pond liner and underlayment positioned in a shaped basin prior to edge detailing
Liner placement prior to edge treatment and final rockwork.
EPDM pond liner installation showing folds managed to create clean shelves and transitions
Folds and shelves managed to keep water moving cleanly and safely.
Pond liner installed inside a structured basin with plumbing staged for leak testing
Plumbing staged for test fill and leak verification.
Pond liner fit and trimmed after positioning, ready for seam and edge finishing
Trim and finish comes after fit checks and seam planning.
Crew checking liner fit inside pond basin before final anchoring and edge securing
Fit checks before anchoring prevent stress points and future leaks.
Commercial pond liner and underlayment installation with equipment access path for stone staging
Commercial installs: staging and access matter for clean, safe construction.
Pond liner and geotextile underlayment installed across wide basin during construction
Wide-basin liner layout with underlayment protection under high-load areas.

Pond Liner Punctures: Causes & Prevention

Most liner failures are puncture failures — and most punctures are preventable. Here is what causes them and how to protect your investment.

What Causes Liner Punctures?

Sharp rocks in the excavation

Even small pointed rocks beneath the liner can work their way through over time, especially under the weight of water and foot traffic during maintenance.

Prevention: Remove all sharp debris during excavation and always use geotextile underlayment.

Tree and shrub roots

Roots actively seek water sources. They can grow toward and eventually puncture liners, particularly from nearby trees and aggressive shrub species.

Prevention: Install root barriers, maintain safe distance from trees, use heavy-duty underlayment.

Animal damage

Herons standing on liner edges, dogs entering the pond, and burrowing animals like muskrats or voles can all cause punctures.

Prevention: Proper edge treatment with rock cover, predator deterrents, and regular inspections.

Improper rock placement

Dropping heavy boulders directly onto the liner or using sharp-edged rock without proper padding crushes and punctures the material.

Prevention: Place rocks carefully, use underlayment under heavy stones, avoid sharp edges against liner.

UV degradation at exposed edges

Liner left exposed to sunlight becomes brittle over time. Brittle liner cracks and tears much more easily than flexible material.

Prevention: Cover all exposed liner edges with rock, gravel, or plants. No visible liner above waterline.

Freeze/thaw ground movement

Utah soil expands and contracts dramatically through winter. This movement can push rocks into the liner or stress existing weak points.

Prevention: Quality underlayment absorbs ground shifts. Proper installation with slack prevents tension damage.

6 Ways to Prevent Liner Punctures

1
Always use underlayment

Geotextile fabric is your first line of defense. It cushions the liner from rocks, roots, and ground movement. Never skip it.

2
Inspect before covering

Walk the excavation and remove any sharp objects before laying underlayment. Check again before placing the liner.

3
Cover all exposed edges

UV rays destroy exposed liner. Every inch above the waterline should be covered with rock, gravel, or edge treatment.

4
Use proper thickness

For rocky Utah soil, 60 mil liner provides better puncture resistance than 45 mil. Match thickness to site conditions.

5
Place rocks carefully

Never drop boulders onto the liner. Lower them gently and use extra underlayment under large or sharp-edged stones.

6
Schedule annual inspections

Catch small problems before they become leaks. Professional inspections identify wear, UV damage, and potential puncture points early.

Already Have a Punctured Liner?

Liner punctures do not always mean full replacement. Many punctures can be repaired professionally with proper patching and sealing techniques. We locate leaks, assess the damage, and recommend the most cost-effective solution — whether that is a targeted repair or a liner replacement.

Common Liner Problems We Fix

Punctures & abrasion

Root/rock punctures, shelf abrasion, and edge wear — often from missing or inadequate underlayment.

Penetration leaks

Skimmer mouths, returns, and bottom drain seals that were not prepped or sealed correctly.

Splash-out & overflow

Water escaping the liner due to rock placement, waterfall throw, or grade issues that mimic “leaks.”

Schedule Leak DetectionNew Pond Construction

Pond Liner FAQs

By Utah Water GardensLast updated:

Last updated: 2025-12-12 • Looking for quick answers? See Pond & Water Feature FAQs.

Sources & references (on-site)