Before you attempt to lay the liner you
must put in a "pre-liner" first. The best i have found is sand. If you
use any thing like carpet or old newspaper it will rot and give no support,
however there are some special materials available for the job. The idea of the
pre-liner is to prevent the liner it self from being punctured by any sharp
stones, also you can use it to ensure that the bottom of your pond is level.
The next step you have two choices, you
can either unfold the liner across the hole and anchor it down on the edges, and
start to fill it with water and as the liner fills it will slowly pull it self
into shape. (Remember to move the anchors in as it fills.) Or you can unfold the
liner and make it into the appropriate shape and then fill it with water.
(Please if you do this do it with bare feet.) Which ever way you do it is up to
you, but i prefer to start with the first and finish with the second that way
you can make neat folds for any "corners" you may have, since you can
not cut the liner to fit.
How much liner do I need ?
No matter what shape your excavation is
the calculation is the same. You must measure from the furthest points. (Imagine
that it is in an invisible oblong.)
It goes like this Length (then add twice
the depth) multiplied by breadth (then add twice the depth) equals the size you
require You then want to buy the next size up! if you are buying a
"standard" size
All Done?
Well now that it is full it is recommended
that you leave it for at least a day to give the liner a chance to finish
"settling in"
Now you can trim off the surplus but leave
at least six inches all around. You can now decorate the edges with what ever
material you have chosen.
A few words of caution.
If you are adding fish either leave the
pond for at least a week or add a dechlorinator. If you are adding a fountain
follow the manufactures instructions carefully and please use an R.C.D.
Get a nice deck chair sit back and enjoy.
Why not send me a picture?
see here