Ponds and Water Features – Which Liner is Best?

Planning a Pond or Water Feature? Here’s What You Need to Know

Thinking of transforming your garden with a new pond or water feature? Maybe you want to give an existing one a fresh new look, or perhaps you’re dreaming of a peaceful space to relax beside a koi-filled pool. Whatever your vision, choosing the right type of pond lining is an important first step — and understanding your options now can save time, money, and maintenance headaches later.

There are three main choices when it comes to pond and water feature linings: concrete, butyl, and fibreglass. Each has its advantages and limitations — here’s a breakdown to help you make the best decision for your project.

Concrete Ponds and Water Features

Concrete allows complete freedom in shape and size, which makes it a popular choice for bespoke designs. But beyond that, there are some serious drawbacks.

Concrete is porous, which means it requires more filtration and frequent cleaning. Its rough surface encourages algae growth, which can affect both water clarity and the health of fish and plants. And although concrete is strong, it typically needs to be resurfaced every 10–15 years, adding long-term cost and disruption.

Butyl-Lined Ponds

Butyl liners are widely used thanks to their quick installation and relatively low initial cost. The material is smooth and non-porous, which reduces algae build-up and makes cleaning easier than with concrete.

However, even heavy-duty butyl liners are usually only 20–30mm thick. That makes them vulnerable to punctures — particularly if you plan to add rocks, pots, or other features inside your pond. Butyl also has a limited lifespan, usually lasting just 5–9 years. When the liner needs replacing, you’ll also need to drain and refill the pond entirely.

Fibreglass Ponds and Water Features

Fibreglass linings may involve a higher upfront cost, but they offer excellent long-term value. The material starts as a flexible matting that’s applied with resin — for ponds and water features, a WRAS-approved resin is used to ensure a safe environment for fish and wildlife. Once cured, the result is a tough, seamless, and highly durable liner.

Fibreglass is smooth, non-porous, and chemically inert — meaning less algae, easier maintenance, and no harmful effects on aquatic life. It can also be moulded to any shape and produced in almost any colour, giving you total design freedom and a truly bespoke finish.

A professionally installed fibreglass lining can last up to 30 years, significantly outlasting concrete, butyl, and even tiled ponds. It’s also strong enough to support rocks and decorative features, making it the ideal choice for those looking to combine beauty and durability. And if you have an older pond or water feature that’s seen better days, fibreglass can be used to restore it to its full potential.

Let’s Bring Your Project to Life

Whether you’re starting from scratch or reviving an existing pond, fibreglass offers a durable, low-maintenance, and visually striking solution.

Get in touch with our team to discuss your plans — we’re here to help you create something special.