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To retain the water in our river and pond we decided to add a rubber pool liner. We purchased a huge piece from the local plumbing supply store and it was one of the most expensive parts of the whole project. Even the little tiny jar of adhesive was $12.00. While it doesn't seem like a big deal placing a slab of rubber on the ground we did discover a few important things that we need to share with you. First, be sure to cut the pieces oversize. Remember the comment "I've cut it twice and it's still too short"? Well at the price of this stuff it's important to do it right. When you think you have it big enough give it a little more. Second, put something soft under you liner. Most landscape places recommend a three inch layer of sand. If you have a really good surface with no sharp objects we found that old carpet works just great. We went to a local carpet layer and asked for a piece of old carpet. They were glad to get rid of it and it worked great for a liner cushion. One word of caution, it's best to get a home type carpet as opposed to an office carpet. They are thicker and don't have staples imbedded all over the place. Double check your carpet for and remove any sharp objects. Next build up a little berm around your pond and river so that there is a little ridge along your river or around the pool. The liner should go up and over this ridge and beyond a little. This helps hold it in place and prevents run off from your yard getting into your system. This is especially important if you have fish and water plants. You don't want your lawn chemicals getting into your water. Finally, if you don't have a long enough piece of rubber for your river try to add the seams in a sloping area. Put the upstream liner over the downstream liner. This will help prevent leaks in the event that you don't get the pieces glued together really good. When you are putting the liner into a pond area get it centered and located about the way you want it then start filling it with water. The water will help push the liner into all the corners and tight areas. Remember it's important to not have leaks so don't walk on your liner and don't put anything sharp on it.
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