How to Repair Your Pond Liner

If your pond liner is composed of EPDM, it can be torn by sharp objects and start to leak.  When that happens, many people think they will need to replace the whole liner, which is sometimes quite expensive.  There is another alternative.

Repairing a liner is possible in most cases with a liquid EPDM material.  EPDM is a kind of synthetic rubber.  It is liquid until a catalyst is added that causes it to harden.

The synthetic rubber liners are considered the most durable.  They are water and heat resistant.  It is resistant to the fading caused by UV light.  It rarely tears, because of its high tensile strength.  But, a torn liner is the most common cause of a pond leak.

Pond Pro 2000 is the brand name of the liquid EPDM material.  Once it cures it is safe for fish and plant life.  Not only can it be used to repair liners, it can also be used to repair concrete, metal, fiberglass and fabric.  So if you have a cracked bird bath, fountain or fiberglass pool, the liquid rubber will still work.

Application of the liquid results in a seamless self-adhering rubber membrane, once it cures.  It is very similar to the original EPDM liner and has the same advantages.

Rubbers swell when they come into contact with oils, waxes and fats.  In some cases, that’s what causes the liners to tear.

In order to use the liquid for pond repair, you will need to remove all fish and plants.  The pond will need to be drained completely or at least down to the area where the rip is located.

It’s a good idea to wait for a warm day.  The curing process is faster at temperatures of 70 degrees and above.  You should not apply Pond Pro 2000 when rain is expected within 24 hours.  So be sure to check the weather forecast.

The surface of the material to be coated should be cleaned of all dirt and debris.  It can be applied with a brush, roller just as you would apply paint.

Once the area has been prepared, you will mix the catalyst included in the package.  There is enough room in the can to allow for the catalyst to be added.

A xylene solvent can be used to clean up spills or tools.  Xylene can also be used for thinning, in the event that the coating becomes too thick for easy application.

Save your pond liner with Pond Pro 2000.  Don’t throw it away.