How to Bury a Pond Liner?
To bury a pond liner, especially for larger ponds, a common method is using an anchor trench.
Understanding the Anchor Trench Method
The anchor trench is a technique used to secure the edges of the pond liner around the perimeter of the pond. This prevents the liner from slipping or being pulled into the pond, particularly when the pond is filled with water.
Based on the provided information, for larger ponds, an anchor trench is typically dug:
- Depth: Down a foot (approximately 30 cm).
- Width: Over a foot (approximately 30 cm or more).
The process involves bringing the pond liner up and then guiding it down into this trench. Once the liner is placed in the trench, the trench is typically filled with soil, gravel, or other material to secure the liner edge firmly in place.
Steps for Burying a Pond Liner with an Anchor Trench
- Excavate the Pond Shape: Dig the desired shape and depth of your pond.
- Prepare the Trench: Around the entire perimeter of the pond excavation, dig the anchor trench. As mentioned, for large liners, this trench is usually dug down a foot over a foot.
- Lay the Underlayment: Place a protective underlayment (like geotextile fabric or old carpet) over the excavated pond area to protect the liner from sharp objects.
- Position the Liner: Carefully unfold and position the pond liner over the underlayment, ensuring there is enough excess material to extend up and into the anchor trench around the entire perimeter.
- Anchor the Edges: Bring the excess liner material up and then down into the anchor trench.
- Secure the Liner in Trench: Fill the anchor trench back in with soil, gravel, or rocks, burying the edge of the liner securely. Compact the fill material if necessary.
- Trim Excess Liner: Once the trench is filled and the liner is secured, you can trim any excessive liner material extending beyond the buried edge, leaving a small margin.
This method effectively anchors the liner, creating a secure edge that can then be covered with coping stones, gravel, or turf for a finished look.
