How much pond liner do I need for my desired pond size? Here’s how I calculate the measurements and determine my exact requirements.
Before I start building my pond, I need to calculate how much pond liner I’ll need for my garden pond. It’s not just about the pond’s length and width; I also need to consider the pond depth, the different levels, and the varying pond zones. After all, I don’t want to end up with a lot of leftover expensive liner, or worse, have to start the entire pond project over due to insufficient liner. So, I make sure to take enough time to calculate the pond liner correctly. The most important thing is to take the most accurate measurements of the desired pond as possible.
It’s a good idea to calculate the liner needs once in advance and a second time after I’ve excavated the pond hole. There are often discrepancies between the initial planning on paper and the actual hole I’ve dug in the garden.
How I Calculate the Pond Liner Myself
There’s a general formula I use: For the liner length, I calculate twice the pond depth plus the longest pond length, and then add an additional 60 centimeters for the edge. For the width of the liner, I calculate it similarly with the widest point of the pond. This means:
Pond length + 2x pond depth + 60 cm edge
or
Pond width + 2x pond depth + 60 cm edge
However, this formula doesn’t account for the size or area of the individual plant zones or steps. To determine the different pond zones and levels, I use the following method: I lay a measuring tape across the finished excavated hole, once measuring at the longest point and once at the widest point from edge to edge. Then, I add 60 cm for the edge to these measurements – and I’m done. Alternatively, I can use a string and measure the length with a ruler. It’s important that the measuring tape or string follows the exact contours of the pond’s bottom.
Tip: I can also use online pond liner calculators that let me calculate my needs for free. I simply enter the dimensions of my future garden pond, and I get the corresponding liner information with just a click. Often, I also receive an estimate of the expected costs.
