Why HDPE instead of ordinary plastic sheet or tarpaulin
Ordinary plastic sheet (often called nylon, نايلون) is a thin film whose joints are only overlapped or taped, and a tarpaulin (شراع or طربال) is a cover sheet made to protect goods from wind, rain and sun. Neither is made or tested to any geomembrane standard. An HDPE geomembrane to GRI-GM13 is at least 0.75 mm thick, is made from virgin resin with 2–3% carbon black for UV resistance, and has heat-welded, tested seams, so the whole pond becomes one continuous, watertight sheet.
Choosing the right thickness for a farm pond
Farm ponds commonly use HDPE between 0.75 mm, the thinnest covered by GRI-GM13, and 1.5 mm. Thicker sheet has higher puncture and tear resistance (GRI-GM13 sets higher minimums for each step in thickness) but costs more per square metre. For ponds exposed to full sun or built on stony ground, stay toward the upper end.
Heat-welded seams, not glued joints
HDPE cannot be reliably glued or taped, so every joint is welded and then tested:
- Panels joined with an automatic hot wedge welder
- Pipe inlets and outlets sealed with extrusion-welded boots
- Vacuum box and spark testing of the seams, with peel and shear tests on trial welds
What drives the price per m²
We don't publish a single price per square metre, because it depends on the pond: the liner thickness, the total area (mobilisation is spread over more square metres on a bigger pond), the shape and slopes, the condition of the ground, the anchor trench and pipe details, and the location of the farm. Send us the pond dimensions, the thickness you want (or ask us to advise) and the location, and we will quote.
Wind and safety
- Anchor trenches and ballast so wind cannot lift the liner when the pond is empty
- Ladders or rope lines for a safe way out, because the walls of an empty lined pond are slippery
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to line a farm pond per m²?
There is no fixed price per square metre. The main factors are the liner thickness, the pond area, its shape and slopes, how much ground preparation is needed, pipe and anchor details, and the farm's location. Send us the pond's length, width and depth, the location, and photos if you have them, and we will send a quotation.
Can I buy HDPE rolls and install the liner myself?
HDPE sheets are joined by heat welding with specialist equipment, and the seams need testing, so the liner is only as good as the welding. We supply HDPE rolls on their own for contractors with welding equipment and trained welders, or we supply and install the liner with our own crew.