Billboard vinyl vs. pond liner

[Paul Westberg]

I was recently introduced to the concept of using recyled billboards for pond liners. I didn't even realize they were vinyl! They are very thick and significantly cheaper than pond liner. Has onyone used them and what results have you had? Thanks!

[TCLynx]

Hi Paul,

This comment is coming from some one who has had lots of experience with EPDM and for most situations where a leak would be a royal pain (like in a gravel bed) I will still recommend using the heavy duty rubber pondguard liner if rocks will the involved.

 

As to Vinyl liner, I have far less experience with it.

 

I have tried using a recycled billboard liner to make a raft bed once, it leaked.  You take your chances using them, some people have had good luck and no leaks other people wind up with the ones that are old and beat up.  If you are doing something that it wouldn't be that big a deal to drain and patch or replace then it might be worth the risk.  Otherwise you might look at durascrim or epdm liner for something a bit heavier duty.

[Paul Westberg]

Good points, thanks. I'll look at the alternatives.

[TCLynx]

what particular uses are you looking at liners for?

[Paul Westberg]

Looking at building a second aquaponics setup outside and building my own grow bed the dimensions I want. Obviously need  to line with something or waterproof in some way. I have knowledge of fiberglassing (lifelong surfer) but was thinking of going quick and easy with liner. Second question would be how to make holes in the liners for siphons, manifolds, etc without having leaks galore. For growbed filler I was thinking 2/3 gravel and 1/3 hydroton so the ability to handle rough material is key. Looking @ the EPDM I see the liners are 45 mil while the billboards are 17. Big difference. Amazon has them pretty affordable anyway. How have you used liners and how do you plumb beds you use them with? (if you don't mind sharing). thanks

[TCLynx]

You can plumb through liner using bulkhead fittings or uniseals but you will need a sturdy backing for it.

 

I've used liner for in ground "ponds" and above ground fish tanks and I've lined lumber construction grow beds with pond liner which I don't recommend as termites sometimes install their own plumbing I mean make leaks if you have pond liner up against wood.  I've more lately been working on methods of using metal with pond liner to make beds and troughs.

 

Now I feel a little guilty about doing this to you but it's getting late and I have to get to bed since tomorrow is gonna be a long day so here is a link to my main system thread over on BYAP

It is terribly long and I don't have time at the moment to go find you pictures of the liner and installing bulkeads or uniseals or to post the new pictures of some of my new projects at the moment.  If reminded later I might be able to find those things but I have to go now.

[jim mckee]

Paul

If you have fiberglass experience I'd make a wooden box lined with 2 layers of  woven roven-  BOOM done .
jim