How To Find A Leak In A Pond Liner

Use this five-step DIY guide below to find a pond liner leak and ultimately fix it.

What Is A Pond Liner?

A pond liner is a waterproof membrane used to create a barrier between the water in a pond and the surrounding soil. It helps prevent water from gradually soaking into the ground.

How To Find A Leak In Pool Liners

Use the following steps to accurately locate a leak in your pool liner and fix this issue.

Step 1. Identify Water Loss

• Prior to searching for the leak, you must confirm whether or not the water loss is simply due to evaporation.
• Try to track the water level over several days.
• Elements like wind, heat, and humidity can reduce water by 1-2 inches every day naturally.
• A bucket test can also be performed, at this time.
• Fill a bucket with water, mark the level, and compare the water loss to the pond after 24-48 hours.
• There is likely a leak if the pond did, in fact, lose more water than the bucket.

Step 2. Visual Inspection

• Check the pond liner for any visible distress, including punctures, tears, or holes.
• Pay extra close attention to areas where the liner may come close to any sharp objects.
• Carefully examine the folds and edges, as these areas are usually tied to leakage.
• Damp soil or water pooling around the pond’s perimeter could indicate leaking signs.

Step 3. Monitor Water Levels

• Start by filling the pond back up to its normal level and ultimately marking it.
• Turn off the pumps and auto-fill systems and monitor this level for the next day or so.
• When the water level drops significantly, the leak is most likely in the pond liner.
• The leak may be in the equipment or plumbing if the level remains stable.

Step 4. Dye Or Milk Test

• Add a few drops of food coloring or condensed milk to the water by the suspected leaking areas.
• The milk or dye will be drawn to the leak, which makes the exact location easier to pinpoint.
• Try to use a bright color that contrasts with the water for the best results.

Step 5. Repair

• The repair method will depend on the size of the hole.
• A patch kit or underwater pond sealant can work for smaller holes.
• Larger holes will call for a temporary draining of the pond and the application of a liner patch.

How Long Should A Pond Liner Last?

The majority of quality pool liners can last up to 40 years. Some EPDM liners have even lasted longer than 40 years recently.

This does not mean each and every material will enjoy longevity, though. Maintenance upkeep, manufacturing quality, installation, climate, and more can impact how long these liners last.

Pond Liner Lifespan Based On Material

Let’s take at how the average lifespan of a pond liner will vary based on material:

These figures should be taken as general expectations instead of guarantees.

Eagle Environmental Products, Inc. was formed in 1995 and has been serving the state of Arizona ever since. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience in the geosynthetic and erosion control industry. We specialize in a wide variety of geotextile products such as, woven, non-woven fabrics used in drainage, filtration, stabilization and separation.