How To Join Pond Liners Together [Essential DIY Tips]

Have you ever bought a pond liner that is too short and you wish to seamlessly join it with another liner to get the exact length you want? 

You probably have tried different methods but none seems to give you that neat finishing you admire. Well, there is nothing to worry about because we’ve got you covered.

You know, joining two pond liners together is an important step in maintaining a waterproof seal for your pond. 

Whether you’re building a bigger pond or replacing a broken liner, making sure the liners are properly connected is critical to preventing leaks and maintaining the integrity of your pond. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will not only provide answers to the query; “How to join two pond liners together” but we will also walk you through very easy and effective steps you can use in joining your pond liners, as well as critical considerations before sealing them. Now, without wasting much time, let’s jump right into it.

What to Consider Before Joining Your Pond Liners Together 

Before you begin joining your pond liners, there are a few things you should take into consideration and they include; 

Material Compatibility

Make sure the two pond liners you’re going to attach are made of the same materials or even if they aren’t made of the same material, make sure the materials are compatible. This is because joining two incompatible materials might cause the seal to break over time.

Thickness and Strength

Pond liners come in a variety of thicknesses and strengths. To maintain a consistent connection, make sure the liners you’re connecting are of equal thickness. Thicker liners are often more robust and puncture-resistant.

Overlap Size

Another factor you have to consider is the overlap size. The suggested overlap between the two liners is generally 6 to 12 inches. This overlap size gives the sealant enough room to adhere and form a strong bond.

Temperature and Weather Conditions

Temperature and weather conditions of your environment can have an impact on the sealant’s adherence. For the best results, do join your pond liners in a dry and warm environment. 

Now that you have known the various factors to consider before joining your pond liners let’s quickly look at how to join them together.

How to join two pond liners together 

A beautiful pond is a relaxing refuge, but the last thing you want is an unsightly seam disturbing the view. 

Fortunately, whether you’re dealing with ordinary pond liners or Firestone PondGuard liners, you can join them with the right technique. 

In this section, we’ll walk you through how to join pond liners together with an alternate way to attain a watertight and aesthetically pleasing outcome.

Joining Regular Pond Liners Together

You know, joining regular pond liners together is a crucial step to ensure a watertight seal for your pond. 

If you have regular pond liners you want to join, do make sure the edges overlap by a few inches for a tight bond. This overlap adds strength and prevents water from penetrating the seam.

Splicing the Pond Liners Together

Lay out the two pond liners side by side, making sure they overlap. Ensure that the liners are clean and free from dirt and moisture because debris can affect the adhesive.

Trim the overlapped edges to create a clean, straight seam. In this step, you can use a ruler or straightedge for precision.

The Activator/Primer

Apply your primer or activator evenly. Applying a primer or activator to the overlapping area of the pond liners is a critical step in this technique. 

This is because the primer prepares the surface for bonding by making it more adhesive-friendly.

Application Tips

• To ensure equal coverage, make sure you apply the primer/activator using a brush or roller. This phase is critical for establishing a strong.
• Allow the primer/activator to dry completely. This is because thorough drying is required for a strong connection. The drying time varies depending on the product you are using and the climate. 

Steel rolling the 3″ seam tape

After you have applied the primer, the next step is to create a watertight seal. Place a 3-inch seam tape along the primed overlap area. 

Firmly push down on the seam tape with a steel roller to activate the glue and ensure a solid bonding. The roller helps in bonding the tape to the liner and removing air bubbles.

3″ seam tape and wax release

Now, roll out your seam tape. As you roll the seam tape, the wax release on the tape’s back will gradually melt, activating the adhesive. 

It’s important that you take note of the quality of the seam tape you use. Look for tape that is long-lasting and resistant to water and weather. 

Additionally, look for a wax release backing to help with better application. Remember to ensure thorough contact between the tape and the liners. 

Important tips

• Roll the seam tape slowly and with enough pressure to prevent a weak bonding that might undermine the pond’s integrity.
• Consider adding a second layer of seam tape for extra strength, particularly if you live in a region prone to severe weather condition.

Joining Regular Pond Liners at a 5″ Cover Tape

You can also join your regular pond liner with a 5″ cover tape without any visible seams. This method improves overlap leading to a stronger and more long-lasting bonding.

Now, here’s how to join pond liners together using a 5″ cover tape

Splicing the pond liners together

If you’re working on bigger pond projects, you might need to use a wider seam. In this case, we recommend going with a 5-inch cover tape. 

It’s the best option for you. To start, make sure the edges of the liners are lined up nicely, with a good amount of overlap.

The Activator/Primer

After you have aligned the pond liners, the next step is to apply an activator or primer on the overlapping area for easy binding.

Application Tips

• Consistency is essential. Apply the primer/activator evenly throughout the overlap using a brush or roller.
• Make sure the surface is clean and debris-free before applying primer or activator.
• Make sure your pond liners dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Steel rolling the 5″ seam tape

Place the 5-inch seam tape over the primed area. As with connecting 3-inch tape, use a steel roller to provide sufficient pressure.

Important Tips

• If your pond liner is really lengthy, try working in parts to better manage the seam tape application.
• Never underestimate the value of a steel roller. Proper pressure ensures a strong binding that can last for a long period.

Wax Release and 5”-Seam Tape

The next step is to roll out your seam tape. Make sure that the 5-inch seam tape you choose has a wax release backing. 

The wax release back will melt while you roll the seam tape activating the adhesive. This streamlines the application process and encourages a stronger bond.

Joining Firestone PondGuard Liners

Probably you have Firestone PondGuard liners you wish to join together but you are contemplating how to go about it. 

Well, the truth is, it’s not difficult. The steps are almost the same as the ones we’ve discussed above with very little adjustment and we will walk you through each step in this section so keep scrolling.

Splicing the pond liners together

Firestone PondGuard liners have their own unique joining process. Begin by aligning the edges of the liners, ensuring a sufficient overlap. 

If there are dirts or debris, do well to remove them and make sure the area is clean because dirt and debris can have a huge effect on adhesion.

The primer/activator

Now, it’s time for you to apply primer on the overlap area. Remember to use the primer/activator that’s specifically made for Firestone PondGuard liners. 

Also, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations while applying primer or activator.

Important tip

• You should use a brush or roller to apply the primer/activator evenly. Consistency is important because it helps the adhesive perform at its best.

Steel rolling the seam tape

You can use the same technique for joining regular pond liners with the Firestone PondGuard liners. 

All you have to do is to lay down the seam tape and then apply enough pressure on it. This will help in binding the liners together. Don’t also forget to use pond liner seam tape made specifically for the liners you want to join.

Seam tape and wax release

Just like joining regular pond liners, make sure the seam tape you pick for Firestone PondGuard liners has a wax release backing. This will make the application process easier and help build a strong bond.

Read Also: Can Pond Pump Be Too Powerful? Here’s The Answer

FAQs

Conclusion 

Maintaining a strong bond between pond liners is critical for preventing leaks. Keep in mind factors such as material compatibility, liner thickness, temperature, and weather conditions. 

Follow the steps we have provided in this guide diligently: overlap the liners, uniformly apply primer, let it dry, attach the tape, and carefully remove the wax paper. 

Remember that each liner type, such as Firestone PondGuard, has its own specific instructions. Also, pay attention to maintaining proper overlap, applying primer, and securing the seam tape.

By focusing on these details, you will be able to create a seamless and dependable connection, keeping your pond watertight and beautiful.