We keep hearing that you can weld pond liners yourself. You can find out in our article whether this is possible, which foils are suitable for welding yourself and what requirements must be met for this.
Can you weld pond liner yourself?
Pond liners can generally be welded, but this should only be attempted in exceptional cases. Only PVC films are suitable, and it is important to work carefully and professionally with solvent welding agents. However, foils are normally glued.
Welding foils
Foils are usually glued. Welding is an option, but it takes a lot of work and is difficult to do yourself.
Welding before laying
Pond liners are usually already welded by the manufacturer. Therefore, an exactpond plan with all depth details and cross-sectional dimensions is necessary when ordering so that the film can be produced in exactly the right dimensions.
The manufacturer then welds the sheets together to form a complete film. Industrial welding methods are used for this that you cannot use yourself. This is the only way to ensure high seam tightness.
Welding for repair
Welding processes could possibly be used as an alternative to gluing in the event of damage, although this is not common practice. When welding, it is important to work very carefully and professionally.
Can be weldedonly PVC films, welding is not possible for other types of film. For a clean and tight connection you will have to work with so-called solvent welding agents.
Important when welding
- you are only allowed to weld when the outside temperature is high enough
- the film must be clean and completely dry
- You should only weld foils that are not too worn or decomposed (PVC often changes after just a few years in the pond, the decrease in plasticizers then makes the foil brittle and often leaks)
- Heat sources (smoking, open fire, etc.) must be avoided when welding
- Make sure to allow the solvent welding agent to dry sufficiently according to the manufacturer's instructions, otherwise the tightness of the connection cannot be guaranteed
- Welded areas must always be put under pressure so that the connection is later sealed.
One tip, especially when making repairs, is to simply dissolve pieces of the foil in solvent welding agent and then use this solution for sealing. This ensures an even better seal. Please note that solvent welding agents are very aggressive and should not come into contact with the eyes or skin.
Tip
EPDM foils in the pond can be repaired much more easily by simply using liquid foil (€38.00 at Amazon). Even with PVC films, you should glue them rather than weld them - the only exception is if you want to make your pond lining yourself from individual strips.
