Anyone who builds a pond and installs their pond liner themselves is often faced with simple but tricky questions. For example: Which side of the pond liner goes up – the rough side or the smooth side. Our article provides a detailed answer to this question.
Which side of the pond liner goes up - the rough or the smooth side?
For pond liners with different sides, the rough side should face upwards, as this is beneficial for deposits and beneficial bacteria. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use an appropriate cleaning system.
Smooth and rough side
Many pond liners are equipped with different sides: a smooth side on the one hand and a rough or grid-like structured side on the other.
If the pond liner is to be installed, the question arises as to which of the two sides is best placed on top. This is not so easy to answer in individual cases - the decision in favor of a side is influenced by several criteria.
Deposits
One of the most common fears when installing rough or structured sides facing upwards is that the garden pond will become heavily contaminated with deposits and lead to heavy algae growth.
But these fears are groundless. Deposits at the bottom of the pond are normal and desirable. A variety of useful bacteria live in the deposits, which keep the water clean and ensure good water quality in the pond.
These deposits may be undesirable and difficult to remove in swimming ponds - but they are definitely desirable in all other types of ponds.
Algae growth, on the other hand, is more likely to be expected on smooth surfaces - algae cannot grow so well on structured surfaces. Smooth surfaces (including stone surfaces) should be considered as risk areas for excessive algae growth.
Foil type
Depending on what type of foil you use, the location of the top can still have a meaning. For many rubber films (EPDM film), the film manufacturer also applies the rule that the rough side should point upwards, i.e. towards the water surface. Of course, you should definitely follow such instructions.
Pond cleaning
The way in which the film is applied only plays a minor role in pond cleaning. For most ponds, you should have a sufficiently sized cleaning and filter system anyway, regardless of how you place the film in the pond.
Tip
When installing the pond liner, always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions very carefully. In many cases there are special things to consider here. If possible, always install foil in summer, the higher temperatures make the foil much more flexible and installation easier.
