How Can You Fix Tears in a Koi Pond Liner?

Most koi ponds feature liners made of materials designed to hold the water volume necessary to keep fish and other species. Unless the bottom of your pond is made of a fiberglass form or solid impermeable concrete like a swimming pools, there may come a time when you notice water levels retreating at a pace faster than evaporation. Dry summer conditions without the benefit of rains will cause evaporation of as much as two inches per week. If you notice faster water loss or bubbling in a single surface spot, there could be a tear in the liner, and it will need to be repaired. The trusted staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a leading provider of koi pond supplies, explains how.

Make Sure a Tear Is the Culprit

First of all, 95 percent of potential leaks are usually confined to the waterfall or area between the waterfall and the pond itself. Most often, plant roots are attracted to the water and make “wicking” areas that drip out the water. When mechanical circulation and aeration systems are running, it’s virtually impossible to determine if a tear is causing water to leak below the substrate. You’ll have to turn off pumps and fountains, fill the pond with enough water to reach the upper edges of the liner, and wait until the water level recedes to the spot where the tear is located. Keep in mind the tear could be at the very bottom, which isn’t common but would mean your koi and all other species may need to be transferred elsewhere for the time being, like a kiddie pool.

Spot the Tear Location

Once the water level is stable, you’ll have to search around the perimeter for the tear. The hole won’t always be visible, but there’s a simple method to locate it: refill the water level about an inch and drop about a tablespoon of condensed milk in the middle of the surface. Doing this will cause the floating milk blobs to travel toward the tear.

Choose Between Liner Replacement or Repair

In cases when you spot multiple tears or a larger section that looks thoroughly damaged, you may need to replace the entire liner instead of repairing it. This sometimes happens to fish keepers who move into a home with a drained garden pond they ultimately decide to take over. The liner may have gone through temperature changes that caused it to crack or tear. Liners are typically built to last, but one that’s been in service for a couple of decades would be better off replacing because it may continue to tear.

Look into Repair Kit Options for Pond Liners

Once you determine the liner is in good shape except for the tears you’ve located, the size of the hole will determine the kind of repair kit you should use. Sealants and spray-on solutions are only good for very small holes. A repair kit that includes patching materials along with primer (we recommend “Liner Primer” from EDPM to make a really good patch that will last 20+ years), adhesive, and a small roller tool will work better with larger tears and holes. If the damage is located right at the edge, meaning the water is leaking over an embankment, you’ll need to get a larger section of material along with double-sided tape specifically designed for joining liner pieces. All kits will require draining the pond and allowing adhesives to dry into place. We have all these items at Aquatic Warehouse.

To care for your koi pond properly, make sure you have all of the necessary pond equipment on hand. At Aquatic Warehouse, we have everything you need to ensure your pond is a healthy environment for your fish for many years to come. Stop by our store in Kearny Mesa, order what you need from our website, or give us a call today at 858-467-9297 to speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives.