How much does a pond liner cost?
How much does a pond liner cost?
$0.50 – $3.50 Average cost per square foot
$300 – $7,400 Average total installation cost
Pond liner cost
Lining for a pond costs $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot or $300 to $7,400 installed on average. Large pond liners cost $10,000 to $22,500 for 1 acre with installation or $37,600 to $82,000 for 4 acres. Reinforced polyethylene liners cost $0.40 to $0.90 per square foot for the material alone.
| Pond size | Average material cost | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| 200 square feet | $120 – $660 | $220 – $960 |
| 500 square feet | $240 – $1,200 | $390 – $1,600 |
| 1,000 square feet | $430 – $1,900 | $830 – $3,100 |
| 1/8 acre | $1,300 – $3,800 | $1,400 – $4,100 |
| 1/4 acre | $2,400 – $6,800 | $2,700 – $7,400 |
| 1/2 acre | $4,200 – $12,000 | $4,600 – $13,000 |
| 3/4 acre | $7,200 – $17,300 | $7,800 – $18,900 |
| 1 acre | $9,400 – $22,000 | $10,000 – $22,500 |
| 2 acres | $18,400 – $41,200 | $19,200 – $43,000 |
| 4 acres | $36,100 – $78,600 | $37,600 – $82,000 |
Most small ponds have plastic or rubber liners.
Large ponds may not require a liner at all, depending on the depth and soil type.
Custom pond liner cost calculator
Use these guidelines to calculate your pond liner dimensions:
Liner length = pond length + (2 x avg. depth) + 2 feet minimum overlap
Liner width = pond width + (2 x avg. depth) + 2 feet minimum overlap
Pond liner prices by material
Pond liner prices are $0.20 to $6.50+ per square foot, depending on the material.
EPDM rubber pond liner is popular for backyard ponds due to its durability and flexibility.
PVC liner is the cheapest option but is the least durable, and most PVC liners are not fish safe.
| Liner material | Material price per square foot* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Clay / bentonite | $0.20 – $5.00 |
|
| Fiberglass | $3.00 – $6.50 |
|
| HDPE (high density polyethylene) | $0.30 – $0.60 |
|
| PVC / vinyl | $0.30 – $0.90 |
|
| Reinforced polyethylene (RPE) | $0.40 – $0.90 |
|
| Rigid pre-formed plastic | $0.25 – $1.50 |
|
| Rubber / EPDM | $0.75 – $2.00 |
|
| Cement | $50 – $130 installed |
|
*Not including installation.
Reinforced polyethylene pond liner costs
A reinforced polyethylene (RPE) liner costs $0.40 to $0.90 per square foot for the material alone. RPE pond liners are ideal for large projects. RPE's woven structure is stronger and lighter than rubber liners but not as flexible.
| Liner material | Price per square foot* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Reinforced polyethylene (RPE) | $0.40 – $0.90 |
|
| High density polyethylene (HDPE) | $0.30 – $0.60 |
|
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) / vinyl | $0.30 – $0.90 |
|
*Not including installation.
Cover a PVC pond liner with at least 12" of soil to prevent degrading from sun exposure.
EPDM and heavy-duty rubber pond liner costs
EPDM rubber pond liner costs $0.75 to $2.00 per square foot for the liner alone. EPDM liner is durable, flexible, UV and crack resistant, and safe for humans and aquatic life. Rubber pond liners are easy to install and form to any shape but puncture easily and require an underlayment.
Preformed plastic or fiberglass pond insert costs
Preformed plastic pond liners cost $50 to $460 on average and range from 50 to 250+ gallons. Rigid liners come in limited shapes and sizes, with most models too small for koi ponds.
Preformed liners are durable and easy to install but vulnerable to cracking if installed without proper backfilling.
Some preformed liners are made of more durable fiberglass, costing $400 to $4,000+, depending on the size. Shipping charges typically add $200 to $300+.
Clay / bentonite pond liner cost
A clay pond liner costs $0.50 to $3.00 per square foot for the material alone. Clay liner is natural, eco-friendly, and thicker and more puncture resistant than plastic or rubber liners.
Clay pond liner requires 2 to 5 pounds per square foot of bentonite, depending on the soil type. The clay is mixed or layered with the soil and expands with water contact, forming a watertight and flexible seal.
Lining with clay requires an experienced installer to ensure a quality seal.
Cement or concrete pond liner cost
Lining a pond with cement or concrete costs $50 to $130 per square foot on average, including materials and labor. Concrete creates a smooth, easy-to-clean pond surface.
Cement lining is more costly and permanent than plastic or rubber liners, increasing the importance of proper installation.
Concrete is porous and requires additives or a sealant to create a waterproof pond surface.
Experts recommend against a concrete pond liner in regions with freeze thaw cycles due to a greater cracking risk.
Cheap pond liner alternatives
Cheap pond liner alternatives include tarps, shower curtains, and waterbed liners. Confirm the tarp or curtain is waterproof.
Waterbed liners—more durable than EPDM pond liners—are not cheaper than pond liners, but homeowners may find them for free due to waterbeds' decreasing popularity.
Use an underlayment to prevent punctures when lining a pond with a cheap liner alternative.
Large pond and lake liner cost by acre
| Acreage | Square feet (surface)* | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ acre | 10,890 | $2,700 – $7,400 |
| ½ acre | 21,780 | $4,600 – $13,000 |
| ¾ acre | 32,670 | $7,800 – $18,900 |
| 1 acre | 43,560 | $10,000 – $22,500 |
| 2 acres | 130,680 | $19,200 – $43,000 |
| 4 acres | 217,800 | $37,600 – $82,000 |
*Liner size depends on the pond’s slope and depth.
A bentonite clay and soil mixture is ideal for large ponds and lakes. Bentonite's self-healing properties hold up to machinery and puncturing better than plastic or rubber liners. However, lining with bentonite is cost-prohibitive if not locally sourced because it is heavy and costly to transport.
Polyethylene liners work well due to their light weight, puncture resistance, and ability to be welded in the field.
PVC liners are cheaper but best for detention ponds or ponds without much activity.
A large pond or lake may not require a liner if the soil composition contains enough clay to become impermeable once compacted.
Pond liner cost installation factors
Building a pond costs $2,900 to $15,600 and often includes pond liner installation.
Building a koi pond costs $3,500 to $17,000, not including the fish.
Factors affecting the cost of the liner and installation include:
Size & depth – The larger and deeper the pond, the more material needed to line the surface.
Geographic location – PVC and butyl liners crack in freezing weather. Choose EPDM or HDPE liners for ponds in northern regions as these materials withstand sub-zero temperatures.
Soil type – Rocky soil takes longer to dig and smooth out in preparation for pond liner installation.
Pond type – Liner material options depend on the pond type. PVC liner is cheap but not fish safe.
Liner thickness –Thicker liners cost more but are more durable and long-lasting. Experts recommend 45 mil EPDM rubber liner for most ponds.
Liner replacement – Replacing an old or damaged pond liner requires draining and refilling the pond, increasing labor and material costs.
Underlayment – Underlayment costs $0.25 to $0.40 per square foot. PVC and EPDM rubber liners require an underlayment.
Pond liner cost by roll thickness
Plastic and rubber pond liners cost $0.10 to $2.00 per square foot for the liner alone, depending on thickness.
Pond liners thickness is measured in mils. The smaller the number, the thinner and weaker the material. One mil is one thousandth of an inch.
30 mil pond liners are standard thickness, strong enough to withstand exposure to the elements.
Most experts recommend 45 mil pond liners for their added durability and longevity.
| Thickness | Average material price per square foot* |
|---|---|
| 15 mil | $0.10 –$0.50 |
| 20 mil | $0.35 – $0.60 |
| 24 mil | $0.40 – $0.90 |
| 30 mil | $0.50 – $1.10 |
| 40 mil | $0.65 – $1.15 |
| 45 mil | $1.10 – $1.60 |
| 60 mil | $1.75 – $2.00 |
*Not including installation.
Pond liner coating prices
Pond liner coating costs $1.30 to $4.00 per square foot for the material alone, depending on the type. Liner coatings are sprayed, brushed, or rolled on the surface and give more longevity and puncture-resistance than sheet liners.
| Coating type | Price per square foot* | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Epoxy | $1.30 – $2.30 |
|
| Liquid rubber | $1.90 – $2.60 |
|
| Polyurea | $1.50 – $4.00 |
|
*Not including installation.
Polyurea coating typically requires a trained professional, costing $10 to $20 per square foot on average for installation.
Pond liner coating may also be used to repair existing liner cracks.
Pond maintenance and liner repair costs
Pond maintenance costs $400 to $2,900 per year, depending on the size and condition.
Professional pond liner repair costs $150 to $400+, depending on the damage type and the time needed to locate it
Repairing liner tears greater than 1" typically requires draining the pond, increasing labor costs.
DIY liner repair kits cost $30 to $100 and patch several small or medium holes.
Pond liner FAQs
Do I need a pond liner?
Small ponds deeper than 2 feet require a liner to prevent the water from seeping into the ground due to the water pressure. Shallow ponds less than 2 feet deep may not require a liner if the soil is at least 20% clay and adequately compacted.
Can I install my own pond liner?
You can install your own pond liner if you understand the liner material characteristics. Preformed rigid pond liners are the simplest to install DIY but are limited in size and shape.
Low-mil liners puncture easily and are best installed by an experienced pro to prevent tearing or premature wear.
Getting quotes from pond liner installers
Before hiring a pond contractor to install a liner, be sure to:
Look for companies that are licensed, bonded, insured, and in business 5+ years.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
For large ponds and lakes, look for members of the International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI).
Avoid hiring an installer who struggles to answer the question: "How will the pond look in 40 to 50 years?"
Avoid going with the lowest estimate, as they may lack the necessary experience for creating a long-lasting pond.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed and insured?
What experience do you have installing pond liners?
Do you have a portfolio of past pond installations?
Can you provide local references?
What liner type do you recommend for my pond, and why?
Is the liner fish safe?
Does the estimate include digging the pond or just installing the liner?
What additional costs should I expect?
How long will the installation take?
Is there a warranty? If so, what does it include?
Is the liner repairable or will it need full replacement if it tears?
Do you offer a pond maintenance plan?