Why Pond Owners in the UK are Moving from Liners to Fibreglass

I used to think picking a pond liner was the easiest part. Just grab a roll, lay it in, fill with water, and admire the view. That was the plan. A few months later, I was staring at murky folds, wondering why the water smelled odd when I stirred it, and quietly worrying every time the level dropped by a centimetre.

That is when it hit me, the liner you choose early on kind of decides how relaxed you will feel about your pond later. While searching for answers, I came across the name of That Pond Guy, who offers the best Buckinghamshire pond fibreglassing. They talk openly about why so many pond owners move from liners to fibreglass after running into the same issues.

The Trouble With “Just a Liner”

At first glance, liners seem perfect. Flexible. Affordable. Easy to install.

But over time, a few problems creep in:

• Soil underneath shifts slowly
• Stones press into the material
• Roots begin to push from below
• Folds collect dirt and waste
• Cleaning becomes awkward and time-consuming

Those folds are the biggest nuisance. Dirt settles there, out of reach, and you often smell the problem before you see it.

What Actually Makes a Good Liner

I learned this later than I should have. Not all liners are equal.

A reliable liner should be:

• Thick enough to resist punctures
• UV-resistant to avoid sun damage
• Flexible without being fragile
• Installed with proper protective underlay

But even the best liner still forms creases. It still rests loosely in the hole. And it still ages.

Why Fibreglass Lining Feels Different

Fibreglass is not laid in. It is built up in layers, matting, resin, and topcoat, forming a rigid shell that follows the exact pond shape.

The result?

• No folds or creases
• No movement once cured
• No hidden pockets for sludge
• A smooth, solid waterproof surface

There is a strong resin smell during the process, sharp and noticeable, but once finished, the pond looks more like a pool interior than a lined hole.

Why Many People Switch Later

This story repeats itself often:

• A leak appears but cannot be located
• Cleaning folds becomes frustrating
• Fish scrape against rough areas
• Ongoing worry about what is happening beneath the water

Switching to fibreglass often solves these quietly. Maintenance gets easier. Water clarity improves. The pond simply feels more stable.

What I Would Check Before Choosing a Liner Now

If I were starting again, I would slow down and think more carefully. I would ask questions.

• How well is the ground prepared?
• Is the underlay thick enough?
• What is the true lifespan of the material?
• Would fibreglass be a better long-term option?

Because repairing liner issues later usually costs more than doing it properly from the start.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a liner does not seem like a big decision at first. But it shapes everything that comes after, including cleaning, fish safety, water quality, and peace of mind. And sometimes, the best liner for a pond is not a liner at all, it is a fibreglass shell that becomes part of the pond itself.Top of Form