Geotextile Fabric in Recreation Ponds
United Waterscapes utilises 1200GSM geotextile fabric in all Recreation Pond that forms a "Triple Layer leak Defence".
The Role of Geotextile Fabric in Recreation Ponds: Protection and Longevity
Building a recreation pond is an exciting endeavor, whether it's for swimming, a natural landscape feature, or creating a habitat for wildlife. One of the most crucial steps in ensuring the longevity and functionality of your pond is protecting the pond liner. The liner is responsible for keeping the water where it belongs, but it also needs to be shielded from punctures, abrasions, and wear caused by rough terrain, sharp rocks, and roots. This is where geotextile fabric comes into play.
In this blog, we'll explore the role of geotextile fabric in recreation ponds, covering the different grades available, and why United Waterscapes considers 1200 gsm (grams per square meter) thickness to be the optimal choice for protecting EPDM pond liners.
What is Geotextile Fabric?
Geotextile fabric is a synthetic, non-woven material commonly used in construction, landscaping, and pond installations to create a protective barrier between the ground and other materials. In the context of ponds, geotextile fabric acts as a cushion between the pond liner (typically EPDM or similar) and the ground beneath. It helps prevent sharp objects like rocks, roots, and gravel from puncturing or tearing the liner, ensuring the longevity of your pond's waterproof integrity. United Waterscapes installs geotextile as an underlay and an overlay, protecting the interior of the pond liner from sharp edges on boulders or river stones.
Geotextiles are available in various grades and thicknesses, each designed to serve specific functions in different construction and landscaping projects. For recreation ponds, the right choice of geotextile fabric will provide essential protection to the liner without compromising the flexibility or shape of the pond.
Importance of Geotextile Fabric in Recreation Ponds
Before diving into the different grades of geotextile fabric, let's take a look at why this material is so vital for a recreation pond installation.
1. Puncture and Tear Protection
The ground beneath a pond is rarely perfectly smooth. Even with excavation, there’s always the possibility of sharp objects like rocks, sticks, or tree roots coming into contact with the liner. A pond liner, such as EPDM, though flexible and durable, can still be vulnerable to punctures, which can lead to costly leaks and repairs. Geotextile fabric serves as a protective cushion between the ground and the liner, absorbing the impact of any sharp or rough objects that may press against the liner over time.
2. Erosion Control
In addition to protection, geotextile fabric can help control soil erosion. When placed beneath the liner, it prevents soil from shifting and eroding, which can cause the pond liner to stretch or deform. This is particularly important in larger recreation ponds or those built on sloping terrain where the natural movement of the soil could otherwise undermine the pond’s structure.
3. Longevity of the Liner
A well-installed geotextile fabric layer can significantly extend the life of your EPDM pond liner by reducing physical wear and tear. The liner will not only be protected from punctures but also from the small movements and pressures that can occur as the soil beneath shifts over time.
4. Ease of Installation
Geotextile fabric is easy to install and adds an extra layer of security during pond construction. It comes in large sheets that can be laid directly on the excavated pond floor before the liner is added. Installing this fabric ensures that the pond liner will have a smooth, protected surface to rest on, reducing the likelihood of problems later on. Geotextile Fabric can also be flame welded together with a blow torch to create welded panels for greater protection of the pond liner.
Different Grades of Geotextile Fabric
Geotextile fabrics are classified by their weight and thickness, usually measured in grams per square meter (gsm). The gsm rating reflects how heavy and thick the fabric is, which in turn influences its strength and protective properties.
Some of the common grades include:
170-270 gsm:
These are lighter weight fabrics, often used for simpler landscaping tasks like separating soil layers or stabilizing ground for smaller projects. While they can offer some protection, United Waterscapes believes that this grade is not thick enough to provide substantial protection for pond liners over the long term in areas with rocky or uneven terrain.
600-900 gsm:
This grade of geotextile fabric is more durable and can be used in applications where a moderate amount of protection is required. United Waterscapes employs this thickness for smaller ponds built in areas with relatively smooth ground conditions.
1200 gsm and above:
The 1200 gsm grade is the standard for robust protection in recreation ponds. Its thickness provides optimal puncture resistance, making it the go-to choice for safeguarding EPDM pond liners. For recreation ponds that require reliable, long-term protection from rocky or uneven ground, this thicker geotextile fabric provides the best defense.
Why 1200 gsm Geotextile Fabric is the Optimal Choice
Now that we've outlined the different grades of geotextile fabric, let’s explore why 1200 gsm is the thickness of choice when it comes to protecting EPDM liners in recreation ponds.
1. Superior Puncture Resistance
The 1200 gsm fabric is thick and dense enough to resist punctures from sharp rocks, roots, and other debris that could damage the pond liner. When used in combination with a high-quality EPDM liner, this thickness creates an almost impenetrable barrier, ensuring that the liner remains intact even in harsh conditions.
Durability: The fabric is designed to withstand high levels of pressure and abrasion without tearing or fraying, making it a long-lasting solution for protecting your pond liner.
2. Enhanced Cushioning Effect
With a thickness of 1200 gsm, the fabric provides an additional layer of cushioning that absorbs impact. This is particularly beneficial for ponds with uneven or rocky surfaces. The fabric acts as a shock absorber, reducing the risk of damage caused by shifting ground or sudden movements.
Ground Settling: As the ground naturally settles over time, the cushioning effect of the geotextile fabric ensures that the pond liner is less likely to stretch or tear under pressure.
3. Compatibility with EPDM Liners
EPDM liners are known for their flexibility, and the 1200 gsm fabric complements this by providing protection without compromising the liner's ability to conform to the pond’s shape. The fabric remains flexible while still offering robust protection, making it ideal for recreation ponds of various sizes and designs.
4. Ideal for All Terrain Types
Whether you’re constructing a pond on smooth, sandy soil or rocky, uneven terrain, 1200 gsm geotextile fabric provides the versatility needed to handle all types of ground conditions. This makes it the perfect choice for large recreation ponds where the landscape can vary significantly.
Sloped Ponds: For ponds built on sloping ground, the fabric adds an extra layer of stability by preventing soil erosion, which can destabilize the liner and affect the pond’s overall structure.
Installing Geotextile Fabric in a Recreation Pond
The installation process for geotextile fabric is straightforward:
Excavate the Pond: Once the pond is dug out, clear away any rocks, roots, or debris that could cause problems later on.
Lay the Geotextile Fabric: Roll out the fabric across the entire pond area, ensuring it covers all surfaces, including the sides and any shelves.
Overlap Sections: If using multiple sheets, overlap the sections by at least 12 inches to ensure complete coverage.
Install the EPDM Liner: Once the fabric is in place, carefully install the EPDM liner over the top. The geotextile fabric will now act as a protective cushion between the ground and the liner.
Conclusion
Geotextile fabric is an indispensable accessory in the construction of recreation ponds, providing critical protection for EPDM liners from punctures, erosion, and wear. The choice of 1200 gsm geotextile fabric offers optimal protection, with its superior puncture resistance and cushioning properties ensuring that the pond liner remains intact for many years. Whether you’re building a small backyard pond or a large-scale recreation pond, using the right grade of geotextile fabric will extend the life of your pond and reduce maintenance costs down the line.
