Concrete Pond Lining/EPDM Pond Liners for New & Leaking Ponds
At Pond Works, we’re often asked if we build concrete ponds. The answer is simple: we don’t build them but we do line them.
After years designing, constructing and maintaining ponds across South East Queensland we’ve learned something important about water features and concrete.
As Mark from our team likes to say:- “There are two types of concrete in our game – concrete that has cracked and concrete that is going to crack.”
It’s a line that gets a laugh, but it’s also based on real experience repairing and relining failing ponds.
The Problem With Concrete Ponds
Concrete is commonly used in landscaping and structural construction but ponds and water features operate under very different conditions.
When a pond is built using concrete and sealed with a paint-on waterproof membrane, it may work well initially however over time several issues often develop:
- Ground movement
- Soil expansion and contraction
- Structural settling
- Hairline cracking in the concrete
Across South East Queensland, soils are often highly reactive meaning they expand when wet and contract when dry. This movement places pressure on rigid materials like concrete.
Unfortunately paint-on waterproof membranes are not designed to stretch significantly. When the concrete moves or cracks, the membrane can fail. leading to pond leaks, water loss and ongoing repairs.
This is why many older concrete ponds eventually require relining.
Why We Use EPDM Rubber Pond Lining
At Pond Works we specialise in installing EPDM rubber pond lining for both new and existing ponds.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is widely regarded as the gold standard for pond waterproofing and construction.
Key advantages include:
20-Year Manufacturers Warranty
Quality EPDM lining comes with a 20 year manufacturers warranty, providing long-term reliability.
300% Elasticity
EPDM rubber can stretch up to 300% allowing it to accommodate movement in the surrounding structure without compromising the seal.
Handles Reactive Soils
In areas with reactive ground conditions such as much of South East Queensland, the flexibility of EPDM allows the liner to move with the structure rather than crack or split.
Long-Term Durability
Unlike rigid waterproofing membranes that can deteriorate or peel over time, EPDM remains flexible and stable for decades.
For this reason EPDM lined ponds consistently outperform traditional concrete waterproofing systems.
We Can Line New Concrete Or Block Ponds
While Pond Works does not construct concrete ponds we can absolutely work with them.
If you’re planning a formal pond or architectural water feature, the structure can be built by a block layer or builder and we can then install a professional EPDM liner system inside the shell.
This approach allows you to achieve:
- The clean architectural look of a formal pond
- Combined with the long-term reliability of a flexible liner system.
It’s a much more dependable solution for formal ponds, courtyard water features and modern garden ponds.
Relining Failing Concrete Ponds
We also specialise in relining leaking or failing concrete ponds.
Many clients contact us after experiencing problems such as:
- Cracked concrete ponds
- Failed waterproof membranes
- Persistent water loss
- Repeated patch repairs that don’t last
Rather than continuing to patch the problem, installing EPDM rubber liner effectively gives the pond a completely new waterproof system.
This solution is often more reliable and longer lasting than trying to repair the original membrane.
Built to Last – The Pond Works Philosophy
At Pond Works our goal is simple – Build ponds and water features that last.
That means choosing materials and construction methods that perform reliably for decades, not just in the first few years.
For ponds in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and the wider South East Queensland EPDM rubber lining provides the flexibility, durability and longevity needed to cope with reactive soils and natural ground movement.
So whether you are:
- Planning a new formal pond
- Constructing a block or concrete pond shell
- Or dealing with a leaking concrete pond
Pond Works can install a professional EPDM lining solution designed for long-term performance.