Water escaping over the edge of a pond liner is usually caused by low liner edges, settling soil, displaced rocks, or water being redirected outside the pond.
Common causes
- Low liner edge: The liner sits below the normal water level.
- Settling soil: Soil beneath the liner has settled, creating a low spot.
- Displaced rocks: Rocks or gravel have shifted, allowing water to escape.
- Plants or debris: Overgrown plants, roots, or debris redirect water over the liner.
- Waterfall or stream flow: Water is flowing beyond the lined area.
How to fix the problem
- Inspect the pond perimeter for wet soil or areas where water is escaping.
- Identify any low spots along the liner edge.
- Carefully lift the liner and add compacted soil underneath to raise the edge above the normal water level.
- Reposition rocks and gravel to keep water inside the liner.
- Remove plants or debris redirecting water outside the pond.
- Run the waterfall, if applicable, and check that water remains inside the lined area.
Important: Do not cut or trim excess liner when correcting low edges.
If water continues escaping, inspect the remaining liner perimeter for additional low spots or areas requiring repair.