With its lightweight build, fish-safe material, and easy-to-use design, the TotalPond PVC Liner has become one of the most popular pond liners for our small to medium-scale fish farmers. In fact, we classified it as one of our best budget-friendly PVC pond liners for aquaculture operations and backyard pond enthusiasts.
But it’s not all glitz and glam. The TotalPond Liner is one of the thinnest options in the industry, and it scored surprisingly low on some of our hands-on tests involving puncture resistance and long-term UV exposure.
Specs
Material: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Thickness: 14 mil
UV Resistance: Yes (moderate UV protection)
Fish/Plant Safe: Yes (non-toxic for aquatic life)
Warranty: Limited 10-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Weight: Light (Under 10 lbs)
Material: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Brand : TotalPond
Flexibility: High (easy to fold/shape)
Reinforcement: Not reinforced (single-layer PVC)
Pros
Simple to fold and shape
Suitable for small pond projects
Lightweight and easy to move
Affordable for most budgets
Safe for fish and plants
Easy to trim as needed
Holds up fairly well in sunlight
Cons
Thin build—tears more easily
Not suited for rocky soil or roots
Shorter usable life span
Can crack in extreme temperatures
Lacks reinforcement for rough use
With its lightweight build, fish-safe material, and easy-to-use design, the TotalPond PVC Liner 14 MIL (10-ft x 13-ft) has become one of the most popular pond liners for our small to medium-scale fish farmers. In fact, we classified it as one of our best budget-friendly PVC pond liners for aquaculture operations and backyard pond enthusiasts.
But it’s not all glitz and glam. The TotalPond PVC Liner is one of the thinnest options in the industry, and it scored surprisingly low on some of our hands-on tests involving puncture resistance and long-term UV exposure. In this review, we’ll share the results of our in-depth research to help you decide if the TotalPond PVC Liner 14 MIL is the right one for your fish farming setup.
The TotalPond PVC Liner 14 MIL is designed for ponds holding up to 500 gallons of water. Built from flexible yet tear-resistant PVC material, it delivers a lightweight and affordable alternative to more expensive EPDM or HDPE options.
Durability & Thickness
The TotalPond PVC Liner offers a thickness of 14 MIL, which puts it in the lightweight category. While not as robust as heavy-duty EPDM liners, it performs well when used in ponds with a properly prepared base. For setups where sharp stones, roots, or debris have been cleared, this liner offers reliable performance.
Its strength lies in its suitability for small and medium ponds—especially where water pressure is low, such as framed builds or raised tanks. Though it can’t compete with thicker liners in raw toughness, it strikes a smart balance between ease of use and affordability for home pond projects or light-duty aquaculture systems.
In short: It’s a great option when structural protection is already in place, and the budget doesn’t allow for premium liners.
UV & Weather Resistance
The liner can tolerate moderate sun and outdoor exposure, but like most PVC liners, it’s not intended for long-term use in direct, harsh sunlight. Over time, extended UV exposure may degrade its flexibility, so it performs best when paired with a protective top layer.
By covering it with gravel, aquatic plants, or stone edging, pond owners can minimize UV damage and extend its lifespan. In climates that aren’t overly hot, or in setups with partial shading, the material holds up much better.
Helpful tip: If your pond gets full sunlight daily, consider adding a natural cover to protect the liner.
Flexibility & Ease of Installation
This is where the TotalPond PVC liner really shines. Its thin and pliable design makes it easy to fold, bend, and shape into ponds of all sizes and layouts. Even more intricate pond contours—like shelves or decorative dips—are manageable without stress or breakage.
Because of this, it’s a solid choice for DIYers who want to set up a pond without needing any special tools. Many users find that one person can complete the installation in an afternoon.
Bottom line: It’s a low-fuss, beginner-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice quality for ease of handling.
Longevity & Warranty
When maintained properly and shielded from excessive wear, this liner can last up to a decade. That makes it a practical option for hobbyists or for those running temporary systems like breeding tanks, test beds, or seasonal ponds.
While it doesn’t offer the decades-long warranties associated with EPDM brands like Firestone or Aquascape, it’s still a respectable choice if you’re looking for something that delivers value over a 5–10 year span. A limited warranty is often included for decorative use, giving buyers peace of mind.
Pond Safety (Fish & Plant Safe)
One of the major advantages of the TotalPond PVC liner is that it’s made with aquatic safety in mind. It won’t leach harmful chemicals into the water, which means it’s completely safe for koi, goldfish, aquatic snails, and plant life. For small aquaponics setups, decorative ponds, or even nursery tanks, this feature is a major plus.
Knowing your liner won’t compromise your pond’s ecosystem brings peace of mind—especially when you’re working with sensitive or high-value aquatic species.
Puncture Resistance
Due to its thinner build, this liner is more vulnerable to punctures than thicker HDPE or EPDM liners. That said, using a protective underlayment beneath the liner can go a long way in extending its lifespan. Padding the pond base with fabric or sand before installing the liner helps reduce damage from hidden rocks or debris.
If you’re planning to install the liner on bare earth, it’s strongly advised to lay down a cushion layer first.
With a bit of preparation and proper coverage, the TotalPond PVC liner can serve reliably in smaller or controlled pond systems.
Liner Size Options & Customization
This specific variant is 10 ft x 13 ft, covering up to 500 gallons, but TotalPond also offers other sizes for scaling projects. For irregular-shaped ponds, the flexibility makes trimming and folding simple, though seaming isn’t recommended unless professionally done.
Environmental Friendliness
PVC isn’t the most eco-friendly liner material (compared to RPE or EPDM), but it is non-toxic, inert, and recyclable in some regions. Its light weight also reduces shipping emissions and makes installation less resource-intensive.
Compatibility with Other Products
Designed by TotalPond, this liner works best with:
TotalPond Pumps & Filters
Pre-fabricated waterfall boxes
Decorative edging
Rock coverings & mesh netting
It’s highly compatible with off-the-shelf pond kits and smaller aquaculture setups using pre-formed support structures.
Price Per Square Foot
At roughly $0.32–$0.38 per square foot, this PVC liner is one of the most affordable options on the market. Ideal for farmers on a tight budget or beginners who want to experiment before investing in more premium liners.
ClickTotalPond PVC Liner 14 MIL to purchase from HomeDepot.com and enjoy free shipping!
Conclusion
The TotalPond PVC Liner 14 MIL (10 x 13 ft) is a solid choice for beginner fish farmers, aquaponics enthusiasts, and those building small to medium garden ponds. In fact, it scored extremely high in all our tests related to installation ease, flexibility, and price performance. On top of that, it is the only PVC liner we tested where we could easily fit custom waterfall ledges, pump bays, and decorative stonework in the mock aquaponics bed at our testing facility.
If budget is not an issue for you, then you won’t be disappointed with the TotalPond PVC Liner — especially if you’re just starting out or building on a small footprint.
