A pond can instantly add a welcoming atmosphere to a garden. Swimming fish and even hearing the water splashing can be so calming. But you need a well-constructed pond if you don’t want it to cause you problems because leaking water is a common frustration. That’s why you need to invest in one of the best pond sealer products on the 2020/2020 market.
We reviewed five of the top pond sealer products to find out which ones will help consumers create ponds without the risk of water leaking all the time. For us, the Editor’s Choice, the Liquid Rubber Waterproof Sealant came out on top because it’s so versatile. You can use it on almost any pond surface. And it’s easy to apply so it won’t cause you much effort. Whether you’re treating cracks or building a new home for your fish, this is a smart choice.
Top 5 Pond Sealers Review 2020
Below you’ll find reviews about all your best options with feedback on the type of product each one is, as well as how big an area it can cover. You need this information to pick a substance that will work for your specific pond. And make sure you buy enough so you can complete the task in one go. If you’re apprehensive about building or fixing your first pond, don’t fear. Our detailed buying guide at the end of the article as well as the reviews will educate you in all there is to know about sealing ponds. And you can use our comparison table as a quick reference to see what’s relevant for your scenario.
Let’s help you seal that pond and create a happy home for your plants & fish.
It works on various substances, from metal to concrete and wood, and it is easy to apply because you simply brush it onto the surface
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This coating you can use on different surfaces, including metal, plastic and stone. It will stick well and thanks to the bond strength that exceeds that of concrete you’re assured a pleasing result
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Cheap, easy to use and versatile self-adhesive tape provides sealing solutions for use on PVC and polypropylene type surfaces
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Specially designed for concrete ponds this sealer apart from making it waterproof will actually promote the growth of algae, creating a natural environment for fish
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This sealer features Bentonite that expands when wet, to your advantage, also becomes extremely sticky, which is why it works as a sealant. You can use it both to fix cracks or to seal an entire pond
Read Our ReviewLiquid Rubber Waterproof Sealant – Editor’s Choice
- Type: liquid
- Application: Flat/Ponding Surfaces – 1 gallon/15 sq ft (1.4 sq m). 4-5 heavy coats to achieve a 60-80 mil (1.5-2 mm) membrane. Vertical Surfaces – 1 gallon/30 sq ft (2.8 sq m). 3-4 heavy coats to achieve a 30 mil (0.76 mm) membrane.
- Weight: 8.85 lbs
- Size: 8 x 8 x 8 inches
More features: High versatility, cures within 24-48 hrs
Just one of the many reasons we picked this as our winning product is because it’s so versatile. You can use this on various areas of your premises, not only ponds. So, it’s a good investment and something you can keep on hand at all times, whether you fear leaking ponds, a leaking roof or problems in your foundation. It works on various substances, from metal to concrete and wood. On the latter it peals occasionally and you can expect the color to change over time, but that’s not a deal breaker in our books.
And don’t worry—it won’t dry out easily after opening.
The one challenge with this pond sealer is that you can’t use it in wet conditions so you have to wait until the surface is absolutely dry before applying. It can also take up to two days to cure, where others only take a day, so make sure you plan your project well when purchasing this one.
It’s easy to apply because you simply brush it onto the surface. Users appreciate that they don’t have to purchase pricey accessories to use it; a simple paint brush works well. You’ll have to apply a few coats for optimum results. The substance sticks to the surface easily, so you know it will stay and harden where you need it to plug a hole.
This is a safe product to pick since it’s VOC free and doesn’t even give off harmful smells. So, if you know your pets will go sniffing around the pond, don’t worry because the sealer won’t harm them.
It comes in a large quantity so it’s suitable for most sized ponds.
- Large quantity
- Sticks well
- Use if for many different sealing jobs
- Easy to apply
- Safe for humans and pets
- Requires dry surfaces
- Takes longer to dry than some others
Pond Armor SKU-CLEAR-QT-R Non-Toxic Pond Shield Epoxy Paint – Best Value
- Type: paint
- Application: Coverage of 60 sq ft when applied at 10 mils per 1-1/2 quart kit. Uneven and Rough surfaces will cause a decrease in coverage area. Can be used on brick, stone, various metals, concrete, gunnite/shotcrete, some plastics, some rubbers
- Weight: 4.8 lbs (2-pack)
- Size: 11.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches
More features: Can be put into service in as little as 24 hours, 8 different colors available
It’s wise to use something that’s specifically made for your task, and that makes Pond Armor’s epoxy liner another winner in our books. You know you’ll get the results you’re after, whether you’re building or fixing a pond, because this product was made for ponds! For example, the brand made sure it’s non-toxic for fish, so you know that adding this to your existing pond won’t affect the wildlife’s health.
This is another coating you can use on different surfaces, including metal, plastic and stone. It will stick well and thanks to the bond strength that exceeds that of concrete you’re assured a pleasing result. This strength also serves you well if any cracks should appear in your pond in future, because it’s designed not to mimic these cracks: your pond can stay waterproof for longer. It’s also versatile and meets many consumers’ needs because whether you live in a cold or hot climate this substance will work.
You may also prefer this product if you’re concerned about the aesthetics of your pond: the substance is designed to resemble a natural surface instead of looking like rubber as many other products do. You can even pick one of eight different colors, including Forest Green and Sky Blue.
You can purchase a quantity that suits your needs because the brand sells different sized buckets. You can apply it with whatever you have on hand, whether you want to spray or paint it on with a brush. Just note that you have to work very quickly so the substance doesn’t harden while you’re still busy. We also hope the brand improves their instructions regarding application thickness. The layers will last for years and maintenance is easy: simply wipe off the algae.
- Easy to apply
- Safe for fish
- Strong
- Easy maintenance
- May harden while you’re still busy
- Instructions need revision
Tite-Seal Cofair PLCS525 Pond Liner Cover Strip – Budget Pick
- Type: 5 inches x 25 feet tape
- Application: EPDM, PVC, polypropylene and polypropylene liner materials
- Weight: 4.02 lbs
- Size: 6 x 6 x 5.8 inches
More features: Self-adhesive
Here’s an original way to go about sealing your pond: simply roll out the tape. This is a self-adhesive tape and some users may prefer this to making a mess with sticky liquid.
The brand provides sealing solutions for use on PVC and polypropylene type surfaces, so know that it won’t work on all substances like some of our other reviewed products. The good news is that it’s also a versatile option since some consumers have used it on their roofs with great success. And it’s more affordable than many products on the current market; which is why it’s our budget pond sealer option that deserves its place among the gold label pond sealer reviews.
What’s important when picking this as the best pond sealer for you is that you have to ensure you’re working on a very clean surface. Preparation is key and make sure there isn’t any moisture because this can affect its stickiness. You may also find that it works better on flat surfaces than contoured ponds.
If you’re not in the mood for a lot of work, don’t worry: although this requires a clean surface, you don’t necessarily have to add a primer before applying the tape.
The tape has been successful in helping consumers seal ponds or repair cracks. The brand also manufactures additional products like seam tape to make a repair job even more dynamic.
It’s another product that’s absolutely safe to use if you have fish in your pond.
- Affordable product
- Easy to use
- Safe for fish
- Priming not always necessary
- Must be 100% dry
- Works best on flat surfaces only
Herco H-55 Pond Coating – Best Concrete Pond Sealer
- Type: liquid coating
- Application: One gallon covers approximately 80 to 100 sq ft. Can be used for concrete, brick or block ponds
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Size: not specified
More features: Instant pH stabilization, provides an inert environment for your fish and promotes healthy algae growth
It’s important to know that different surfaces require different treatments if you want the best results. And if you’re mostly going to work on concrete ponds we suggest you give this one a try. It’s our best pond sealer for concrete because it’s designed to seal the porousness associated with concrete ponds. This has many benefits. Apart from making it waterproof, the right products, like this one, will actually promote the growth of algae, creating a natural environment for fish. And you can have peace of mind: this one is safe to use in fish ponds. After all, that’s what it was designed for!
You’ll have to apply a number of coats so be prepared for some hard work. Although the brand says it cures fast, most users opt to let it stand for a few days before adding water to the pond. So, if you’re looking for a quick fix, this may not be it.
You paint this onto the pond surface which is pretty easy. In most cases the product goes far, but this of course depends on how thick a layer you add each time.
The brand sells different colors: black, white, grey and clear, so you can decide what you want your pond to look like.
If you’re worried about future leaks you’ll be happy to know this product is elastomeric. Even if the pond undergoes shifts and changes because of low or high temperatures, this pond sealer will handle it without cracking.
Note that you’ll get the best results if you also invest in the brand’s other products such as cleaner and primer.
- Easy to apply
- Seals porous concrete
- Safe for fish
- Elastomeric nature
- Can get pricey if you purchase other products too
- Not ideal for wood
- Can take long to properly cure
Natural Waterscapes Granular Sodium Bentonite Clay for Pond Sealing – Best Natural Pond Sealer
- Type: granular
- Application: clayey and silty soils, 2 lbs per sq. ft., sandy soils 4 lbs and for soil containing gravel and rock, in excess of 5 lbs will be required to obtain a seal
- Weight: 45 lbs
- Size: 12.1 x 12.1 x 14.2 inches
More features: 15X or more expanding clay sealant when exposed to moisture
Here’s another original way to seal your pond: a natural way.
With this substance you use the fact that the Bentonite expands when wet, to your advantage. It also becomes extremely sticky, which is why it works as a sealant. You can use it both to fix cracks or to seal an entire pond.
It’s up to you how you want to go about it: you can simply sprinkle it onto the water, allow for it to moisten and plug the holes.
Alternatively, create a layer on the bottom of the pond: many users have seen better results after draining the pond, mixing the bentonite with soil, adding a layer of this across the surface of the pond and then covering it all with normal soil. If you know of cracks you can fill these holes with your soil-bentonite mixture before adding the layer, to make sure all leaks are plugged.
A big advantage here is that you don’t really have to wait for the product to cure before adding water again, because the product uses water to do its work.
It can be tricky to determine how much of this sealer you actually need, because different types of sand require different amounts per ft².
Consider what type of pond you’ll be working on before purchasing this one, because it doesn’t work everywhere. You can try using it on a natural area such as a creek, but with moving water there is a chance that the bentonite will wash away over time, especially after extreme rain.
- Natural sealer
- Doesn’t require curing time
- Clay is safe for wildlife and fish
- Works as sealant and for cracks
- Need large quantities
- Won’t work in all types of ponds
What is a pond sealer?
Whether you’re trying to fix an existing pond, trying to plug leaks or building a new pond, chances are you’ll need a pond sealer. This is what will prevent water from leaking out of your pond. This can easily happen through small cracks you won’t even notice with the naked eye.
Pond sealers like the ones mentioned above have characteristics that help prevent water loss. Firstly, they’re waterproof so water can’t escape through the bottom of the pond. Most of them are also able to still keep their structures even if cracks develop below the sealant, so they won’t crack themselves.
Sealants are usually sticky, so they adhere to the surface of the pond easily.
Various products—from natural substances to synthetic—can have the necessary characteristics to keep your pond from developing leaks.
Add a layer of one of the products featured on our gold label pond sealer reviews, to prevent your pond wasting water. This is also how you ensure a healthy environment for your fish since they probably need a certain depth to survive. Don’t let the water levels drop!
What else is important when you own a pond? Keep reading to find out.
Features to consider while choosing a pond sealer?
You can’t simply pick any pond sealer you find in the store. And as can be seen from our pond sealer reviews, there are diverse types to consider. Just compare the Natural Waterscapes Granular Sodium Bentonite Clay for Pond Sealing with some of the substances that require painting onto your pond surface. That’s a big difference! So, let’s summarize the most important aspects for you to make you a pro shopper for your pond.
Type
Pick a pond sealer that suits your pond type. You’ll see some products like Liquid Rubber Waterproof Sealant work on almost any surface, while others aren’t that suitable for wood. And some are specifically designed for plastic type ponds.
In general, a pond sealer will fall into one of these categories:
- Liquid sealer: These are used on a dry surface and often applied with a brush. This is the most common and popular type to use.
- High strength: In this case your water is part of the curing agent. That means you don’t necessarily have to drain the pond before fixing the leak. And if the substance is fish friendly you can even leave your fish in the pond while you work.
- Tape pond sealer: Note that you can only work with tape sealer if the surface is 100% dry. The benefit here is that you don’t have to use a brush and work with sticky liquid. But consider all the details of your project before using this one. It’s not always as effective as liquid sealer unless you’re mostly working on flat surfaces.
- Concrete sealer: Concrete is porous so a concrete pond sealer will make sure those tiny holes don’t let water escape. For an example, look at Herco H-55 Pond Coating on our list of pond sealer reviews.
- You’ll have a preparation stage. Here you’ll take out the water, unless you’re working with a substance where water becomes the curing agent. Also remember to clear away all plants and debris so you have a clean area to work on. You don’t want small particles creating air bubbles under your tape or sealer liquid.
- We suggest you widen certain cracks to make sure the pond sealer can reach all the necessary spots you want to plug.
- When the area is clean and dry you can add a primer if it’s relevant to the product range you invested in.
- Next, you’ll add your pond sealer, making sure you cover the entire area or only where the cracks are, depending on the project you’re undertaking. With liquid sealers you can use a paint brush. Most manufacturers make it easy to apply so you don’t need expensive utensils. Note that it’s not always necessary to paint the entire pond’s surface if you’re only repairing cracks. You can add more than one layer if necessary.
- Now you’ll have to allow time for it to cure. This can be a few hours, a day or more. Read instructions carefully.
- Lastly, it’s necessary to test it. Fill it up with water and monitor water levels for a few days to determine if water is still leaking. We also suggest only adding one or two fish at first to make sure your specific fish won’t be affected by the sealer you used. If they seem sick you may have to use a different substance.
Some products are specifically designed for ponds and these are usually fish friendly. But others, such as our editor’s choice can be used for various sealing jobs around the house too.
Application
When you consider the application of your pond sealer you should start by measuring the area. You need to purchase enough pond sealer to cover the entire area. And remember, for many of the products, such as the liquid sealer called Pond Armor SKU-CLEAR-QT-R Non-Toxic Pond Shield Epoxy Paint you’ll have to apply more than one layer for it to be effective. So buy enough!
Also consider the surface and make sure the type you pick is suitable for that surface. Some products are meant for concrete while others work on plastic.
Lastly, plan a time line. Your type of pond sealer determines whether you have to allow time for preparing the area and letting it dry properly before you start. And afterwards you may need time for curing before you add water to the pond. This can be a few hours, or even days. Do you have a place where you can keep your fish safe for the duration of the project?
An important note is to consider the time it takes for a sealer to become hard or too sticky to work with. Don’t let the liquid harden while you wait to apply the second coat. With some products, only mix enough liquid pond sealer for one coat at a time or you’ll have to throw a lot of it away and waste money.
Dimensions
Most manufacturers clearly state how large an area the product can effectively cover. Read the instructions and determine if there will be enough to cover the dimensions of your pond, even if you have to add multiple layers.
Extra features
It’s wise to invest in products that will last you long, such as those that aren’t affected much by UV rays. They won’t deteriorate quickly.
Also look for non-toxic products, especially if you have pets or if your pond contains fish. You need to create a nature-friendly environment.
Some products also help you improve the aesthetics of the pond by offering you different color options, or creating surfaces where algae will grow easily—adding to the authentic look of your artificial garden.
You can also consider the maintenance of your pond. You may want some algae if you have fish, but you don’t want your pond to become overgrown with it. Products can help create smooth surfaces that only require a wipe with a cloth to remove unwanted layers. But the result won’t seem so natural. It’s all about what effect you want to create!
Price
We suggest you don’t always go for the cheapest product on the market, though out budget buy, the Tite-Seal Cofair PLCS525 Pond Liner Cover Strip is a wise option that is likely to last you long if it suits your type of project.
The problem with extremely cheap products is that they may not last long or bond well. And if you’re forced to simply purchase another product you won’t save any money, will you?
Higher end products bond well and last long, even when exposed to extreme temperatures and UV rays each day.
How to use a pond sealer?
Each pond sealer will have unique guidelines for using it and getting the best results. In general, you can follow these steps:
FAQ
It’s smart to seal any new pond you’re building, so pond sealer should also be part of your expense list. If you have an existing pond it’s time to consider pond sealer when you realize it loses water faster than usual, especially if the water level drops after you shut off the pump. This usually confirms that there’s a leak in thee liner or even the pond’s foundation. Remember, it’s not always the sun causing more water to evaporate: there could be crack somewhere that needs fixing. You can find a crack by adding a few drops of dye or milk to the water. You’ll see where the molecules travel to because if there’s a crack the pull of the flowing water will guide them towards that opening. Watch the milk or dye closely and you can determine where the cracks are even if they’re not visible to the naked eye.
For serious problems in your pond you can consider using more than one product. Start off by cleaning and priming and then use adhesive liquids, as well as tape or even a clay that expands as shown in the pond sealer reviews above. In extreme cases you’ll have to replace the entire liner of the pond. Products may have a maximum of 10 years lifespan, so at some stage, replacements will be necessary.
Each product is different so you need to read instructions closely. Some products can work effectively in both extreme cold and warm temperatures. Others may not retain their beneficial qualities in extreme conditions. Shop while keeping in mind what the climate is like in your home town throughout the year.
Our Verdict
So, which one do you think suits your pond scenario at home? Our Liquid Rubber Waterproof Sealant is a definite winner in most cases because it’s so effortless to apply and you can use it for many projects at home: you know you’re getting value for money.
But don’t forget to check out Pond Armor SKU-CLEAR-QT-R Non-Toxic Pond Shield Epoxy Paint too. This one makes it so easy to maintain your pond and you know the substance won’t affect your fish, so you can buy it with peace of mind.
If you’re shopping on a budget, there is a solution for you too, because Tite-Seal Cofair PLCS525 Pond Liner Cover Strip is an excellent product but very affordable. Once again, it’s safe and many users prefer using strips to painting sticky substances.
Which type do you prefer? Or do you have more questions about this type of DIY project? Leave a comment and let the community help you order the best pond sealer for YOUR pond.
