Bentonite is the best pond sealer in the USA

How bentonite helps seal your pond naturally

Sodium bentonite is a 100% natural mineral clay, formed millions of years ago from volcanic ash and transformed through many years into a clay with particular absorbent properties. It is now extracted and milled down to specific grain sizes, either powdered or granular bentonite and the powder is used as a pond sealer. Bentonite absorbs water, creating a sort of muddy substance that helps plug any holes. cracks or crevices in the ground.

The powdered or granular bentonite fills the crevices, gaps or cracks in the soil. Then it needs to be covered and compacted in order to expand inside an enclosed section. The expansion of the bentonite molecules will create a seal that prevents the leakage of water through the soil of the pond. It can be used to treat identified or isolated leaks (like holes dug by rodents or dam leakage) or to seal larger areas. It is one of the best options for larger ponds or lakes (1/4 acre plus).

Bentonite Sealer is easy to apply in either dry or wet ponds (ponds that can’t be drained). Fully safe for life, it is ideal to be used in ponds that have fish, any kind of plants and vegetation, or will be used as a source of water for livestock, wildlife or agricultural irrigation. A big advantage over rubber liners like EPDM or HDPE is that there is no puncture or tear risk involved.

Using the correct method to apply the bentonite pond sealer is key for success. We can’t stress enough the importance of the correct product application. It is the difference between a full pond for years to come or headaches year after year.

When there isn’t a single identified area for the pond leaks, we recommend drying the pond, when possible. For dry ponds, there are 2 methods. The first one is the blanket method, which requires removing debris to create a surface as smooth as possible, removing about 6 inches of soil, applying the amount of sealant required in an even layer and then covering the layer of sealant with the soil that was previously removed. Then it is ready to slowly add the water in.

The mixed blanket method requires to rake or till 6 inches of soil and then apply the sealant as if you were seeding or fertilizing. Rake again to mix the bentonite into the ground and compact the ground. Remember to add the water in a steady flow to prevent disturbing the layer of product you just created.

Bentonite Clay Pond Sealer Application in a Retention Pond

Bentonite Pond Sealer vs Soilfloc

There are 2 categories of pond sealant products: active and passive. Bentonite is an active pond sealant, which means it interacts with the environment to create a watertight seal that prevents leakage. In the same category, we find polymeric pond sealants like Soilfloc, which makes them our best competition (yes, we respect them and we’re not afraid to talk about them).

Let’s start by explaining how polymeric sealant products work. The polymer molecule (which is called anionic polyacrylamide) is a man-made product derived from plants, that, as its name says, has negatively charged ions, giving the polymers ability to attract positively charged clay cations. So yes, they actually attract the existing clay in your pond for the sealing process! In combination with a man-made polymer. What do we think? Well, we think that if the clay alone can work for you, why use a man-made product? Of course, this depends on each particular case and while bentonite sealer might be best for some cases, soilfloc can beat us in other cases. It all depends on the customer’s project.

Polymer products were designed for wet applications, so bentonite pond sealer will always beat them if the pond is dry. If your pond has water, bentonite can still be a good pond sealer in several cases like when there are holes dug by rodents, for sealing dams or embankments and for identified isolated leaks.  Polymers usually come in parts, a format that requires you to apply part A and then, part B. With bentonite, you have a single application and that’s it. No parts, no complication.

Is there a better product choice between polymer sealants like soilfloc and bentonite pond sealer? We believe there is, but it will depend on your particular project needs and your personal interests. While polymer products may be required in some cases, if you are hesitant between these 2 types of pond sealant products give us a call. We will honestly tell you if bentonite is not the best choice for your project (yes, integrity is one of our core values).