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@Becky Could you move this one to a different topic, as well — maybe “equipment”? Might help the OP get more views.
Done

@Becky Could you move this one to a different topic, as well — maybe “equipment”? Might help the OP get more views.
Good point!Do you have kids?![]()
Moles would attack from behind the liner. Could the bugs be dragon fly nymphs?Moles did chew my liner in several spots and the holes were small also .I am guessing when water came out they would stop chewing and go to another spot .The moles were after grubs so when I replaced the liner I put lots of milky spore on the dirt and the used roofing paper I had left from the house build as a preliner and then used the stuff that you are supposed to put under the liner next .Milky spore kills the grubs that the moles chew on .I suspect it may have been mice also since i live in the country where field mice are bad .I also have seen large damp bugs that chew liners at a neighbors house .The bugs were huge and dark brownish red .
I have these too in an old butyl liner. They are perfectly round holes, so it has to be critter of some sort. Try using large flanged black pop rivets to seal them off. 20 5mm x 8mm aluminium and steel rivets cost £3.23. Tape and fillers don't last.My 16 year old Butyl liner has developed small roundholes and is leaking as a result, any idea what might have caused them?
2025: I have these. It is probably dragon fly nymphs. The holes are indeed perfectly round, similar to holes in UK crab apples.@Dorset Pond Man Have you had rocks piled on top of or under the liner? And was an underlayment used when the liner was installed? If not something chewing it, it almost looks like worn spots.
What about birds (herons or something pecking?) or even critters digging from underneath the pond and liner. @sissy I believe had critters damage her liner from underneath.
And another thought, do you know the warranty info on the liner? If the liner is 16 years old, maybe it’s at the end of its useful life-span. Did you install the liner yourself, or was it already in place when you acquired the property? Maybe it’s older than you think. Just a wild thought....
My vote would be outside in . like a grub or any other bug that lives in the soil and tunnelsSee now I am not sure a dragonfly nymph can chew through a rubber liner. I need more proof. I looked online and cannot find anything saying their jaws are that strong. Not saying the person is wrong just want some scientific proof.
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