If you’re dealing with water loss in your dam, you’ve probably come across two common sealing options: bentonite clay & polymer-based sealers like Water$ave Dam Sealers. While both are used across rural Australia, they work in very different ways & the results can vary dramatically depending on your soil type, dam condition & budget. So which is better? In most real-world scenarios, polymer offers a faster, more effective & DIY-friendly solution, especially when the dam is already full or draining isn’t practical.
What Is a Polymer-Based Sealer?
Polymers like Water$ave Dam Sealers are dry granules applied directly to the water surface. Once in the water, they float briefly, sink & are drawn into cracks, tunnels or porous soil zones by water pressure. Inside these zones, the polymers absorb water & swell, forming a gel-like plug that seals leaks from within. This process doesn’t require draining, machinery or mixing, making it ideal for DIY dam sealing & urgent water loss situations.
What Is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite is a naturally occurring clay that swells when wet. It’s traditionally mixed into the dam structure during construction. The idea is that as the clay hydrates, it swells to fill gaps between soil particles, reducing permeability. This method has significant limitations, especially for existing or already-full dams.
Key Differences: Polymer vs Bentonite
1. Application Method
- Bentonite usually requires the dam to be empty. It must be spread evenly, mixed with soil or applied in layers & compacted thoroughly.
- Water$ave Dam Sealers can be applied directly to a full or partially full dam. No draining, excavation, or equipment is needed.
Winner: Water$ave Dam Sealers – no downtime with less disruption
2. Speed & Efficiency
- Bentonite can take days or weeks to show results & may require rain or refill to activate.
- Water$ave Dam Sealers often begin sealing within hours & show clear results in 7–10 days.
Winner: Water$ave Dam Sealers – faster, visible results
3. Soil Compatibility
- Bentonite performs best in well-mixed soils and may fail in coarse, gravelly, or unevenly compacted zones. It can also disperse unevenly if not installed correctly.
- Water$ave Dam Sealers are available for different soil types (Water$ave Plug for coarse soils or Water$ave Seep for fine soils) & actively migrate into leak paths.
Winner: Water$ave Dam Sealers – adaptable to more soil types
4. Durability & Maintenance
- Bentonite can break down or shift over time, especially during cycles of drying & rehydration.
- Water$ave Dam Sealers create a flexible plug that adjusts with soil movement & won’t degrade with weather or livestock activity. If the leak reappears, a second application is simple.
Winner: Water$ave Dam Sealers – longer lasting & easier to maintain
5. Cost & Labour
- Bentonite is labour intensive & often requires professional installation. Costs increase if machinery or transport is needed.
- Water$ave Dam Sealers is cost-effective, with 12kg & 18kg pails available for DIY use. One person can apply it in less than an hour.
Winner: Water$ave Dam Sealers – lower total cost of sealing
Why More Landholders Are Switching to Polymer
While bentonite has long been used in dam construction, it’s not always the best fit for today’s needs, especially when dams are already full, leaking rapidly or located in remote areas. Thousands of Australian landowners now rely on Water$ave Dam Sealers because they’re:
- Easy to apply
- Non-toxic & safe for livestock
- Proven in a wide range of Australian soil types
- More effective where bentonite has failed
Unlike bentonite, which needs ideal compaction & conditions, Water$ave Dam Sealers works with the structure you already have, using the dam’s own water pressure to find & seal leaks internally.
Not Sure What You Need?
If you’re comparing bentonite & polymers or just want to know the best option for your dam, Polymer Innovations offers free dam assessments. Share your soil type, water loss pattern & photos; we’ll help you choose the right product.
Seal Smart. Seal Once.
Water$ave Dam Sealers are available in convenient pails & are trusted across farms, councils & rural properties for fast, effective dam sealing with no excavation required.
Contact Us: https://www.polymerinnovations.com.au/contact/
Call: +61 2 6571 5177
Save time, save water & skip the clay. Water$ave it instead.
Comments