If you own waterfront property, you want to make sure you get the most out of the water. However, aquatic weeds and muck can get in the way of you enjoying the water as much as possible. 

There are many ways to control the weeds and muck in the water. In this article, we’re going to talk about two products with similarities but significant differences. The Lake Bottom Blanket and the LakeMat from Goodbye to Muck. 

Similarities Between Lake Bottom Blanket and Lake Mat

Both the Lake Bottom Blanket and the LakeMat focus on acting as a sunlight barrier that stops the photosynthesizing process of the aquatic weeds below, killing them. This style of lake weed control is known as the use of a benthic barrier. 

Gas Control

The LakeMat from Goodbye to Muck maintains the dissolved oxygen levels underneath and includes gas relief ports that provide an opening for gas that come from decaying weeds. Similarly, the Lake Bottom Blanket comes with small vents that allow decomposition gasses to escape. This prevents harming the microorganisms that live in the ecosystem below the blanket or mat and keeps oxygen levels stable.

Chemical Free and Cost-Effective

The LakeMat and the Lake Bottom Blanket are much safer and cost-effective alternatives to water treatment methods because they don’t use chemicals or require the labour and equipment that come with methods such as cutting, raking, rolling, dredging and harvesting.

Differences Between Lake Bottom Blanket and Lake Mat

While the Lake Bottom Blanket and the Lake Mat have similar characteristics, some slight differences might make the Lake Mat a more suitable choice for your waterfront.

Materials

LakeMats are made with the strongest geotextile materials on the planet and last for at least 20 years. The non-woven, water and gas-permeable synthetic can block sunlight and UV rays from reaching the weeds underneath the mat. It is also built with an aluminum frame that adds structure and comes with plastic stakes that keep it secure. 

The Lake Bottom blanket is made from inert material and is much lighter than other benthic barriers, so it has to be held down with rebar weights that have to be installed inside the blanket by the customer. It is not recommended to walk on the Lake Bottom Blanket because it works best in areas with a good level of depth. If the material is walked on, it increases the chances of punctures or rips.

Since our LakeMats are made with incredibly strong geotextiles and use the same soil stabilization technology used by the U.S. Interstate Highway System - you can enjoy the water without worrying about sinking to the muck/ weeds below, even in shallower areas.

The mat fabric requires approximately 135 pounds of pressure to puncture it, which is about 3 times the amount of pressure you put in your tires.

Maintenance and Installation

Unlike the Lake Mat from Goodbye to Muck, the Lake Bottom Blanket is recommended to be removed at the end of each season. If you’re looking for an option with less maintenance, the LakeMat might be a better choice since it can be left underwater all year round.

The LakeMat is heavier than water so it will sink on its own fairly quickly, making for a simple and easy installation process. The LakeMat can be installed in approximately 30 minutes and there is no need to purchase extra materials. It can be placed anywhere you want and moved whenever.

On the other hand, installing the rebar into the Lake Bottom Blanket can be a difficult task for beginners or for those who are less handy. On top of that, most Lake Bottom Blanket suppliers do not supply rebar weights, which will add more to the cost and effort of installation.

Goodbye to Muck LakeMat

At Goodbye to Muck, our mission is to create solutions that will turn your lake or waterfront into the best possible environment for you and your family to enjoy. We can assure you that the LakeMat will give you those exact results.

Contact us to learn more about our LakeMats and other products we offer and begin your perfect waterfront with Goodbye to Muck.