Adding a koi pond to your backyard or landscape can bring beauty and interest to your home while increasing curb appeal.
These fascinating outdoor water features are found throughout the country, and you can build your very own, as long as you have the proper tools, materials, and instructions.
Read on to learn more about building a koi pond so you can enjoy the beauty of these fascinating fish in your own backyard.
What is a Koi Pond?
Koi ponds originated in Japan, but they have rapidly grown to become a popular addition to homes within the United States and across the world. These beautiful manmade ponds are specially designed to be a home for koi fish, large and colorful fish that come in a variety of brilliant colors.
When you have a koi pond, it can bring feelings of peace and serenity to your outdoor space. These water features can include additional elements like lilypads, rocks, and other items to give them a unique look.
If a koi pond is built correctly, it can last for many years. The correct materials must be used to make the pond, and the fish who live in the pond need specific care. Once your koi pond is established, ongoing maintenance is fairly easy.
You may wonder, what's the purpose of a koi pond? This answer really depends on the individual and what they want to get from their pond. Originally, these ponds were found throughout Japan to represent symbols of health, wealth, and well-being.
Other reasons koi ponds were established were to help promote the growth and health of the koi fish. Koi fish are original descendants of the common carp, but once the Japanese noticed their beautiful bright colors, they became symbols of positivity and beauty.
Today's modern homeowner may want a koi pond to add a conversation piece to their yard, or they simply may enjoy taking care of these fascinating fish. The pond adds a visually interesting touch to any part of your landscaping, which is why most people enjoy them today.
Why Add a Koi Pond to Your Backyard?
There are plenty of reasons why you should be inspired to add a koi pond to your own backyard. Aside from their beauty and deep symbolism, ponds can create a peaceful oasis in your backyard that gives it a calming, zen-like vibe.
In some real estate markets, koi ponds can help to boost the value of your home. Homebuyers find them fascinating, and many consider them to be a positive feature of a home, which will, in turn, help you get a sale if your home is on the market.
Koi fish are very low-maintenance animals, which means you can enjoy them any time without having to worry about a lot of expensive, time-consuming upkeep. Many people enjoy watching them to reduce stress and to enjoy a peaceful addition to their outdoor space.
Of course, one of the main reasons you should add a koi pond to your backyard is because of its sheer beauty. The combination of water and brightly colored fish make them a gorgeous part of any backyard area.
Preparation for Building a Koi Pond
To build a proper pond, you'll need a specific set of koi pond supplies. Each item plays a crucial role in the correct construction of your pond.
First, you will need to determine exactly where you want to build the pond. Consider this carefully since once you begin the process, it will be difficult to change it later. After you've decided on the perfect location, it's time to get started with your build.
Determine how deep your koi pond will be as well as the size, then begin digging the hole to specification. Your first item will be a pond underlayment to keep everything protected. The underlayment adds a protective layer against roots, rocks, and other sharp objects, and it can help your koi pond last longer.
Once you place the underlay, you'll need to add a pond liner. Look for flexible liners that will conform to the various contours of your pond instead of rigid, preformed liners. These flexible, durable pond liners are easy to use and will serve as an insurance policy for your koi pond. Pond liners will keep everything in place and resist weather like frost, snow, or extreme temperature changes.
Components of a Koi Pond
Your location is selected, you've dug a hole in the perfect size and depth, and you've installed your underlay and pond liner. Now it's time to add some crucial components that will keep the koi pond running smoothly and your fish happy and healthy.
- Pond Filter. First, to keep the water clear and clean, you'll need to install a pond filter. These filters come in a range of sizes and include a variety of features depending on what you need. The most important thing to remember is to choose a filter than can properly clean the pond based on how many gallons of water you've chosen to use. A quality, pressurized pond filter should be able to effectively trap loose dirt, debris, and other elements that can cause the water to become dirty. Make sure you check all specifications before choosing a filter so you're sure it will work for your specific pond.
- Pond Skimmer. Another crucial part of a healthy koi pond is a pond skimmer. Similar to a pool skimmer, this important element of your pond will constantly clean the water of large debris. As the debris passes through the water, it gets caught into a large basket that you can empty as needed.
- Pond Pump. To keep your water healthy and clear, you'll also need a pond pump that will keep the water circulating. Pumps help to provide oxygen to the water, which makes it a much healthier environment for your fish. The pond pump prevents water from getting stale and murky since it provides a constant source of movement, keeping the water nice and clear throughout the day and night.
What Else do You Need?
To ensure the health and safety of your fish, an aeration system is highly recommended. This important component of your koi pond increases dissolved oxygen levels. If the dissolved oxygen levels get too low, it can be a dangerous situation for your koi fish.
Using an aeration system introduces air into your pond to keep those dissolved oxygen levels at a good, healthy point. The system you choose should be able to mix the different layers of water in your pond, creating a healthier environment. As the water is mixed, it suspends solids in the water so your skimmer and filtration system can get rid of them.
Finally, you'll want to add a UV clarifier to your koi pond. This accessory helps to naturally clean and clear the water using a special UV light. This component produces ultraviolet light to kill things like bacteria, dangerous algae, and mold.
The purpose of each of these elements when building a koi pond is to be sure that you're providing a healthy environment for your fish and creating a beautiful feature that has clean, clear water. Each item works in synergy to produce a thriving pond that will last for years to come.
Helpful Tips
Now that you know what's needed to build your koi pond, there are a few important tips you should know. First, when adding your underlay and liner, make sure they are secured in place using heavy rocks or boulders so they don't slip and slide. Your liner should extend approximately one foot further out than the hole you dug for the pond.
Be sure to choose a pump that can handle your particular pond's capacity in terms of the total number of gallons it holds. The pump should be placed around two inches from the bottom of the pond floor.
When you decorate your pond, avoid using colored rocks since these contain chemicals that could seep into the water and harm your fish. Choose natural rocks with a smooth surface since koi fish like to hide in them and could be accidentally cut by rocks with sharp edges.
Learn about the life and habits of koi fish so you can give them the care they need. Build your pond bigger than you think you'll need it since these fish can grow to be extremely large and will need ample room to maneuver.
Install a mesh cover over the top of your pond if you're concerned about predators trying to eat your fish. Once everything is installed and the water is ready, add your fish and enjoy your new, beautiful addition to the backyard!
Koi Ponds Made Easy
Building a koi pond is an easy process as long as you have all of the correct components. Make sure you choose the perfect location for your pond before you start digging so everything is ready to go.
Always use filters, pumps, skimmers, and aerators to ensure that your koi fish are healthy and happy. With time, you'll have a beautiful pond that will be enjoyed by friends and family for years to come.
Visit our website for our full inventory of pond components and accessories, and contact us today with any questions.