Modern Important Areas To Think About Before Beginning To Build A Koi Pond

Is there anything more beautiful than a koi pond at sunset, when the reflections of the sunlight are practically indistinguishable from the golden backs of the darting fish? Imagine that same pond at dawn. Koi ponds transform any back yard into a showpiece and can add thousands of dollars to the value of a home. Before beginning the project, here are some things to consider before breaking ground.

Scope of Project

Is this a project to undertake oneself? It depends on the terrain and a person's own experience and comfort level with do-it-yourself landscaping projects. Decide what the water feature will look like. Consider a custom-built koi pond, determine the dimensions and shape. Check out the proposed site to see if there is uneven ground, large boulders or other things that might make digging problematic. Make sure the person contemplating taking on the task has experience operating the crane or bobcat necessary to clear those obstacles. If any of these circumstances apply, it may be wise to hire a masonry expert and/or contractor who specializes in landscape projects.

Find out if special permits or licenses are needed. At its deepest point, the water should be four to five feet. Some areas have building codes that regulate the depth of artificial ponds. Check with the town or municipal planning department.

What will the finished feature look like? Where is it going to go? Digital landscaping programs simplify the task of planning the pond's features and blending it seamlessly into surrounding landscape.

Building the Pool

Determine whether it will be a pre-molded liner versus concrete. Concrete is the most common material for building artificial pools, but for a person who has not poured concrete before, this is not the place to start. Lime is harmful to fish. When the pond is built from concrete, it must be sealed before it is stocked.

Most do-it-yourselfers use preformed molds or pond kits. These are available both in plastic and in resin-bonded fiberglass. The latter, while more expensive, is most resistant to the elements and is the best investment if the addition to the back yard is to last for any length of time. Keep in mind that a mold is limited in size and difficult, if not impossible, to expand upon at a future date.

Determine how large the pond will be. The size and depth of the pond will depend upon average winter temperatures and the number of fish. Two or three good-sized koi will require approximately 500 gallons of water. The fish need to be protected from direct sunlight. The pond must be large enough to support plants - water lilies are the traditional choice - or clay tiles that can provide shade. The pond should not be built near overhanging trees. Leaves may be harmful to the water pump, filtration system, ultraviolet sterilizer and other equipment needed to maintain it.