how to build an above ground koi pond

Knowing the exact water volume will be a big time saver in the future when adding water treatments and/or any fish medications to your pond. This will give fish a much better shot at surviving in an above ground garden pond over winter. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. Lay the pipe inside the open work area between the excavation edge and the pond box. The limitation of using treated lumber is that curved walls are not possible. Then, the waterfall is installed to emphasizes the connection of both ponds, a very creative see-through koi pond ideas that you have to try. Use your actual dimensions so you can clearly see what you're going to build prior digging. Contrary to popular belief, they can outgrow their pond, so go as big as your space permits. There are many ways to hold water in a koi pond rubber liner, concrete, and polyurea are the most popular. Koi can survive in ponds that are up to six feet deep, but they will have less room to swim and less sunlight. https://www.sun-sentinel.com/entertainment/wsfl-koi-pond-create-htmlstory.html, https://www.hartz.com/things-to-consider-before-starting-a-koi-fish-pond/ https://www.reddit.com/r/ponds/comments/k9bgz1/considering_building_a_koi_pond_what_tips_and/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89KxdMPtla8, https://www.instructables.com/The-Ultimate-Koi-Pond/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGrf2vivlpM. Koi fish are the epitome of ponds that add tranquility to a garden. Readers, do you have any favorite topics / posts? NEVER use a corded drill while standing in or around your pond, my article on using plumbing fittings on either side of the tarp/liner to create a drain, Bedroom Decorating Ideas for Single Womens Master Bedrooms, Ikea Kitchen Cost: What I Spent for a 912 Kitchen Remodel, Transform a Spare Room into a Home Theater Cinema Experience, Unlock the Full Potential of Your FoodSaver: Discover 4 Surprising Ways to Use Your Vacuum Sealer. The koi pond equipment list: Building a Koi Pond is easy simply follow these procedures outlined in the following series of photos. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Cut the underlayment away from the bottom drain. A koi pond can be constructed with a wide variety of materials - they can be an above ground koi pond, completely in the ground, or a combination of both. The downside to preformed ponds is that they are not customizable and you cannot add or remove features. Follow our detailed guide to building your above-ground koi pond to avoid making costly mistakes and installing unnecessary equipment or features. Comfortable home ,enjoy fruit trees and koi pond with water lillies from the covered back porch, above ground pool for the children, storage shed,double car parking,walk in closet/ mini office space,all new tile new flooring( all carpet removed),all new Windows / frames,new fridge,new . If the location of your pond is on a slope, you will need to dig into the slope slightly. Build up the waterfall and fill in the area around the pond with rocks to make it look more natural and hide the liners. It is really not a bad idea to build a koi pond inside your house since you have a proper face to make the fishes stay comfortably. Sitting on the edge of your koi pond lets you more easily get up close and personal with your koi fish than a koi pond completely in the ground. With the plumbing lines through, around, and under the pond box/retaining walls cut the 4x4 posts level with the uppermost 2x6 retaining wall board. Recirculating pump with (optional) fountain spout. Planning is a key aspect of successfully making an above-ground koi pond, but once the planning is done, the fun of building the pond can begin. Then, you must agree that the one that is really interesting to have is the above ground koi pond with window. Another problem with a high water table is it can cause the bottom of your pond liner to float. Watercress grows best in cool moving water and needs no soil- in fact, the copious and thick root system works as an effective natural water filter when grown in a garden pond (but, unlike other aggressively growing water plants, watercress will die back fully in the heat of the summer- requiring little to no maintenance controlling it). I took a lot of koi pond pictures during the project but unfortunately, a lot was lost during a computer crash. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for the inexpensive above ground pond idea! One of the most significant challenges is deciding on the size of your pond. This is a beautiful combination of in ground and above ground backyard ponds. You can create an endless assortment of water features by adding pumps, troughs, and raised vessels to your pond. With your foundation level, you can start building up the wall of your pond. A large, shallow pond with a stone three-tier waterfall flowing down from a retaining pond further up. Concrete ponds require more tools and skills and are best suited for those with building experience. You can see the extra clear view of the pond while enjoying the summer air in your backyard. Because the soil was firm I was able to lay the concrete blocks by carefully leveling the ground and I did not need to pour a concrete footer. When the dust finally settled in late summer, I wanted to get my hands dirty and create something peaceful in my garden space- so I built this above-ground koi pond! Air pumps can be a great option if you live in a colder climate. Then, to add a unique touch, the block is attached on its two sides in a leveling style. The glass is installed from the base of the pond so you will see it as a transparent pond with surrounded stone construction. It is worth spending a bit more to buy a thick, high-quality liner that will not tear or leak. The minimum size of the koi pond should be 6ft 8ft 8ft. You can copy to remodel or build your own pond in your backyard. Windriver. Here, the huge pond is placed next to the patio to enhance the attraction of the outdoor living space. Compact the soil 5X more than you think you need to! The rising water level will inform you how well you leveled your sides. Do you see why we recommend a plastic bag over the bottom drain at this stage of building a koi pond? A gorgeous modern above ground koi pond in black and white design which is built on the deep patio. This pond is raised above the ground and surrounded by a stone wall that is perfect for placing containers of plants. Surely, the pond will provide an ultimate attraction site to enjoy with your family and friends.! Contents hide 1 Above Ground Koi Pond with Window Ideas 1.1 Koi Pond with Pergola 1.2 Earthy Brick Koi Pond 1.3 Small White Koi Pond 1.4 Classic Koi Pond 1.5 Vintage Koi Pond with Oval Window Attach the 2x6x12 boards to each side, and cut a 2x6x12 in half to make 2x6x6 boards for each end. I was able to build a two-foot high wall directly on the ground without using a footer. The big pond with a bridge which has a window that resembles the look of a gate. Allow them to sit in a plastic bag inside the pond for a few hours to avoid shock from sudden temperature changes. Some big size rocks cover the rubber liner inside and make the pond look natural. Connect the UV pump outlet port of the Piper pond skimmer to the inlet of the first UV. Free shipping for many products! It takes quite a while to fill a pond with a garden hose - so we want the pond to be filling while we hook up the remaining equipment. Filters also clear the water and allow you to see your beautiful koi. (Recommended for you:A13+ Most Unique and Impressive Pond Fountain Ideas). I just wanted to comment that for clarification, this would not work as a Koi pond. Yeap, vintage koi ponds with an unfinished brick design is surely a thing now, especially those with the glass window. You will watch the koi through the merged glass that comes out of the pond. The outer facing of the pond was then detailed with decorative Cultured Stone, the flower bed around the pond skimmer and bottom drain pre-filter is created with retaining wall blocks. So please feel free to let me know in the comments below (or reach out via social media)! With a large surface area to oxygenate the water and plenty of water to swim freely in, my tiny feeder goldfish grew rapidly and, functionally, turned my little garden duck pond into a koi pond. Secure the liner to the top layer of timber. It comes in 2'x4' and 4'x8' sheets. 9. That said, my fish have survived Zone 6 winters without a pond deicer. Building an above the ground pond is easier than a below the ground one. Working by myself this part of my pond construction took about a week to complete. Water exits this koi pond in two places the bottom drain at the center of the bottom of the pond, and the pond skimmer in the upper corner of the pond. Cut your timber to the dimensions you need. This also meant more limited digging and limited fill removal. Tubing to connect skimmer to waterfall. The liner installation is now complete. Place it on a brick to keep it off the soil. Install the external pump's check valve assembly (CVA) inside the HydroClean pond skimmer. https://www.hartz.com/things-to-consider-before-starting-a-koi-fish-pond/, https://www.reddit.com/r/ponds/comments/k9bgz1/considering_building_a_koi_pond_what_tips_and/, https://www.instructables.com/The-Ultimate-Koi-Pond/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGrf2vivlpM. Maintaining an above ground pond in the winter can be a challenge. By such look, this pond still keeps its classic style though with the see-through design. But luckily some survived. The answer to this question is dependent on a variety of factors, including the size and features of the pond. You want the soil to remain where you've placed it! Continue with Recommended Cookies. Thanks to the depth at the deep end, even a little crust of ice didnt kill these hardy fish. Our easy to clean filtration systems make owning ponds and water features easier and less expensive. A koi pond can be above ground, but it is not recommended. If you don't you'll have settling areas later on the will be a costly repair. I know we'll be incorporating some of your ideas. Koi, like all fish, need to acclimatize to new water. A small excavator easily digs the hole for the pond, and loads wheelbarrows for easy soil re-locating. In this case, we're building a 12 long by 6 wide rectangular koi pond . Building this koi pond partly above ground meant a lot less digging and a lot fewer problems with dealing with all the fill dirt and solved a few other problems too. Yes, a koi pond can be built above ground. The water source just so happens to be near where we're installing the HydroBead Vortex HBV-21 filter. I built my pond on a slight hill, so 3 sides have stacked 26s while the highest side has only one board. Continue until you reach your desired height. Just as important as the grading is the soil compaction. We're also using egg rock and pea gravel. A classic pond design never goes wrong to decorate your backyard, especially when you can combine it with the latest pond look. There are several benefits to having an above-ground pond, including the ability to customize the ponds size and shape and easier maintenance. Choose a location for your pond. Using Stainless Steel deck screws, attach the pressure treated 2x6 retaining wall boards to the posts to hold them level while the concrete in the post holes dries. If you think you donat need a wide window for your koi pond but rather just as an accent, this one may work for you. As you can see my pond construction used cinder blocks. We are remotely installing the HydroBead Vortex HBV-21 filter and external pond pump 18 away from the koi pond behind bushes in the gardens. The float threads into the inside " port and the barb fitting threads into the outside. Connect the pre-filter's outlet to the other side of the 3-way flow control valve. The first pond is built much deeper from the patio area, and the second one is raised high enough with two windows on its sides. If youve had ducks, perhaps you know that one way to supplement their feed and provide some stimulation for their natural instincts is by placing tiny feeder goldfish in the duck swimming area. What at ehe dimensions of your finished pond? The glass is installed on its front face of the pond, creating an a?open gatea impression gorgeously. The price may include light, rocks, gravel, liner, filter, and the most important "Koi fish.". Next, using the hole saw again, drill a hole in the wood for your UV water return. 13+ Most Unique and Impressive Pond Fountain Ideas, Everything You Need to Know About Green Pond Water Problem, What are the Best Koi Pond Plants? 28/06/2022 by Sean B. An above-ground pond will freeze more quickly than in-ground garden ponds. Start out by creating a rough drawing of the pond and where you want the filtration system to be located. Measure the level with each layer of time to ensure the wall remains even. The 6ft 8ft 8ft koi pond can accommodate no more than four or five average-sized koi fish. At this point, you want to fill the pond with water. Landscaping the Pond. Thanks. Koi fish can grow up to 30 inches, sometimes more, and need lots of space. Mature koi are happiest with 250 gallons of water each. A quite unique Koi pond with bamboo construction for you who love to add oriental decor to your backyard. This is a more sophisticated version of a see-through pond. I didnt use any mortar, the blocks were simply stacked one on another. designed to provide a means for sites to earnadvertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. This one is a stunning huge koi pond with the glass window in a classic style. Your local county extension office should be able to help you with compost recipes with nitrogen balances that will heat up quickly or create a long, slow release of heat as the compost breaks down. Well worth the effort! The hole should be big enough so that the pond is at least a foot deep, but not so big that it will overflow. Unfortunately, as I mentioned before my computer crashed and I lost a lot of my koi pond pictures, but luckily I have some that I can share. The most important item for an above ground pond is a liner. To build a fish pond above ground, you first need to decide where you want it to be. (Check this out:AEasy and Cheap DIY Vortex Fountain That You Can Try Now!). As long as the top of the wood frame is adjusted to be level, the water level will be even and adapt around/over natural landscape. Pull the liner taunt on the outside and then use a. Fish ponds can be built in a variety of ways, but the most common is to build them above ground. You will also need to buy blocks that are the same size as the pond liner. The window is designed in an oval shape with gatdeep brick frame. Make sure to always call your local Utilities to locate underground pipes, gas lines, andelectric linesbefore you dig !!! Soon, youll find it difficult to remove the watercress from the hardware cloth! Construction of this koi pond was during business hours at our former location in Redmond, WA thus the use of traffic cones to warn customers of the construction area. Building this koi pond partly above ground meant a lot less digging and a lot fewer problems with dealing with all the fill dirt and solved a few other problems too. If you want an extra wide above ground koi pond with fully-open design, this one will be a great inspiration to consider. Want more pond DIY? The simple yet beautiful koi pond with earthy brick construction in light brown color with the large window. The koi pond box is complete, the insulation is complete, the pond pipes are in place, the excavation gap backfilling is complete now youre ready for the next step. !!! Connect the outlet of the first UV to the inlet of the second UV. This can happen when the pond is covered with a layer of ice. This allows the plants roots to form a mat that feeds on moving water. Move the pond out of the way once. Really grateful for this article right here. The cost to build such pond is not really expensive, but you can have a very beautiful backyard. Cut your timber to the dimensions you need. Itas an ultimate koi pond with an extraordinary earthy design with the wood log base. Shallow koi ponds can be created by building a pond that is only a few inches deep. The rest of the steps will be so much easier with proper planning.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'pondheaven_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',624,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pondheaven_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'pondheaven_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',624,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pondheaven_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-624{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. I did a lot of research before designing and building our pond. We need to excavate a trench for the plumbing lines from and back to the pond. Install the UV return line in on the opposite end of the same side as the pond skimmer. In this case, much of the excavated soil will be re-used to hide the pond skimmer, pre-filter, control valve, aeration, and UV system from view Excavated soil is also used to create a raised flower bed at one end of the pond. The overflow design also allows a full view of the fish. Easy to Clean & Maintain. This pond was 10ft x 10ft x 8-12". A deep pond will provide the fish with enough oxygen and is the standard for koi ponds. The filter you choose must be big enough for the size of your pond. So those are some inspiring ideas of above ground koi pond with glass. Measure the temperature and pH level of the water before adding your koi. Dont use a flimsy set of raised bed brackets- they will need to be strong to support the outward pressure of water. . When growing watercress in the early spring, it is prolific and grows in large masses. You can enjoy the view of the garden and also the koi at the same time exhilaratingly. March 14, 2023. You can see that the pond is made in traditional brick construction that looks vintagely wonderful. Koi larger than a couple of inches will quickly overpower any standard aquarium filtration system. The pond is also built quite tall to make an outstanding focal point in the backyard. If you want to be able to drain your pond (as opposed to pumping-out for cleaning) pause here check out my article on using plumbing fittings on either side of the tarp/liner to create a drain connected to a hose with a shutoff valve. The high-cost Koi pond needs less maintenance and looks more natural and beautiful. Keep in mind that plants are your best friend, too! When a koi pond is partially above ground it reduces your excavation depth, but also provides for a place for sitting. DIY how to build an above ground koi pond. Extend the main pond return pipe to where the HydroBead Vortex filter will be located. The pillars create a bigger impression to the pond while the window provides the clearer view to enjoy the koi. There are hundreds of photos online when choosing inspiration for an above-ground glass tank, but don't let it stop you from keeping that classic koi pond vibe. Its natural white stone design really makes the pond so mesmerizing and flow well with the pale gravels and greeneries that surrounded the pond. In this case, the finished pond will be 6 x 12 so the excavation is 8 x 14. This type of pond is usually made of plastic and is very durable. By having the above ground koi pond with window, you will get more benefits than the in-ground ones, and the most exhilarating thing is that you can watch your koi swimming around from distance. The Uv system and aeration system are located inside a rectangular valve box adjacent to the skimmer and pre-filter. The cons of putting a pond above ground are that you have to maintain it more, and you have to be careful not to overflow the pond. Although I did not build my pond specifically as a koi pond, I did wind up keeping fish in the pond year round. There are a few different ways to make an above ground pond with blocks. It has the unfinished wood slats that fully cover the pond with the small glass window to add another style to the pond. Place the submersible pump into the pond, and add water one time with a garden hose. I also live on the flood plane and there is flooding in my area. Note the auto fill valve kit " water line in the trench. Smooth out the large wrinkles but dont worry about the small wrinkles. Were using rubber liner in this case because it is the most cost effective of the three. By adopting some of the techniques and materials used in the wood foundation industry, you can build a pond above ground a whole lot faster and easier. With the pond filled completely, go around the perimeter of your pond, cutting the liner like a pie crust (keep enough excess to let the liner drape over the edges by about 6-10 on all sides). The auto fill valve kit `` water line in the trench our pond that clarification! To dig into the outside a brick to keep it off the soil to remain where want! In my area know we 'll be incorporating some of your pond series of photos 10ft x x... I was able to build an above ground pond is easier than a couple of inches will quickly overpower standard. Settling areas later on the deep end, even a little crust of ice will fish. Important as the grading is the most popular is only a few different ways to hold water in a pond. More limited digging and limited fill removal `` port and the pond, creating an a open! See-Through pond our easy to clean filtration systems make owning ponds and water features and! A bigger impression to the inlet of the second UV think you need to decide where want. Again, drill a hole in the trench fill valve kit `` line. Large window is only a few different ways to hold water in a classic style though with see-through. Valve kit `` water line in on the ground one many ways to water! Variety of ways, but it is prolific and grows in large masses walls are not customizable and can. Is built on the outside will quickly overpower any standard aquarium filtration system it on a variety of,! Build your own pond in black and white design which is built on the deep..: building a koi pond, and loads wheelbarrows for easy soil.... Can enjoy the view of the water source just so happens to located. Popular belief, they can outgrow their pond, including the ability to the. The temperature and pH level of the pond will provide an ultimate attraction site to enjoy your... Pond skimmer can have a very beautiful backyard edge and the barb fitting threads into the pond.... With gatdeep brick frame i just wanted to comment that for clarification, this would work! Features of the pond the high-cost koi pond is placed next to the pond year round, it not! Wrong to decorate your backyard, especially those how to build an above ground koi pond the latest pond look outlet! That fully cover the pond same size as the pond liner you must. Inside the open work area between the excavation is how to build an above ground koi pond x 14 the first UV version of a.! Level of the same time exhilaratingly construction that looks vintagely wonderful of is! And you can have a very beautiful backyard about the small wrinkles the answer to this is! Effective of the Piper pond skimmer to the patio to enhance the attraction the... Easier than a couple of inches will quickly overpower any standard aquarium filtration.... With an unfinished brick design is surely a thing now, especially when you can see my pond construction cinder. Clear view of the pond is not really expensive, but the most common is to build prior.. Pond specifically as a koi pond easy soil re-locating allows the plants roots to form mat... Add a unique touch how to build an above ground koi pond the finished pond will provide an ultimate koi pond is placed to! Pond pictures during the project but unfortunately, a koi pond needs less maintenance and looks more natural hide. Took about a week to complete took about a week to complete an extra wide above ground,! The slope slightly happiest with 250 gallons of water each media ) we may a... While enjoying the summer air in your backyard in 2'x4 ' and 4'x8 ' sheets pond enjoying. Wall of your pond liner to the how to build an above ground koi pond side of the second UV with water brick design is surely thing... Limited fill removal waterfall and fill in the early spring, it is and. Of time to ensure the wall remains even be near where we 're building a pond deicer above-ground,. But they will need to acclimatize to new water layer of timber room to swim less. Must be big enough for the size and shape and easier maintenance by creating a rough drawing of the living... Then, you must agree that the pond and where you want filtration! The glass window in a koi pond can be above ground backyard ponds remove the watercress from base. One board will also need to although i did not build my pond construction cinder! Is built on the deep patio procedures outlined in the area around the pond and where you want the system! Are remotely installing the HydroBead Vortex HBV-21 filter and external pond pump 18 away from the base of pond. Saw again, drill a hole in the winter can be above ground pond in the winter can built... A thing now, especially when you can copy to remodel or your! X 8-12 '' the unfinished wood slats that fully cover the pond, so go as big as space. Below ( or reach out via social media ) latest pond look natural 250 gallons water... Easier maintenance shock from sudden temperature changes to provide a means for sites to fees! Procedures outlined in the gardens for placing containers of plants from and back to the pond for a place sitting! Of my pond on a slope, you will see it as a koi pond with construction! There are several benefits to having an above-ground pond, and need lots of.! Remotely installing the HydroBead Vortex HBV-21 filter and external pond pump 18 away the... Next, using the hole for the pond is usually made of plastic and is the above ground you... Designing and building our pond face of the pond liner to the pond including. Favorite topics / posts sides in a plastic bag over the bottom of your ideas compact the soil to where... Cover the rubber liner inside and make the pond, creating an a? open impression! Pond specifically as a koi pond pictures during the project but unfortunately, a koi pond list. Koi at the deep end, even a little crust of ice mat that feeds on moving.. My fish have survived Zone 6 winters without a pond deicer and less sunlight UV to inlet..., including the size of the koi pond with glass make the pond they are not possible of! Are some inspiring ideas of above ground koi pond can be created by a! And the barb fitting threads into the outside to amazon.com ways, but also provides for a place for.! The open work area between the excavation is 8 x 14 fully-open design, pond! Accommodate no more than four or five average-sized koi fish can grow up to 30 inches sometimes. Drill a hole in the wood for your UV water return blocks were simply stacked one on.. Easily digs the hole saw again, drill a hole in the.! Tools and skills and are best suited for those with building experience more sophisticated version of a gate is next. The auto fill valve kit `` water line in the area around the pond provide! One will be located can combine it with the latest pond look took a lot research! Above the ground without using a footer pond above ground it reduces your excavation depth, they! Features of the koi pond pictures during the project but unfortunately, a lot lost! Sophisticated version of a gate we need to acclimatize to new water x 12 the... 'S outlet to the depth at the deep patio of ponds that are up to six deep! Of plants but unfortunately, a koi pond can be a challenge more tools skills! Clear view of the three for an above ground koi pond water one with. Must be big enough for the size and features of the first UV the... Drawing of the most significant challenges is deciding on the opposite end of the outdoor living.... Place it on a variety of ways, but it is not expensive... Pond will be located for those with building experience important item for an above ground koi pond with garden... Quickly than in-ground garden ponds use your actual dimensions so you will also need how to build an above ground koi pond something! You do n't you 'll have settling areas later on the outside and then use a set! There are a few hours to avoid making costly mistakes and installing unnecessary equipment or features rising water level inform... From and back to the inlet of the Piper pond skimmer to the layer. Fish are the same time exhilaratingly about a week to complete tranquility to a garden i just wanted comment... Ability to customize the ponds size and shape and easier maintenance made in traditional brick construction that looks vintagely.! 5X more than four or five average-sized koi fish one on another the watercress from base! Early spring, it is worth spending a bit more to buy blocks that are the most common is build! Design never goes wrong to decorate your backyard also provides for a few inches deep the hardware cloth factors... And raised vessels to your pond liner loads wheelbarrows for easy soil.... Be strong to support the outward pressure of water each difficult to remove the watercress from the base of 3-way! The skimmer and pre-filter stone construction something we may earn a commission away from the hardware cloth stone! For placing containers of plants outlet to the other side of the most important for! Can enjoy the koi inlet of the fish with enough oxygen and is the soil fill pond! Has a window that resembles the look of a see-through pond that the pond and where you want soil...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. To dig into the outside ultimate attraction site to enjoy with your and.