Our Koi Pond

Background info: When we bought our house in 2002, it came with a small koi pond. Over a year later the rubber lining developed a significant leak. Since we were forced to tear down the waterfall to replace the lining we decided to remodel the pond to accomodate more koi and a more natural looking waterfall. We contracted with a local company to create a new pond and waterfall. Another contractor did the edge rocks to match the patio. The original pond was 4'x6'x26" and stood out 18" from the retaining wall behind it; it had a rubber liner, submerged filter and pump. The new pond is 8'x9'x3' and is recessed into the fig ivy covered retaining wall, has a leak-proof spray-in lining, a bottom drain, venturi, skimmer with UV, external pump and hydrobead filter. The waterfall is 5' tall and has 6 separate water outlets to provide a balanced flow. As of June 2007 we have 9 koi in the pond, the largest measuring 32" in length.

To protect the fish from raccoons we chose not to have plant ledges—instead, we created a center island by using a plastic table covered with natural flagstones (with edges buffed smooth to ensure no injury to the koi). The algae has since covered the legs, making them virtually invisible. We're able to adjust the height of the rocks to accommodate various plants. To protect the koi from heron we employ a Scarecrow (motion sensor hooked up to a garden hose).

BELOW: The more established pond in 2004. Algae naturally turns the waterfall and pond surface dark.



June 2006, three years after construction.
A water poppy cascades down the waterfall.


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