When you're new to Koi, it's easy to get over-enthusiastic about getting started with building the fish Koi pond. That is, until you find out how much money it's going to cost you.
Yes, Koi keeping is a hobby that could raise cause for alarm in your pocket book. It's not something you want to jump into without making sure you can afford it first.
That said; keeping Koi is not completely unaffordable. There are money-saving opportunities in building the pond. One of these options is by buying a pond liner instead of building a block and concrete pond.
Now, I'm not against pond liners. I'm sure that there are some brands available that have proven to be very effective liners. It's just that unless you know pond liners like the back of your hand, my advice is you're probably better off not buying one.
Pond liners generally cost less up front than a concrete fish Koi pond, but when you take into account the near-impossibility of laying the liner in the hole and ironing out all the creases, while taking care not to puncture any part of it ... the effort is simply not worth it.
Another way you might be able to save money is by building your own Koi pond. After all, how hard can it be to dig a hole, cement it in, fill it with water and throw a couple of fish in, right? That's what I told myself before I practically pulled all my hair out with frustration and rage over all the mistakes I made.
Take it from me. If you're going to be spending the money anyway, spend it wisely. If you don't have any experience in Koi pond building, or any skill with concrete, don't start by building your own Koi pond. At least don't do it without expert help.
If there's anything you get out of reading this, I hope it's: Always Ask for Professional Advice. Because with keeping a fish Koi pond, when something goes wrong, it REALLY goes kaput. Leaks are your worst possible enemy. Believe me when I say this: Pay the pros. It is money well spent.
I'm not saying that you can't get involved in the process. On the contrary - you need to be very involved. You can share your pond visions with your professional builder - where you want it, how big you want the pond, the shape of the pond and so forth. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for them to do their job, and the happier you will be with the end result.
The next lesson I hope you get out of reading this is: Beware of Cheap Quotes. That sends the red flag up in my book. If a pond builder quote is too good to be true, it probably is. Don't go with cheap - it'll come back to bite you in the pocket.
A fish Koi pond is very complex and when built the right way, will cost more than having a swimming pool built. Don't laugh. I'm not making this up.
Another lesson to learn from embarking on this great adventure called Koi keeping is this: Koi Ponds are Permanent. I know that sounds obvious, but it still needs to be said. Because they are permanent, you need to plan ahead and keep a couple of thoughts in mind while having the pond built:
1. If you plan on using a liner, have a plan ready for when the liner expires (yes, they have expected expiration dates). Having a liner pond may cost you less in the short run, but you'll make it up when it expires. I advise having a concrete pond built by an experienced professional. You pay more up front, but you save money (not to mention your sanity) in the long run.
2. Hire an architect who has experience in designing fish Koi pond structures to design yours. Ask for references you can contact. This is important. I have seen many strikingly designed Koi ponds that can't keep a Koi alive in it. (Sorry, architects.)
Make sure the architect and pond builder can work together - you want all the features to be functional too, otherwise you'll be spending a ton of money and time correcting mistakes that could have been avoided in the first place. A properly designed and planned Koi pond might take some time and a little bit of money, but you won't regret the expense when enjoying the longevity of rewards in the long run.
3. Bottom drains are KEY. Get one built in.
4. Join your local Koi Society. See what others have done. Ask questions. Any fish Koi pond owner will be more than happy to give you as much information about Koi keeping as your ears can handle! It's always best to see and experience Koi in person.
Points to ponder when designing your Koi pond:
1. Building a Koi pond is like building a house. It's about Location, Location, Location. Do you have building restrictions? Do you want the pond in the sun or in the shade or a little of both? Put the pond somewhere you go to every day.
2. Architecture. Make sure the theme of the pond matches the rest of your living space. Your architect can help you with this.
3. Size. In this case, bigger is better.
4. Depth. Minimum 1.5 meters. The deeper the better.
5. Level. Do you want it at ground level or raised?
6. Fiberglass or not?
Jessica Arons specializes in Koi fish care and is currently working with the Koi Fish School team. For more great Fish Koi Pond tips visit The Koi Fish School today.
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