how to build a koi pond water features that you need to know

koi pond water features

Water Features for Your Garden Pond

The conventional swimming pool has been the prominent feature in many gardens, but that is not the only option. Depending on the space, you can incorporate water features to improve the whole look of your outdoors. There are so many options available that almost everyone will find one to suit their personal tastes.

 Waterfall

A trip to the national park might have triggered the desire to have something similar closer home. It may be impossible to recreate Niagara Falls in your backyard but with some creativity, you can get a private waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. You need two or more pools in the garden to achieve a waterfall and are free to orchestrate the course of your waterfall. Home-based waterfalls are usually incorporated into natural or man-made boulders.

 Ponds and Pond Plants

These are for the nature lover as you can have it populated with fish as well as attractive pond plants. It can be clean and empty to provide simple pleasure to the eye, or you can decide to go with the limitless customizations available in the market. But before you choose a garden pond design to match your space, there are number of things you need to bear in mind:

• Whether you want exotic or native water plants
• Depth of water, for example for water lilies the depth should be from 10cm -1.2m
• Purchases should be quarantined before introduction

It is considered good practice to go for plants that give contrasts not only in foliage but also variation in flowering. Some of the recommended pond plants ideas include;

• Submerged plants – essential to the health of the pond since they provide oxygen as well as cover for aquatic life. These include Anacharis, Cabomba and many more
• Floating plants – no need for soil anchorage. Apart from adding likeness on the surface of the pond, they also remove nutrients from fish waste as well as uneaten food with their roots. These are plants like water hyacinth, common frogbit, parrot feather and water velvet
• Marginal plants – provide attractive view by softening the harsh outlines of the pond. These are placed on the shallow areas of the pond and includes plants like iris, cattail, arrowhead plant and umbrella palm

Hot tub or spa

These seem more functional but placed in the right spot, a hot tub can become the focal point in any garden. There are some hot tubs that are built to look like small ponds for some extra flair and you can even add waterfalls to them. You can have a shed or gazebo housing the hot tub for a feeling of privacy and extra protection from the glaring sun. 

Fountains

The musical sound that water makes as it comes from a fountain and lands on the surface below is comparable to none. It has a therapeutic touch to all the senses and thankfully a fountain can be in a small garden too. Garden fountains add moisture to the air on hot days, which is great for the plants around it. The further up a fountain goes; the more space it will take up in your garden so be sure to get the measurements right to avoid making a mess. Size, style, and materials for the ideal fountain are only limited by your skills, purchasing power, and creativity.

Stream

It is possible to create a private stream in your garden but make sure it is properly positioned. Level land or a slight slope is perfect to get the water trickling. To create the right stream for your garden, do some research to be sure that your property can handle it. This is an exciting water feature to have as you can landscape around it to make a stunning display of your garden.

Homeowners can tap into their creativity to design private water features in the garden but the effect is even better with help from professionals. They can recommend the best plants to grow around your waterbody, help you choose the right fish for the pond and suggest ideal design ideas for your space. If you have a water feature, it is advisable to incorporate retractable shade screens Phoenix for a great view from your home.

Guest Post by Lisa C

Lisa is part of the Content & Community team at LibertyHomeProducts.com and is in charge of engaging with their community and beyond. Trading for over 35 years Liberty Home Products specializing in quality, customized garden products.

koi pond water features people ask

How deep should a backyard pond be?
It’s recommended that garden ponds be at least 2 feet in depth to make sure there is enough water volume to avoid this issue.

If you live in a cold climate where the pond may freeze go even deeper, try 3 feet. The depth of koi ponds should be 3 feet on average because the fish will need extra space to swim and grow.

How do you build a backyard pond?
To build a backyard pond, start by using a spade or excavator to dig out the pond so it’s at least 7 feet by 4 feet across and 1.5 feet deep. Then, spread a thin layer of builder’s sand over the bottom of the pond, and cover it with a pond liner that’s at least 4 feet larger than the pond itself

What is a pond spillway?
Spillway. A pathway for excess water to exit a pond or lake. Spillways are designed to maintain the water level under normal inflows from snow melt, spring flow and rain.

They are also called overflows. … The emergency spillway is responsible for protecting the dam.

What is a waterfall weir?
Waterfall Weirs are often the perfect accent to a more formal indoor or outdoor water feature. These weirs produce a perfect sheeting effect and also add sound and aeration to the water feature. True Pump carries waterfall weirs made from acrylic or stainless steel available in sizes ranging from 12” to 60” wide

What is the minimum depth for a koi pond?
The basic requirements are: To be large enough to accommodate the potential size that Koi can grow to ( 24 inches / 60cm plus). A pond of around 8 feet x 6 feet and 4 feet deep (2.5m x 2m x 1.2m) containing approx’ 1200 gallons (5500L) would be a sensible minimum for keeping Koi in the UK or other temperate climates

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