How to Install a Concrete Koi Pond

Building a concrete koi pond is a large undertaking that is usually expensive and permanent. It's a job best suited for a hobbyist who understands the needs of koi. Still, many consult with a professional contractor or hire help for some parts of the construction process.

Things You'll Need

  • String
  • Paint
  • Shovel or backhoe
  • Drains
  • PVC piping and connectors
  • Reinforced bars
  • Cement
  • Piece of lumber
  • Level
  • Measuring tape
  • Concrete blocks
  • Pond pump and filter
  • Pond skimmer and waterfall hardware (optional)
  • Pond sealant or fiberglass
  • Paint brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mark the pond in your yard using string or paint. Include where your filtering equipment will be.

    • 2

      Excavate the area where you will build your pond. If you wish to build an above ground pond, this will be less tedious, but you should still make sure the ground is level.

    • 3

      Place your bottom drains and piping in the bottom of your pond. Many pond experts recommend using a bend connector rather than an elbow connector to connect pipes. This will be less restricting for the water flow.

    • 4

      Put reinforcing bars in the bottom of your pond using bricks to hold the rebar up and in place.

    • 5

      Prepare and pour concrete into the bottom of your pond slowly and evenly. The concrete should be leveled off at a depth of about 6 inches.

    • 6

      Build the walls of your pond using small, solid concrete blocks or large hollow blocks and mortar. Large hollow blocks should be filled with concrete when the walls are complete.

    • 7

      Install any piping or hardware you want into the wall as you are building it. This could include a skimmer or hardware to create a waterfall.

    • 8

      Seal your pond's interior with pond sealant or fiberglass. You can use various colors to achieve the look you want.

    • 9

      Install coping on the top of your walls to finish them, if you wish. You can use various materials, including concrete blocks or even large rocks to create a more natural-looking pond.

    • 10

      Install your filter. In the past, this often required building large chambers and elaborate filtration systems, but many modern koi experts recommend specialized pond filtration and pump systems, such as the Nexus systems sold at USA Koi (see Resources below).

    • 11

      Connect all of your piping tightly. Fill the pond and run the filtration system to ensure that there are no leaks. You can find an excellent graphic detailing a koi pond's plumbing at Roberts Water Gardens (see Resources below).

    • 12

      Test the water several times to ensure it is a neutral pH before releasing any koi into it.