Few things are more relaxing than watching fish swim around in an aquarium, preferably in a naturalistic environment. You can bring that same pleasure to your landscaping with a koi pond. The care for the fish is relatively straightforward. However, setting up a pond takes planning, particularly if you have to make other arrangements for the koi during the winter.
A DIY koi pond gives you the flexibility to be creative and customize it to your space. The difficulty level varies, whether above or in the ground. Shoveling is strenuous, no matter how small the pond. You must also consider how many fish you want to have because it will ultimately determine how large it should be. That will, in turn, affect your cost.
If you’re a DIYer and feel like you’re ready to create a backyard oasis filled with beautiful koi, read on.
The 8 DIY Koi Ponds
1. Mini Water Garden
| Materials: | 1×8 cedar boards, wood screws, plastic liner, water sealant, potting soil, aquatic plants, pea gravel, river stones |
| Tools: | Drill, circular saw, tape measure |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate to hard |
This mini water garden is versatile and a beautiful addition to any yard. We like having the plants with the koi for added interest and a more natural environment for the koi. They will likely eat some of the foliage, making the area outside their reach vital. The plan specified the type of wood you should get but not the amount. That’s where planning for your space comes into play.
You can keep the garden outside during the winter, but you must do something with your fish if they can’t overwinter outside. The challenge is fitting the pieces. Experienced DIYers won’t have any problems, but those new to these projects may need some guidance.
2. Above-Ground Pond
| Materials: | Plywood, Styrofoam, wood screws, 2x4s, PVC pond liner, stapler, stain |
| Tools: | Drill, circular saw, tape measure, level, staples, paintbrush |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
This above-ground pond is another versatile project you can scale to fit your space. The large size makes citing it near a water source essential for filling and maintaining it. It’s definitely a DIY pond that you call a friend to help with if just to get it in place. You have a big canvas with this one, and you can get creative with the staining and plants.
This project requires accurate measurements. Follow the carpenter’s advice to measure twice and cut once, so do the math to ensure you get the right-sized liner. But overall, we love the simple design that puts the spotlight on the koi.
3. In-Ground Pond
| Materials: | Landscaping bricks, quick-setting cement, pond liner, pea gravel, spray paint |
| Tools: | Shovel, tape measure, level, wheelbarrow, rake, box cutter |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate to hard |
This in-ground pond requires planning and elbow grease. The method is easy, but the work is tough. We recommend drafting the pond on graph paper. You can add different depths for interest or a wetland area for emergent plants. The advantage of this DIY project is you’re not limited to the round or kidney-shaped ready-made ponds.
This DIY koi pond is best suited for areas where you can keep your fish in the water year-round. It’ll make maintenance much more manageable.
4. Pond With Waterfall
| Materials: | Landscaping bricks, quick-setting cement, pond liner, pea gravel, spray paint |
| Tools: | Shovel, tape measure, level, wheelbarrow, rake, box cutter |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This pond with a waterfall is another labor-intensive project with a big payoff when complete. The waterfall makes it stand out from the rest. It adds beauty and makes it a healthier environment for your koi. If you use a liner, you can work with the shape to fit your space. The rocks are a feature of this pond. We suggest taking your time to choose attractive ones to add interest.
This design invites landscaping and outdoor lighting around the pond to make it a focal point in your yard. You can give it a theme with the species you choose.
5. Brick, Above-Ground Pond
| Materials: | Concrete retaining wall blocks, stainless-steel deck screws, pond liner, ready-mix concrete, underground-rated treated boards, spray paint |
| Tools: | Wheelbarrow, stainless steel lath, trowel, shovel, tape measure, level |
| Difficulty Level: | Expert |
This brick above-ground pond is about as close to a work of art with an aquatic theme. It is a project for an experienced DIY with some specialized tools that you can rent. You can work with the size. It’ll look gorgeous no matter how big or small it is. It’s a fitting space for these beautiful fish. We like how it takes the relaxing effects of viewing an aquarium to the next level with an attractive design. You can even hire someone for the digging to make it an easier project if needed.
6. Garden Pond
| Materials: | Rigid pond shell, pond liner, spray paint, sand, landscape rocks, river stones, pea gravel |
| Tools: | Shovel, tape measure, level, wheelbarrow, rake, box cutter, bucket |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This garden pond uses a rigid pond shell to give it a specific shape. It can make this job easier with a plan in place. It’s also an easy guide you can use for getting the depth correct. This design uses sand to keep the shell level and in place. You use it to backfill around the pond. That’s an extra step, but it doesn’t make this project any more difficult.
It’s an in-ground design, so that means lots of shoveling. You can use other tools, such as a mattock or ice chopper, to cut through sod to make it easier.
7. Ecosystem Pond
| Materials: | Rigid pond shells, pond liner, spray paint, sand, landscape rocks, river stones, pea gravel |
| Tools: | Shovel, tape measure, level, wheelbarrow, rake, box cutter, bucket |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This ecosystem pond is more than an attractive landscaping addition; it is beneficial for flora and fauna. It creates a natural area that wildlife will enjoy as much as the koi. This design uses layers to add interest and more space for plants. That adds to its appeal on all scores. Using native species makes maintenance easier since they are adapted to your climate.
It has a waterfall, which allows for welcome gas exchange to keep the water healthier for your fish. You can use individual rigid pond shells to add different levels and components, like a waterfall. The rocks, gravel, and plants make it stand out compared to many other plans, but it’s also a lot of work.
8. Backyard Koi Pond
| Materials: | Rigid pond shells, pond liner, spray paint, sand, landscape rocks, river stones, pea gravel, pavers, ready-mix concrete |
| Tools: | Shovel, tape measure, level, wheelbarrow, rake, box cutter, bucket |
| Difficulty Level: | Expert |
This backyard koi pond is the centerpiece of this landscaping. It’s a decent project if you want to make it the focal point and conversation piece on your patio. Flexibility is part of the plan, but it’s not a weekend job, depending on how big it is. We like that it draws everything together in your landscaping. It’s worth noting that in-ground ponds like this one are a potential hazard, and you may have building code issues.
However, you can’t deny that it looks cool. The creator of the plan makes excellent use of false rocks to hide stuff to keep a natural-looking vibe. We recommend installing similar shortcuts for your pond to make maintenance more manageable.
Tips for Keeping Koi Healthy
The best tip we can offer for keeping your koi healthy is thoroughly planning your pond. We recommend choosing a level site, preferably with well-draining soil, to avoid flooding it if you opt for an in-ground design. Consider the daylight exposure. A pond that is in the sun all day will heat up to unsafe temperatures that can encourage bacteria and algae. Remember that you don’t move a pond once it’s installed.
You should cite your pond near a water source. It’ll make filling and maintaining it easier. We recommend ensuring the hose reaches it and getting another length if it doesn’t. Some plans include plants, which will also need tending.
You’ll find installing your DIY koi pond if you can put it on level ground. Don’t skimp this step when setting it up to keep everything running smoothly. Well-draining soil will make getting close to your pond easier and enjoy it. It can protect any wood materials from rot. Finally, make sure you call 811 before putting a shovel to the ground. We also suggest contacting your city hall in case you need a permit.
Final Thoughts
A DIY koi pond can add value to your landscaping. It can make your backyard a more relaxing place to chill and enjoy the outdoors. We won’t lie, this project is going to take work, no matter which design you choose. However, it’ll more than pay for itself in the peace and white noise it brings to your yard. Just make sure you plan thoroughly so you understand your commitment to the task.
Related Reads:
- How Fast Do Koi Fish Grow? Vet-Reviewed Growth Rate & Care Info
- Gold Koi Fish: Info, Pictures, Facts & History
Featured Image Credit: MelissKeaneArt, Pixabay
