It’s all about the fish. Koi pond owners love their colorful fish, the Japanese “living flowers” that are so eager to eat that they make an entertaining spectacle of it at mealtime. Some fish even eat right from their owners hands. Creating a habitat that’s just right for the eager eaters takes money and dedication, whether homeowners decide to do the job themselves or hire professional landscapers. Costs include construction, equipment, fish, maintenance, energy, and food.
More Than Your Average Pond
Deciding to build a koi pond – rather than a simple kit-type water feature or a goldfish pond – is to make a much bigger financial commitment. A goldfish pond need only be a couple feet deep, whereas koi need a depth of four to six feet. Deeper waters prevent a full winter freeze and dissuade predators.
Before turning the first shovel of dirt, homeowners should check their local ordinances and neighborhood covenants to find out if a permit or special approval is required. Deep ponds may also necessitate fencing yards to prevent accidental drowning. It’s also important to have utility companies mark the location of underground lines. Investing money into pond only to have others try to force its movement of closure won’t make anyone happy.
Excavation
Location is key. Most homeowners want their pond near the house, but not so close that it can’t be seen from inside the house too. The ideal spot won’t get direct sun all day – which could lead to an algae problem – nor will it be completely under a shade tree. Although trees can provide visual cover from flying predators like the great blue heron, skimming leaves from the pond each day could get tedious. Picking a spot where water normally accumulates doesn’t work well, as fertilizer-tainted rain runoff can upset a pond’s ecosystem. Ponds owners who choose to start off small often regret the decision, since it limits the number of koi they can keep. Ponds that are 12 by 16 feet are popular.
Excavation Costs
Do-it-yourselfers can save money on excavation and ledge building. Professionals typically charge $1,200 and up for the job - depending on size.