Koi ponds are considered as “Swimming pools for Koi.” They are one of the most creative decorations provide hours of fun as you watch your new friends swimming at home.
Most Japanese believe that Koi Fish is a symbol of perseverance, courage, and accomplishment, and this is another reason why peoples decide to get Koi Fish Tattoo.
Moreover, many people love to have koi ponds in their homes as it can give them relief from stress and anxiety.
There are many choices available for koi ponds; you can choose any design and size according to your need and preference.
The cost can be different for different sized and designed ponds.
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Cost to Build a Koi Pond
The average estimated cost to build a Koi pond is about $6,000 to $25,000 but the cost can be different depending on the different factors. The high-cost Koi pond needs less maintenance and looks more natural and beautiful.
The price may include light, rocks, gravel, liner, filter, and the most important “Koi fish.” A healthy 5-inch long koi fish can cost about $20 to $50.
However, depending on the type and size of koi fish, the price can range to higher.
The total construction cost plays a significant role, and that’s why you need to know how much it costs to build a koi pond before making a proper plan. The cost of installing a koi pond varies depending on the project’s size, type, and complexity, so use the following information to calculate the cost of building your koi pond.
Factors affecting the cost of Koi pond:
There are few factors affecting the cost of building a pond that you really need to understand. Let’s take a glance at some of the factors;
Consultation Cost
If you are building a Koi pond for the first time, you need to get some good consultations.
You can ask any firm providing pond construction services, and they will visit the selected site and provide you with a complete plan with all expenditures.
The consultation cost can range between $50 and $500.
But the price can go higher for the experienced firm.
Koi fish Cost
Koi fish is the most important part of koi ponds that has always been a sign of luxury.
The cost of koi fish can be different depending on their size and breed.
However, the average cost can range from $5 to $10,000.
Size of the Koi pond
The size of the Koi pond is the main factor affecting the cost.
The larger the pond will cost higher as the larger pond will require more room for additions.
The smaller koi ponds can also cost high if you choose any additions for them.
A 9 foot koi pond can cost between $11,000, while an extensive design can easily cost about $100,000.
Excavation Cost
Excavation is also an essential factor in the budget of the koi pond. As the size of the pond gets more significant, more excavation costs will be needed.
The contracting company may charge you $20-$50 per square foot.
However, different companies demand different prices.
Liner cost
The process of liner installation is a significant cost factor to consider.
This process needs different materials, including concrete, polyethylene, fiberglass, EPDM rubber, and PVC.
EMDM rubber is an industry-standard pool liner, which is lightweight, flexible, and long-lasting, which can cost $1.00 per square foot.
PVC is also a famous liner and also less expensive than EMDM rubber. But it is more prone to cracking.
DIY VS contractor cost
The cost of a DIYer and constructed koi pond by any professional can be very different as you can DIY a small-sized Koi pond into your house that can cost about $500.
But the contractor will cost more, and no doubt he can add more fun and beauty to your Koi pond.
Additions Cost For Koi pond
Different things can be added to koi ponds to make them more attractive.
They just do not add fun to the pond, but they contribute a lot to the overall cost of the pond.
Some additions include;
- Fountains
- Streams
- Underground lights
- Auto-fill system
- Aquatic plants
- Solid handling pumps
- Ion-Gen water cleaner
Ion-Gen Water cleaner
Ion-Gan is a water clarifier solution that reduces pond maintenance and keeps the water looking crystal clear without any use of chemicals.
Adding an Ion-Gen water cleanser can add the additional cost into the actual price, but it will keep your pond clean and save your future expenditure.
Materials cost
There are many materials needed for the Koi pond.
The cost for materials can be different depending on the quality of materials.
It is recommended to buy high-quality materials, it may cost more, but they can save the future expenditure and work better and last longer.
Koi pond decorations Cost
Without the decorations, the koi pond is just a hole in the ground.
To appreciate these beautiful fish, it is necessary to make a miniature landscape that requires some money.
Two major decorative items you’ll need to buy are rocks and plants.
You can find stones for free around demolition sites.
Unfortunately, beautiful rocks cannot be easily around your environment, and they are always expensive.
Expect to spend $150 or more for 70 linear feet of rock.
However, the prices can be different depending on the size and type of rock.
Adding Plants can be optional, but they can really make a pond look lively. You can add hyacinths, water lilies, umbrella plants, horsetails, and fanworts to your ponds.
The average cost for buying a plant can be as high as $200, but spending this money can make your pond look natural and lively.
Water maintenance cost For Koi Pond
Maintaining a koi fish pond is essential and needs your time and money because the koi fish is known as the dirtiest and high-maintenance fish.
Fortunately, much of the maintenance is free and only takes your time as you can check the pond at last once a day and remove the leaves, sticks, and other materials that find their way in the pond.
You can also put up a net into a pond that can catch leaves and other plant matter.
But some maintenance requires you money, and you have to buy them to keep your pond clean and debris-free.
Dechlorinator Cost For Koi Ponds
The dechlorinator is an essential addition to the koi ponds.
Pond water evaporates over time, leaving large amounts of minerals and wastes into the water and reducing water quality.
As a result, you will need to replace part of the pond water with clean water every week.
Changing the water every day can be difficult.
Adding a dechlorinator will make the pond water safer for the koi fish to swim.
Algae can be the biggest threat to your ponds, which can ruin them by depriving the koi of oxygen. So you should consider buying algaecide to make your pond algae-free.
The average maintenance cost of a koi pond for a year is around $3,150. Here’s a break-down of maintenance cost;
- The spring season maintenance cost is about $1,200
- Summer season maintenance needs $500
- For winters, ready to pay $300
- Replacing parts need about $250
It’s worth the investment
Installing Koi ponds in the backyard can be a great investment and they look beautiful and comforting.
Seeing fish, water and plants can be a meditative experience.
This can be an excellent photo spot.
You need to do good maintenance to keep your tank healthy and make this part of your property look amazing.
Have a look at some additions that you can add into your Koi;
5 Additions that Can Make Your Pond Lively And Their Cost
Waterfall and Fountains
Adding a fountain into the Koi pond is totally your choice that can cost about $50. But the cost can go higher up to $4,000.
However, installing a fountain will not just add beauty, but it will also make your pond fish happier and healthier.
They add beauty and movement into Koi pond; this movement helps encourage gas exchange.
Aside from water exchange, it also helps to increase the oxygen level of the pond water.
Underground lights
Lights under the water in ponds can add a whole new experience for you after the sun goes down.
Underground lights are completely safe for the pond’s fish that do not harm them.
They make your Koi pond more beautiful and also highlight the fountain in the water.
Aquatic Plants
Aquatic plants are a perfect addition to your Koi pond. They help increase the oxygen level in pond water and keep the water temperature moderate in hotter temperatures.
Aquatic plants do not just add beauty to the pond, but they also prevent algae growth.
Solid handling pumps
Solids handling pumps are also an excellent addition to koi ponds that maintain the pond’s health. They have large inlet holes that suck the solid waste present in the water and pump it to the filter for removal. The handling pumps can last for 3 to 5 years into a pond.
Auto-fill system
Autofill systems are an excellent addition to a pond that allows the pond to fill with water to a certain level. Installing an auto-fill system into your koi pond can save your time in maintaining the water level.
