How We Build a Koi Pond: Step-by-Step Guide from Design to the First Splash

Step 1: Site Visit and Design Consultation

Every project begins with a personal consultation. Our team meets you at your property to see your space, discuss your goals, and understand how you plan to use your pond. We take detailed notes, measure the layout, and evaluate natural elevation, sun exposure, and drainage. This ensures your pond isn’t just beautiful — it functions flawlessly through every Indiana season.

What Makes Our Process Different

• 3D design renderings can be created upon request for an additional fee.
• We work with multiple industry-leading systems, including Atlantic-Oase and Aquascape components.
• Every pond still follows natural balance principles — integrating plants, fish, and beneficial bacteria for a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Step 2: Layout and Excavation

Once the design is approved, our crew begins marking the pond outline using paint or rope. We shape shelves for aquatic plants, deeper zones for fish, and gradual edges for a natural look. We excavate each layer to exact measurements. For most koi ponds, depths range from 24 to 36 inches, but we customize based on your design goals and fish population.

Our Standards During Excavation

• We always include planting shelves at multiple levels for water lilies and marginal plants.
• We slope edges and shelves for natural transitions that prevent collapsing over time.
• We grade the surrounding area to manage runoff and prevent muddy water from washing in during heavy rains.

Step 3: Underlayment and Liner Installation

A strong foundation is everything. After shaping, we install a protective underlayment followed by a 45-mil EPDM rubber liner — the gold standard for long-term pond durability. This liner forms the watertight base, while the underlayment protects it from rocks and roots.

What We Do Differently

• We never use thin plastic liners or fabric substitutes.
• Every liner is custom-cut and fitted on-site to prevent creases and ensure longevity.
• We tuck and secure edges neatly behind coping rocks so the liner is invisible when complete.

Step 4: Rock and Boulder Placement

This step defines the natural beauty of your pond. Each rock and boulder is hand-selected for texture, shape, and balance. Our goal is to make your pond look as though it’s always been there. We blend large boulders, flat coping stones, and accent pieces to create a realistic shoreline and natural waterfall setting.

Our Craftsmanship Difference

• We use natural granite and fieldstone, not decorative gravel or concrete molds.
• Stones are interlocked for stability and erosion control.
• Each boulder is placed to direct water flow naturally and guide your eye through the design.

Step 5: Plumbing and Filtration Installation

Behind every beautiful pond is a hidden system working to keep the water clean and healthy. We install energy-efficient Atlantic-Oase and Aquascape filtration systems that mimic the natural processes found in streams and lakes.

Our Standard System Includes

• Skimmer – collects debris from the surface before it sinks.
• BioFalls or Biological Filter – houses beneficial bacteria to break down waste and return clean water.
• Flexible PVC plumbing – sized for optimal flow with minimal resistance.
• Check valves and unions – for easy maintenance and winterization.

Step 6: Waterfall Construction

A koi pond is not complete without the sound of moving water. Our team hand-builds every waterfall with care, ensuring water flows over each stone exactly as intended. We shape waterfalls to match your property — from soft trickles to dramatic cascades — and adjust flow rates until they sound and look perfect.

Our Signature Style

• Multi-tiered drops for depth and movement.
• Hidden spillways that blend into the rockwork.
• Custom lighting integration to highlight the waterfall at night.
• Sound tuning — we adjust until it sounds just right.

Step 7: Edging, Coping, and Aesthetics

Edges are where everything comes together. We install large, flat coping stones to define the perimeter and secure the liner. Then, we soften edges with gravel, aquatic plants, and mulch to transition into your surrounding landscape.

Our Signature Edge Treatment

• Layered coping stones that hide all liner edges.
• Blended plantings for a naturally integrated look.
• Optional pathways, seating areas, or bridges to complete the design.

Step 8: Filling and Startup

Once the pond is complete, we rinse out any sediment, clean the liner surface, and begin filling the pond with fresh water. When the pond reaches operating level, we start up the system, prime the pump, and check flow rates. We make sure every rock is stable, every waterline looks natural, and the waterfall flows exactly as designed.

During Startup, We Also:

• Add beneficial bacteria to jumpstart the ecosystem.
• Test pH and water hardness to ensure fish safety.
• Adjust stone placement for perfect flow patterns.

Step 9: Adding Koi and Plants

Once the water stabilizes, we add native aquatic plants that thrive in Northern Indiana’s climate, followed by koi. We guide homeowners through selecting healthy fish, acclimating them to temperature, and feeding routines.

Why This Step Is Important

A pond without plants or fish isn’t an ecosystem — it’s just water. The balance of plants, fish, and bacteria keeps the pond naturally clean and biologically stable. We recommend starting with a minimum of 500 gallons of water for a healthy, stable environment.

Step 10: Education and Long-Term Care

We believe the best koi pond is one you can enjoy with confidence. That’s why we spend time teaching homeowners how to care for their pond, maintain clear water, and prepare for seasonal changes. Our maintenance team services ponds across Elkhart, Plymouth, South Bend, Wakarusa, and northern Indianapolis, keeping hundreds of features healthy and beautiful all year long.

Our Client Care Steps

• Provide a custom pond care guide with seasonal tips.
• Offer spring cleanouts and fall shutdowns through our maintenance program.
• Provide ongoing service visits and water testing for long-term health.