Since living in Sevierville, TN I’ve spent countless days outside our manufactured home improving the landscape. We have a large back yard, but being on a hill is unusable as such. Rock and clay prove difficult to dig in and a constant source of mud and erosion. I’ve combated this problem by burying drainage lines, incorporating stone pathways , raised flower beds with river rock pathways , retaining walls, and tons of beach sand to break up the red clay. Being home improvements and beneficial, I don’t mind spending money making the yard attractive and useable.
A koi pond requires upkeep with cost, so decide if it fits comfortably into your monthly bills and budget . Larger ponds require pumps that will cost serious $$$ monthly, but too small might leave you wanting bigger, so research the cost of maintaining different size ponds. You want to cycle all the water in the pond every hour and the average koi pond is 1500 gallons. Preformed ponds range from 30-300 gallons averaging $50-$300 for the liner. A 300-500 GPH pump cost $60-$150 depending on features and size. The pond I installed sells at Northern Tool and Equipment for $189 (220 preformed pond and pump ), but I bought mine discontinued without a pump at Lowe’s.
Deciding on Pond Placement
Important considerations before you decide where to place a preformed pond. Direct sunlight is not recommended for small ponds unless you provide some cover, because they can get too hot and algae growth will be uncontrollable. Tree cover is good, but pine trees should be avoided, because the needles can cause problems with the water and pump. Find a location that allows you to view and maintain your pond conveniently. If something goes wrong, you need to correct it ASAP.
Setting the Preformed Pond
My plan was to raise the ground level to match two existing retaining walls. The existing retaining walls were built using 12″ blocks, so I merged the 16″ Rampart block into the other two walls then ran the 12″ block across the entire wall for a harmonizing look. Next, I poured buckets of all purpose gravel along the bottom of the retaining wall for good drainage trying to fill in the openings as well. I used heavy duty adhesive to hold down the top row, but not until I finished making sure I was happy with the look. I didn’t buy additional 12″ block as I salvaged many blocks from the adjoining walls. I also used12″ block along the back retaining wall.
I had sand under the pond already, but still put several bags around the pond sides for drainage and to fill gaps after settling. Next, I back filled dirt around the pond and towards the house to even up ground level. It rained during my job, so the dirt settled pretty well before I finished back filling. After a rough level, I filled the pond about 1/3 full and used a 3 foot level and boards to level the pond sides adjusting as needed by adding dirt and sand poking along the sides with rebar until all gaps were filled. See video for these steps.
How to Install a Raised Koi Pond with Water Course, Retaining Wall and Rock Path Part 1
Stone Pavers and Pea Gravel Pathway with Walking Pavers
After making the pathway, I wanted something heavy to separate the rock and mulch. The Allen+Roth flagstone block was perfect and alternating front to back make a solid border that holds in place nicely. First, I graded the area removing grass and dirt, laid out several bags of sand, set out patio pavers to walk on, leveled out the border blocks and filled with pea gravel. I did adjust the walking pavers a couple of times to raise the height.
Finishing Looks and Options
I spent a lot of time finishing the back wall, weeding flower beds, transplanting decorative grass and messing with the 400GPH pond pump. Pumping to an 18″ water course and fountain caused the flow to not be as sufficient as I expected. The flow to the water course could be adjusted, but not to the fountain. I finally adjusted the water course forward and downward, so that the water poured into the pond more consistently. I purchased two heavy duty extension cords, one I buried under the rock, the other a GFCI 4 outlet box. Last, I covered everything in Preen Plus mulch making a sitting area under our tree and moved in a picnic table. See finished project in video below.
How to Install a Raised Koi Pond with Water Course, Retaining Wall and Rock Path Part 2
Materials and Cost for My 220 Gallon Preformed Pond Setup
I compare prices online before going to the store for expensive items like pumps and liners.
220 Gallon Pond liner=$50 discontinued at Lowe’s (50% off). Great price!
Beckett Bio Filter 5X Kit with Pump=$100 at Home Depot (liked better than other choices)
Beckett 18″ water course=$14
Clear PVC tubing 10′=$8
2 bags pond Pebbles=$5
Utilitech Pro 4 outlet circuit breaker/15′ Utilitech Pro contractor extension cord=$37.
1 Koi / 3 Long Fin Goldfish=$25
Materials and Cost for All Other Items
16″ Rampart Retaining Wall Block – 50 at $5.41=$270.50+tax
Garden Pro Top Soil – 150 at $1.25=$187.50+tax
Preen 2 Cu. Ft. Russet Red Preen Mulch – 30 at $4.49=$134.70+tax
All Purpose Sand + Sand Tubes – 25 at $3= $75+tax
Allen + Roth Bertram 11-5/8-in x 4-in Flagstone Block – 12 at $2.57=$30.84
Allen + Roth Bertram 13-in L x 11-in W Tan Alameda Patio Stone – 6 at $2.94=$17.64+tax
Pea River Pebbles – 5 at $2.50=$12.50+tax
All Purpose Gravel – 15 at $3.18=$47.70+tax (dug it out of my gravel driveway)
Heavy Duty Adhesive – 2 at $2.50=$5+tax
Miscellaneous Items– $40
Note: I regularly use my EBates account to make purchases from home for 3%-6% cash back and pay through my PayPal account then choose ” pick up at store”. Lowe’s had 6% cash back, saving me $30 on my order of block and dirt. It’s hard to find some items online, because box stores don’t have the best websites, so I usually have to go to the store and get an item #. I’ll order at the store (on my phone), go pick up the order at Lowe’s, then make my way back for the new order. I did this for the pump, water course, pavers and river rock (Home Depot rock $1 less a bag). Home Depot and Lowe’s will do a price match to most competitor prices, but not online stores for things like appliances.
Please visit my DIY website @ DIYforanyone.com for more home improvement and money saving tips.
