20 Pond Myths

1. Can I build my koi pond in the lowest part of my yard?

It’s not recommended. Low spots often collect rainwater runoff, which can wash contaminants into your koi pond. Instead, place your pond near your house or patio, where you can enjoy the view and better control water flow.

2. Can I put my koi pond pump on a timer?

No. A koi pond is a living ecosystem that requires constant oxygenation. Shutting off your pump at night disrupts circulation and oxygen levels, making it harder for fish and beneficial bacteria to thrive. Pondless waterfall systems can be shut off safely, but koi ponds need consistent flow.

3. Do I need to drain and clean my koi pond often?

Not if your pond is naturally balanced. With proper design and filtration, pond cleaning should only be needed once a year, typically in spring. Over-cleaning can disrupt the biological balance of your pond ecosystem.

4. Are bottom drains necessary for koi ponds?

Bottom drains can help with deep ponds, but they’re not required for every setup. In ponds around 2 feet deep, proper skimming and filtration are usually sufficient for maintaining water quality and oxygen levels.

5. Is more pond filtration always better?

Not necessarily. While good filtration is essential, over-filtering can create problems. Tight filter pads may clog quickly, requiring constant maintenance. A naturally balanced koi pond with proper circulation and biological support often needs less mechanical filtration than you think.

6. Can I have both koi and plants in the same pond?

Yes. In a properly designed koi pond, fish and plants can thrive together. Plants provide shade and help absorb nutrients from fish waste, while fish contribute to the pond’s natural nutrient cycle. Proportional planting is key to maintaining balance.

7. Do I need high-tech equipment to manage my pond naturally?

No. A naturally balanced pond doesn’t rely on complex technology. Observing how nature works and mimicking those patterns—like using aquatic plants, fish, and proper circulation—is the best long-term approach to pond health.

8. Will predators eat all my koi fish?

Predators like raccoons and herons can be a threat, but there are solutions. Motion-activated sprinklers, caves, lily pads, and deeper areas in the pond help protect your fish. Most koi naturally seek shelter when threatened.

9. Are rocks and gravel bad for pond cleaning?

No. Rocks and gravel actually support beneficial bacteria that break down fish waste and debris. Far from making cleaning harder, they help maintain a cleaner, healthier pond environment with less sludge buildup.

10. Do I need a UV light to keep my pond water clear?

Not always. UV clarifiers can help reduce green water, but if your koi pond is naturally balanced with proper filtration, plant life, and fish load, you likely won’t need one. A healthy pond often stays clear without UV treatment.

11. Do koi ponds have to be three feet deep?

Not in all climates. In Michigan and other northern regions, a 2-foot deep koi pond typically provides enough protection, since the earth insulates water and only the top few inches freeze. Deeper ponds may be beneficial but aren’t always necessary.

12. Do I need to bring my koi inside for winter?

No. As long as your pond is at least two feet deep, has good oxygenation, and you keep a hole in the ice with a bubbler or de-icer, koi can safely overwinter outdoors in most northern climates.

13. Do koi ponds attract mosquitoes?

Not if properly circulated. Mosquitoes prefer stagnant water. In a koi pond with moving water, fish will often eat mosquito larvae, and the constant circulation makes it harder for mosquitoes to breed.

14. Can I have a koi pond in a yard with a lot of trees?

Yes. While trees drop leaves, they also provide shade, which helps reduce summer algae growth. A properly installed skimmer will collect most debris, and daily maintenance in the fall is quick and easy.

15. Can koi live in a pond with rocks and gravel?

Absolutely. Koi are bottom-feeders and enjoy foraging around rocks and gravel. In fact, these materials help mimic their natural environment and support pond health by hosting beneficial bacteria.

16. Is it safe to use chemicals in a koi pond?

Use caution. While products like algaecides or dechlorinators can help in emergencies, relying on chemicals can disrupt your pond’s ecosystem. A balanced, naturally filtered pond requires fewer additives over time.

17. Does having a pond lower home value?

Not necessarily. While swimming pools can sometimes impact resale negatively, many homebuyers see well-designed water features like koi ponds as a positive. A professional installation adds visual appeal and uniqueness to your property.

18. Are koi ponds dangerous or a liability?

A properly installed koi pond includes safety features like shallow shelves and gradual depth changes. Educating family members and neighbors about water safety is important, and if liability is a concern, Pondless® Waterfalls are a great alternative.