Once you put in a koi pond, it's only natural to consider adding features and purchasing pond supplies or a pond kit. A koi pond fountain is a great addition to many backyard gardens, and there are several reasons to consider installing one.
As a koi pond enthusiast, I may not be a water feature expert, but I do know a few things about fountains that might be beneficial to you.
So, below I'll run through the many benefits of koi pond fountains, how they work, and what you should consider before installing one. And if you're not up for installing a pond fountain by yourself, we have a list of companies who can help. Check out our koi pond experts directory to find someone near you.
Introducing a water feature to your koi pond is a good idea for multiple reasons. Most people put one in for the obvious benefit: it tends to look fantastic. Garden pond fountains are visually stunning and add to the aesthetic of your backyard.
However, fountains do more than add to your yard's good looks. A pond fountain can also do all of the following:
Mosquitoes and other pests like to drink and nest on the surface of still water. Fountains force pond water circulation, making your pond less attractive to unwanted pests. So, if you want to hang out around your pond, especially in the evening when mosquitoes are at their peak, a fountain could be what you need.
By circulating the top levels of water, fountains push leaves and other debris towards the edges of your pond providing necessary filtration. This makes it much easier to keep your outdoor pond clean. It will act in conjunction with your pond filter.
Fountains push water into the air, where it forms droplets. The droplets pick up oxygen and then land back on the water's surface. The result is water aeration, which is vital for koi fish.
It's important to understand, though, a fountain can't always take the place of other pond aeration systems. This is especially true in deeper ponds (6 feet deep or more).
Surface fountains are fantastic at aerating the top layer of water in a pond, but they never reach the water at lower depths. So, if your pond is large or deep, you'll probably still need a diffused aerator.
The sound of running water, be it from a traditional floating fountain or a pondless waterfall, effectively blocks out unwanted noise. If you live near a traffic-filled street or in a noisy neighborhood, a water feature in your koi pond can help promote more peace and quiet outdoors.
Fountains typically float on the surface of your pond. They use a motorized fountain pump to draw up surface water. Then, they spray that water back over the pond's surface.
Pond pumps come in different horsepower, depending on the size of the fountain. More horsepower will pull water from slightly deeper in your pond, giving you more aeration.
The standard recommendation is to use a 1.5 horsepower pond pump per acre if aeration is your goal, which, with a koi pond, it probably is. If you already have a good aeration system installed and just want a fountain for decor, you can use a 1 horsepower water pump.
A pond fountain is an excellent addition to most koi ponds, but you should consider a few things before you decide to install one.
First, you'll need to consider the dimensions of your pond. Larger fountains require greater depths and more space. Otherwise, they may not function correctly. They could also splash water well beyond the edges of your pond liner, essentially flooding your pond's banks.
You'll also want to ensure you have a good-functioning filter system installed in your backyard pond. An efficient filter system is vital to having a fountain; without one, your fountain could clog with dirt and debris.
Finally, you'll want to think about the cost and maintenance involved in running a fish pond fountain. Fountain pumps, spray jets, and submersible drains may need regular upkeep. And, the cost added to your electricity bill can be significant.
When it comes to a water fountain, there seems to be endless variations available, even for a small pond. Standard floating fountains are the most common, and you've likely seen them before, if not in a home, then at a golf course or hotel resort.
The biggest difference between floating fountains is in their spray patterns. Typically, a v-pattern spray is most effective for aeration, making it a popular choice. Also common, though, are:
Some koi pond owners choose to get more creative with their aeration needs and might construct a water garden complete with a series of waterfalls rather than a central outdoor fountain. Waterfalls accomplish water aeration just like fountains do. And they, of course, look beautiful!
Others choose to create pondless waterfalls for their koi fish. Pondless waterfalls consist of recirculating streams or a series of waterfalls that never enter into a full-blown pond. These can be stunning, with stair-stepping falls that connect with small pools surrounded by natural rocks.
