A Guide to Modern Koi Pond Construction

Rounding the corners

Many koi-keepers prefer to build a rectangular pond, possibly because it fits in with the shape of a small garden.
This is fine but now let us think about what we should do with the corners.

[A pond with square corners]

Figure 13b above is the same as shown on the previous page, but in this case let us look at the corners. The right angled corner does not allow the fish to swim into this space, all the dirt will be trapped at the bottom of the corner, and it does not allow a good flow of the water around the pond.

[filling in the corners]

Figure 13c above shows the same pond, but the corners have been filled in in the shape of a triangle. Already we can see that this looks better, but we must bear in mind that this sketch is not to scale.
[triangular corners] This sketch shows the sizes used for a triangular corner on a pond of at least 14ft x 10ft.
[block in corner space] In this case a 18" x 9" x 4" block will be used to build up the corner. In this photo the block is held in place just to show it's final position. The space behind the blocks and at the sides will then be filled in with a cement mix.

Another method that is often used is to put metal ties into the mortar between the blocks when building the walls, using wood or plywood as shuttering, and then pouring concrete into the space. This can also allow you to have a curved surface.

[completed corner after rendering] This photo shows the end of the pond after the first coat of rendering. You will note that this has been done by a professional and the corners have been nicely rounded.
TIP. If you have a smaller pond say only 6ft wide then you can make the curve smaller by say using a standard size brick instead of the concrete block
 

The next page deals with rendering.

Page updated February 2004
This website started with a booklet which I made up originally for the help of those members of the BKKS - South Wales Section who were intending to start building a koi pond, and as the website has expanded more information and articles from other people have been included. This is for general guidance only, and we do not take any responsibility for problems that might occur by following these ideas. It is important that you check out everything in your area, and check on local laws and rules that may apply.
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