The journey of creating a dedicated koi pond in Missouri Valley, Iowa, spanned a decade of planning, research, and patience. The questions, and first phone calls began in June of 2014 when owners Matt and Kat first discussed their goals. For years, the idea of a custom pond had been a dream. When they finally found their perfect property, they decided it was time to bring their dream koi pond to life. Matt had spent years researching pond brands, styles, and equipment, even choosing the koi that would eventually call the pond home, currently housed in the basement. By the time construction began, the couple had carefully planned every detail of the pond’s design. They were ready – all they needed was the expertise, and resources to make it happen.
A Clear Vision
Matt and Kat had a distinct vision for their pond, and their careful planning allowed them to create a beautiful, formal koi pond that would complement their soon to be zero-scaped backyard. The design included Aquascape urns in the background, a series of accent boulders, plant islands, and bonsai trees, as well as strategic lighting to enhance the ambiance. They took charge of the design process, consulting with our installation team on ideas, potential adjustments, and recommendations. The only materials needed from the installers were the liner, underlay, plumbing, and machinery – a testament to their thorough preparation and clear vision.
Challenges Along the Way
One of the greatest challenges of this project was balancing the formal, meticulously planned design with the natural, sometimes unpredictable beauty of a koi pond.
The aim was to create a “perfectly imperfect” space, incorporating the elegance of a formal pond while embracing the organic, natural aesthetic that comes with a rock-based design.
This philosophy became a guiding principle for the project, reminding us that sometimes the best results come from embracing the natural flow of things.
Pond Setup and Equipment
The final pond measures 20x13x5.5 feet and features a bottom drain, and no niche skimmer for intakes. To ensure optimal filtration, the pond is powered by a GC Tek filtration setup, including a 1HP High-Flow PerformancePro Artesian2 pump. Due to the proximity of a ravine next to the house and patio, gravity-fed filtration wasn’t a viable option. Instead, we implemented a direct suction line to maintain powerful water flow and suction, ensuring debris was efficiently pulled into the filtration system.
Typically, gravity-fed applications use 4-inch bottom drain lines, but in this case, a 3-inch pipe was used from the bottom drain to avoid detritus buildup and ensure steady suction. The GC Tek filtration system includes two AquaSieve pre-filters to capture larger debris, a 36-inch pressure bead filter, an 116 watt ultraviolet light for water clarity, and an electric heater to maintain water temperature during the colder months.
The results have been impressive, with Matt and Kat noting that the pond has remained crystal clear, thanks to this filtration system supplied .
Adding the Finishing Touches
After the pond was constructed, three Aquascape urns were installed in the background, enhancing the sound of flowing water. Since the pond does not have a traditional waterfall, the urns provided an elegant solution, contributing both to the aesthetic and the calming ambiance of the space. At night, the cascading water from the urns, illuminated by soft lighting, created a tranquil, glowing atmosphere. Additional lighting was added to the pond itself, as well as around the surrounding trees and boulders, further enhancing the space’s natural beauty.
A Dream Koi Pond Becomes Reality
Throughout the entire process, Matt and Kat were fully engaged, providing feedback, asking questions, and collaborating with the team. Their involvement at every stage made the project not only a success but an enjoyable experience for all involved. As Matt put it, “They made our dream pond a reality. We wanted a dedicated koi pond, and they delivered. They worked extremely hard, putting in long days to get the job done. The landscaping was top-notch, and the team’s passion for the project was evident every step of the way. It was reassuring to know that the people building our dream were as excited as we were.”
Matt’s final words sum up the essence of the project: “Highly recommend and would 110% hire again.” This koi pond isn’t just a project; it’s the culmination of years of vision and effort, creating a space where Matt, Kat, and their koi can thrive for years to come.
