Front Yard Koi Pond – No Fence – No Predators

Legally build your own 3-foot deep, predator-free “Unfenced Koi Pond”TM in your front yard.

Most cities have building codes or ordinances that prohibit the construction of ponds or fountains more than 18 inches deep in a front yard without the protection of a 6-foot perimeter fence. Many have the same restrictions for a side or backyard.

The obvious reason is to protect against accidental drowning. However, a shallow pond makes it impossible to keep koi fish or turtles, as both aquatic creatures require at least a meter of water to prevent them from becoming lunch for raccoons, cranes, egrets, trolls and gnomes. These miscreants can easily get into 18 inches of water, but not 3 feet of water; Also, you can create caves for them to hide. Turtles generally won’t stay in a pond if they don’t feel safe basking, which all turtles require. They don’t feel safe while exposed on the shore, so they search for logs, lilies, jutting rocks, or islands of any kind. That way, in case of danger, they can retreat to deep water and caves. In any direction.

With this new engineering design that I came up with in 1984, it solves all the problems. You can legally circumvent the building code for the depth requirement, the koi will be safe from predators and the turtles will be safe too – and tickled pink! That’s it, I’m getting it!

The good news for you liner guys: This design works with liner construction; however, be aware that there is a high possibility of eventual collapse due to the weight of the rock-covered grating. You should make support ledges a minimum of 12 inches to better support and distribute weight.

Now for you “professionals” LOL who use reinforced concrete (used in the construction of the Hoover Dam), compared to linings, it’s basically permanent and will be enjoyed by great-great-grandchildren. These instructions will cover construction with rebar and concrete. Best of all, any do-it-yourselfer can work with 3/8 rebar and concrete.

I will cover the general design and functionality of a “Fence-less Koi Pond”TM but not the technique.

First decide the length, width and depth of the pond. Since it is reinforced concrete, unlike siding construction, it can be as deep as you like! The width is the critical measurement, as you will cover the pond with 1/2-inch epoxy-coated rebar with a width and length grid, and then place rocks on the grid. If you have more than a 5-foot span, you’ll need a 4- to 6-inch column to provide support in the center. Create a 4-inch ledge 18 inches from the edge of the pond to support the rebar rack. As you’ve noticed, once the pond is full and 9-inch or larger rocks are placed in the grate, leaving every third grate open for fish, turtles, or frogs to escape, you now have a legal 18-inch-deep pond. .

You will incorporate two 8-inch anti-vortex suction drains (the same drains used in a swimming pool) in the pond floor. Dual anti-vortex drains will never clog and will never suck up a fish, frog or turtle, only suspended particles. like fish poop. Consequently, you will rarely have the need to access the lower pond. The AquaFill skimmer and water leveler are located on the grate and are easily accessible. Install the quietest and most energy efficient centrifugal pump on the market, for example a Sequence pump (3 year warranty). Use an Aqua Ultraviolet Ultima II biofilter with ultraviolet light for algae and pathogen control.

The epoxy coated grate

• makes pond legal
• protects pond life from predators
• provides a platform and support for a turtle island
• provides a place for potted aquatic plants of all varieties, from papyrus and cattails to water lily and lilies, sweet flag, taro, pike, parrot feather, etc.

This is the first time in 28 years that I have posted my “Fence-less Koi Pond”TM design. Remember where you heard it first and pass it on.