What Is The Construction Process For A Backyard (Koi/Ecosystem) Pond?

Having a backyard pond constructed at your home can be a simple or complicated process depending on the size and location.  For this reason, many of our potential clients want to know what our construction process looks like so that they are more comfortable with their decision.  A larger Koi pond will certainly come with more damage to the surrounding areas and take longer to construct.  If we have easy and open access things will be much less complicated than if the area is harder to get to or is tighter.  Regardless of the size and location, the actual construction of the backyard pond follows a step by step process that we follow for each pond installed.

Paint & Plan

The phone conversations, initial consultation and down payment for your new backyard pond have all happened, what's next? With most projects a meeting will be set up two weeks prior to the start date with the client, the salesperson and project supervisor.  At this meeting we will review the original project scope, discuss any possible changes and map out the project with paint in the location where the work is going to be done.  During the "paint and plan" we will also discuss where we will need to stage materials, how we will reach the location of the project (access), how long it will take us, what the process will look like, how we will clean the area up, determine if we need to contact MISS Dig (utility marking), discuss the final meeting, talk about the scheduled date of the project and set up the  next meeting.  Larger projects will have a three payment set up (30%, 30%, 40%) so, this will often be the meeting where the second payment is collected.

Meet The Team 

The day of or the day prior to the start of the project we have another meeting for our clients where they can become acquainted with our team members. During this brief meeting we will walk through the items that were discussed at the "paint and plan" meeting so that all details are addressed and understood.  We understand the stress associated with a pond project and the team meet and greet is a good way to break the ice and build trust.

The Construction Process For A Backyard (Koi/Ecosystem) Pond

As Certified Aquascape Contractors we follow a process for constructing ecosystem ponds that can be duplicated from the smaller style ponds to the much larger versions.  Each and every project can carry its own unique scenario, but solving them comes much easier when operating under a set process.  A kicker in American football has the same exact process when it comes to preparing for a kick. No matter what the conditions are, they never change how they prepare for a kick, just the delivery. Our process is much the same, we follow a step by step process and adapt to the conditions while delivering a unique finished product.  Here is what the 20 step process looks like:

1. Outline the pond footprint with paint
2. Place the skimmer and biological filter
3. Lay out the plumbing
4. Hook up the biological filter
5. Excavate the pond
6. Install the rubber liner and underlayment fabric
7. Hook up the skimmer and components inside, including the pump
8. Place rocks and stones in the pond
9. Position underwater lighting
10. Wash the rock and stones
11. Begin filling the pond
12. Construct the waterfall and stream 
13. Bring in topsoil for back filling around the biological filter and skimmer if needed
14. Build retaining wall if needed for the upper waterfall and stream
15. Tweak waterfall when turned on
16. Trim excess rubber liner or tuck along the pond edge
17. Complete the finishing touches like landscaping and adding mulch
18. Clean up around the pond and areas affected by the construction
19. Go over the welcome kit, familiarize the client with the pond components and their function and have the client sign off on the completed project
20. Add beneficial bacteria to ensure a good start up for the ecosystem     

   Click Here To Watch A Short Video On The 20 Step Process  

Final Walk-Through

The project is complete, the team has left the property and the sound of construction has been replaced with splashing water.  After a few days of our clients getting acquainted with there new backyard pond we will set up the final walk-through meeting with the salesperson.  At this meeting we will answer any new questions or concerns that have risen since the team left, discuss maintenance programs and options offered. At the conclusion of the walk-through, when the client is completely satisfied, we will collect the final payment.  

What The Future Holds 

After the final walk-through, our team will continue to keep in touch to make sure the client is still enjoying their new Koi Pond.  Depending on the time of year, our clients may choose to have our maintenance team come every other week or monthly for our Pond Preservation Program.  The program is designed with our clients in mind and their busy lives.  Our team can help as little or as much as needed so that our clients preserve their free time.  Our office team will also actively be checking in with you after your purchase.  Here is what you can expect following the final walk-through to ensure a comfortable and educational transition into the lifestyle of owning a backyard pond:

• Checking in after the final walk-through (3 days after, 3 weeks after & 3 months after)
• Weekly pond tips (e-mail a request to sign up here)
• Blogs answering client questions 
• Monthly newsletters (e-mail a request to sign up here)
• Pond Preservation Program mailings (Spring Openings, Seasonal Programs & Fall Closings)
• Facebook
• Instagram 
• Pinterest
• Youtube   

Owning a pond, waterfall or fountain certainly doesn't need to be difficult, so be sure to contact us to see what we can do to educate you and set your mind at ease.  For more educational information be sure to visit www.poseidonponds.com or for more inspiration visit our Facebook page and start following us!

Appreciatively Yours,

Cory Mann
"Poseidon Pond Mann"