What to include in the walls

Power skimmer.
Return from power skimmer.
Return from main pump.
Deep water return.
4" mid water suction.
Waterfall

Power skimmer. This is an important item for the removal of any leaves and surface debris, and they make a remarkable difference to the clarity of the surface water.
They are fitted with a basket, which can be removed for removing the leaves etc when the pump is shut off.

This photo shows the skimmer looking from inside the pond. The depth of the inlet should be arranged so that when the pond is at maximum level then the water level in the inlet should be 75% of the total opening.

Pipework. As the walls are being built up then it is necessary to include the various pipes that will be required.

In this photo you can see two 1.5" pipes. One of these is from the power skimmer, and the other one is the return from the main pump. In this case both will be fitted with a venturi after the surface has been rendered and fibreglassed.

4" mid water feed. As we have cold winter weather in the UK then some koi-keepers like to draw the water from the middle of the pond at that time rather than from the bottom drains. If you wish to do this then it is necessary to include a 4 inch pipe about half way up the wall.
The pipe is then connected to the suction side of the vortex chamber, and a slide valve should also be fitted so that it can be shut off when not required.

Waterfall. If you wish to have a waterfall then it is necessary to start constructing this before the wall is completed or the rendering is started, but this will be dealt with later.

Next we can look at Deep water returns

This page updated January 2004


A Guide to Modern Koi Pond Construction What to include in the walls.
Whilst we are building the walls we must remember that there are some pipes and items which must be included at this stage. Let us consider what they may be: - Power skimmer. Return from power skimmer. Return from main pump. Deep water return. 4" mid water suction. Waterfall
Power skimmer. This is an important item for the removal of any leaves and surface debris, and they make a remarkable difference to the clarity of the surface water. They are fitted with a basket, which can be removed for removing the leaves etc when the pump is shut off.
This photo shows the power skimmer in position. It is a standard swimming pool item. They can be like the one shown here which is the most commonly used, or they can have an extended throat which means the unit is situated further away from the wall. The pipe shown below the unit goes to the suction side of the skimmer pump. The discharge side is usually piped to a return situated in the pond wall and usually fitted with a venturi. The skimmer shown here is a standard swimming pool unit and is popular with most koi keepers. It is also possible to purchase special wide mouthed skimmers specially made for koi ponds and one supplier is East Riding Koi.
	This photo shows the skimmer looking from inside the pond. The depth of the inlet should be arranged so that when the pond is at maximum level then the water level in the inlet should be 75% of the total opening.
	The skimmer has now been cemented in position. It is necessary to have some type of grid over the opening as the fish tend to follow any floating food. In this case bone knitting needles are being used. It is necessary to drill the skimmer to take these. NOTE. For more details on the pipework for the skimmer check out this page.
Pipework. As the walls are being built up then it is necessary to include the various pipes that will be required.
In this photo you can see two 1.5" pipes. One of these is from the power skimmer, and the other one is the return from the main pump. In this case both will be fitted with a venturi after the surface has been rendered and fibreglassed. Some people like to fit a deep water return, and if this is included it must be fitted at an early stage as it is usually fitted about three feet below the water surface. A powerful pump is necessary for these to be successful.
4" mid water feed. As we have cold winter weather in the UK then some koi-keepers like to draw the water from the middle of the pond at that time rather than from the bottom drains. If you wish to do this then it is necessary to include a 4 inch pipe about half way up the wall. The pipe is then connected to the suction side of the vortex chamber, and a slide valve should also be fitted so that it can be shut off when not required.

Waterfall. If you wish to have a waterfall then it is necessary to start constructing this before the wall is completed or the rendering is started, but this will be dealt with later. Next we can look at Deep water returns
This page updated January 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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