Why You Need a Koi Pond in Your Backyard

By having a koi pond in your backyard, you can bring the exotic serenity of the far east into your everyday life. Koi ponds are often created and designed to bring a relaxing and peaceful energy to homes. Koi pond owners have reported stress relief, relaxation, and higher property values as some of the incredible benefits of koi ponds. 

What is a koi pond?  

A koi pond is essentially a large tank for koi to swim in. Koi ponds are carefully constructed, with walls that go straight down, so that no predators can enter the pond. The ponds are also designed to generate a particular energy and atmosphere that is closely associated with the koi fish. Some people prefer koi ponds to be free of rocks, gravel, and aquatic plants, giving them an unobstructed view of the koi and allowing the koi to grow to a larger size. However, many people want their koi to raised in a hybrid style pond that looks like a water garden, but is filtered like a koi pond. Koi can be raised successfully in both styles of ponds.

The History of Koi 

Koi ponds have been around for hundreds of years, a tradition that began in 17th Century Japan. Koi, or Nishikigoi, are descendants of the common carp. Inspired by Chinese rice farmers keeping carp in their rice paddies, Japanese rice farmers began to do the same practice. However, the Japanese farmers noticed a color variation in some of the carp. These carp had numerous, bright colors as opposed to the natural brown color of most carp. Through selective breeding, more and more of the “mutant” carp with bright colors and patterns were born. The brightly colored carp are known as koi. This practice made its way to Europe and North America in 20th Century.  

Why Should You Have a Koi Pond in Your Backyard? 

• Many people believe they bring good luck and strength. Japanese culture cherishes the koi fish and its relation to luck and good fortune. They are also associated with “perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose”. One reason the koi fish means so much to Japanese culture is that koi are known for swimming upstream no matter the conditions, which shows that they never back down from a mission. 
• Their natural beauty. Imagine having guests over for a relaxing evening with cocktails in your backyard with the view of beautiful, brightly colored and uniquely patterned koi. Your guests will be impressed and mesmerized by the visually appealing creatures.  
• Koi ponds can relieve stress. Having a tranquil and happy backyard is a wonderful way of relieving stress and getting in touch with one’s inner spirit. Koi pond owners often feel rejuvenated after spending time relaxing on the edge of the water.  
• Koi fish are a low-maintenance pet. Many koi pond owners grow attached to the brightly colored fish. It is like having a pet, but they stay outside year-round and require much less maintenance than a dog or cat would.  
• They can raise your property value. Any real estate agent will tell you that koi ponds raise the “marketability” of a home. They are an attractive amenity to prospective buyers and can play a key role in how quickly a house will sell and at what price point. It is the exotic beauty of koi ponds that make buyers feel as though they should be paying a higher price.