One of the best ways to create the perfect backyard oasis is adding a water feature. From the calming sounds of natural running water to the opportunity for completing the look with custom landscaping, water features add value and serenity to your outdoor space. But do you want a fountain or a koi pond? These two popular options both come with their own sets of benefits and neither is a wrong choice, but deciding which you prefer may feel a little daunting.
To help you with your decision, we’re looking at differences to consider between a fountain vs koi pond. Comparing them both will help you see which is right for your yard and get you on your way to the ultimate relaxation!
Fountain vs Koi Pond: Which Do I Want?
The two most common considerations homeowners have regarding water features are “can you tell me the best place for where to put a water feature in my yard?” and debating between what kinds of water features are available. Are low-maintenance backyard fountains the best choice for you? What about a beautiful koi pond installation that transforms your backyard into a full oasis?
While there’s no wrong choice when it comes to a water feature installation in Upstate NY, we understand you may need help determining which one is right for you. Check out these differences to consider between a fountain vs koi pond to help you make your choice:
- What are the price differences?
- How fast can my water feature be installed?
- Maintenance requirements of a fountain vs koi pond
- Which one will fit in my backyard?
- Design options for a fountain vs koi pond
Price Differences Between a Fountain vs Koi Pond
One of the first things you’re likely considering when looking at the differences between a fountain vs koi pond is how much they cost. Whie there are many different sizes, shapes, and designs available for each type of water feature, there is a difference between pricing for these two styles.
Backyard fountains, for example, can be smaller accent pieces meant to supplement your overall landscape design or a large focal point in your backyard that delivers a showstopping look. Smaller fountains like simpler urns may run as little as a few hundred dollars whereas larger designs like a water basin and spillway could run a few thousand. Special designs like a fountain that doubles as a fire and water feature may cost more, as well, but deliver a truly unique look!
Looking at pricing for a fountain vs koi pond, you’ll find the ponds are typically more expensive. This is to do with the fact they’re more labor intensive to design and install as well as tend to be much larger. That’s not to say all ponds are exceptionally expensive or cost-prohibitive, however. Depending on the overall size and design of your pond installation, you’ll likely find they’re able to be adapted to fit most budgets!
Installation Time for a Fountain vs Koi Pond
Next up in our comparison of a fountain vs koi pond is installation time. While our water feature installation professionals are able to deliver a full installation in a timely manner, there’s no denying that a backyard fountain is typically a much faster setup. Depending on your space and the backyard fountain design you choose, it may take as little as a few hours to have it installed and ready to go. Backyard koi ponds, however, are much larger, requiring that they be dug out to a certain depth and size to support the fish and give you the perfect finished look.
Maintenance Requirements of a Fountain vs Koi Pond
In the debate between choosing a fountain vs koi pond, you’ll certainly want to consider the amount of upkeep each requires. What may surprise you, however, is that neither is actually overly difficult to maintain! The trick is staying on top of water feature maintenance with tasks like:
- Checking the water feature skimmer
- Monitoring algae growth in your backyard water feature
- Testing the water for chemical balance
- Maintaining proper water levels
While it may sound like a lot, the truth is it only takes a few minutes of time to learn how to keep a backyard pond clean or keep your fountain flowing freely. The biggest obstacle for both is clearing debris that may land in your water feature before it potentially impedes your water feature pump.
Other seasonal maintenance for water features includes winterizing it against the colder months and removing excess algae that may build up in ponds. While it’s relatively simple to do on your own, you can always hire water feature professionals in Upstate NY to take care of the largest seasonal tasks on your behalf.
Additional Tip: Backyard koi ponds do have the added upkeep of taking care of your fish. Don’t forget to factor in feeding them when choosing between a fountain vs koi pond!
Fountain vs Koi Pond: Which Will Fit in My Yard?
Another factor to consider when considering the differences between a fountain vs koi pond is the size requirements of each. While they both come in a wide variety of sizes that can fit almost any size yard, fountains tend to take up less space overall.
When you’re thinking about backyard koi pond ideas, size is a major factor to consider. Typically, experts recommend a minimum backyard koi pond size of 1500 gallons and 3 feet deep. As koi fish do get to be a pretty good size as they grow, this depth prevents them accidentally flopping out of the water onto dry land, which could be dangerous for them (or even fatal, if not found quickly).
Beyond the minimum size consideration, however, both can more or less be as large as you want them. Backyard ponds, however, are more versatile at larger sizes because they’re custom designed to fit your vision.
Fountain vs Koi Pond Design Options
Speaking of designs, next on our comparison of differences to consider between a fountain vs koi pond is available designs. While almost anything can be converted into being a water fountain, they’re often seen as urns, stacked slate, or stone fountains. Added to professional landscaping, these fountains are sure to be a hit in your backyard, giving you a relaxing space for yourself, friends, and family.
Koi ponds win, however, when it comes to the number of typical design options. That’s because your backyard koi pond can be anything you like! Working with water feature professionals (like us 👋), the sky’s the limit. Do you love rock water features? Natural stones can make your pond look like it simply sprang up from the ground and you build a house around it. What about if you’re wanting to add elements of Japanese garden water features? Koi ponds are perfect for these, giving your backyard a calming, tranquil feel you can enjoy.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget the importance of incredible landscaping to finish the look of your backyard garden pond. NVS Waterscapes is a division of NVS Landscapes, providing you with the custom water feature and landscaping services in Albany, Saratoga, Colonie, Schenectady, and the surrounding areas from start to finish!
We hope this guide to the differences to consider between a fountain vs koi pond has helped you with your decision! While they both have their own pros and cons, neither is a choice you’ll regret. When you’re ready to start planning and budgeting your installation, head over to our project planner! Save your plans or submit them to us and one of our water feature installation professionals will be in touch to get started.
Looking for more tips and inspiration about water feature installations in Albany, Saratoga, Colonie, and the surrounding areas? Check out these resources:
