Building a Koi Pond: Depth Requirements and Planting Water Lilies

Prospective pond builder asks: minimum depth for koi, and how to plant water lilies without clouding water.

Depth by Climate Zone

• Zone 7+: 3 feet minimum.
• Zone 6: 4 feet.
• Colder zones: add 1 foot per zone.

Volume: 1,000 gal for first koi + 100 gal each additional. Most regret building too small.

Planting Water Lilies

1. Use solid pots (no holes).
2. Heavy clay soil or aquatic planting media.
3. Top with 1–2" pea gravel.
4. Lower slowly into water to let soil saturate.

See potting guide and lily care.