Koi in the Living Room: A Luxury Indoor Pond Brings Serenity to Your House

It’s hard to hear the phrase “koi pond” without feeling a sense of peace. They are famous for being a corner of your backward toward which you can retreat, and lets the stressful veil of the modern world slip away, revealing your true and serene self.  But suppose you live on a busy street, or near a runway? Suppose your neighbors have just put a trampoline in their yard and have a pack of screaming kids? The honking and the roar of engines and the cacophony of yodeling bouncers make it near impossible to find peace, no matter how wise-seeming your fish. So what to do?

This is unusual, but did you know that many people are turning indoors for their ponds?  What was once thought to be the exclusive purview of either the impossibly wealthy or of fancy medical buildings is now, more and more, accessible to anyone. You can have your pond, your slice of nirvana, away from noises and from swarming mosquitoes. There are just a few things to keep in mind while you do so.

Where should it go?

This is a crucial question, and it isn’t just a matter of aesthetic or of taste. All things being equal, where it goes is up to you. Personally, I’d like to have it in a room dedicated to the pond, or maybe one that doubles as a library. If you want it just in the background, you can have it in a communal room, but if it is to be a peaceful spot, you want a room without a TV or a computer.

However, not everything is equal. It seems obvious to say, but is easy to forget: water is really heavy. A good amount of water for a koi pond is 300 gallons. This is give-or-take, of course, but let’s say on average. Water is approximately 8.4 pounds per gallon, so even if you don’t take into account all the stuff required to build the pond, you are putting in 2550 pounds on a fairly small area. You have to make sure that your floors are reinforced and can handle all the weight. If you have a finished basement, that can be ideal. Depending on the changes you want to make to your house, you can decide if you want it in-ground or above. Of course, there are many designs to spread out the weight, but we’re thinking of a basic pond that a normal-sized house can accommodate comfortably.

What should it look like? 

Well, this is up to you. There are a few different ways to go with this. The important thing is that you match it with your idea of what looks good, and not what I tell you. In any case, the basic process is the same. You take whatever material you want and build it up around the area in which the plastic sheath of the pond will be placed. There are a lot of options for pond liners, and the best part is they come in different shapes, or none at all.  You can get one that is premade for your convenience, or design your own. There are also more permanent options, which we’ll talk about in a bit.  The two most popular options for outer looks are wood and stone. Stone looks more natural, whereas wood has a polished and refined and even Eastern look to it, like at a Kyoto spa, that might appeal to your sense of connection.  There really is no wrong answer.  This becomes less important if it is in-ground, though you’ll still want a look for the top. Don’t forget to decide how you want the plants to look- all level, or staggered? Sparse, or jungle-like. Play around. You’ll have fun.

Seem straightforward. What about miscellania?

Great question. There are some miscellaneous and practical things you have to keep in mind:

Water Quality. Even though you are indoors, you don’t want stagnant water. Make sure to have a submersible pump and a filter system in place.

Humidity. Experts are mixed about how much humidity is produced, but let’s say it is non-zero. Think about having a small humidifier nearby to avoid it going into your walls and ceiling and ruining them.

Water Source. Where are you going to keep getting all this water? Will it hook into your plumbing like a hot tub or will you be running a hose from the sink? Which is more practical for your set-up?Make sure to consider this before starting the project.

What about getting some help?

That’s not a bad idea. If you are looking for a more complicated or more luxury indoor pond, consider getting help from the experts at Okeanos. With years of designing indoor ponds, they can make your house into a slice of heaven. In a later article we’ll talk about the range of ponds you can get- and perhaps, sitting by the koi pond, your mind at ease, away from the screeching of tires and the incessant stapling noises of co-workers, you can design in your mind an aquatic paradise in your home.