What to Do if You’ve Bought a Home with a Preexisting Koi Pond

Koi ponds aren’t generally considered to be real estate features that entice average homebuyers and move deals toward the closing table. Depending on how the agent and seller feel with regard to listing the property, an existing koi pond may not even be mentioned in the MLS description, which is silly because it’s a beautiful focal point and a relaxing destination in a yard. When you search MLS databases for homes with koi ponds, not many listings will come up. However, smart real estate agents know that including this niche feature in the property description will attract specific buyers. In essence, koi ponds are special landscaping features that may or may not increase property values. If you happen to move into a house where the sellers kept a garden pond, the following scenarios may apply.

The Pond Is in Excellent Condition

This would be the dream scenario. A dedicated fish keeper who really cares about the pond and all species therein will continue caring for it right up to the closing day. Sellers who deal with buyers who are interested in keeping the pond going may even gift the koi as part of the package, although many may decide to sell the fish to other keepers. Should you be the lucky buyer who inherits an established garden pond, all you need to do is check the water chemistry and the overall condition to figure out your next steps.

All Fish and Invertebrates Have Been Transferred

You may run into a situation whereby the pond only has water and plant species left. This isn’t so uncommon thanks to online marketplaces that facilitate the trading of live koi and other pond species. Since there are no fish for you to see and evaluate in terms of health, err on the side of caution by emptying out the pond. Check the mechanical status of the filtration and aeration system and all other koi pond supplies that are present before taking the water out. The plants you plan to keep can be transferred to buckets and then back into the pond once you start the nitrogen cycle and establishment process.

The Pond Has Been Emptied

Sellers who already have a place where they’ll set up their new pond will likely take the koi and plants but leave the filters, pumps, substrate, and liner unless they’ve been haggled to death with the closing price and decide to take everything. This is a situation in which you’ll have to start out pretty much from scratch with the exception of not having to dig a hole.

The Pond Was Abandoned

This is another common situation whereby sellers may have removed the species and turned off the pump, thus leaving the water to stagnate. Working with such an inherited pond will take more work because of algae growth, which means you’ll have to scrub the liner, rinse the substrate with bleach, clean the pipes, test the pumping system, and get a new filter so you can start the nitrogen cycle. Ask the seller how long the pond has stagnated. If it’s been longer than a week, you won’t want to keep any surviving plants.

Whether you need to get all brand new supplies or just a few more to ensure your new pond is kept up properly, you can find what you’re looking for at Aquatic Warehouse. We carry everything from koi pond filters and pumps to pond lighting and nutritious koi food. Stop by our store in Kearny Mesa, order your supplies from our website, or give us a call today at 858-467-9297.