Frequently Asked Questions
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Pond Sales & Installation
How long does a pond take to build?
Pond Country-built ponds can range depending on the size and custom features. Our pond packages range between 1 – 3 days. Our large natural swimming ponds can take us about up to 4 weeks.
Pond Country’s timely build speed isn’t a result of what competitors want to say is “cookie-cutter” and basic, it’s quite the contrary. Our hard-working construction team has been designing and building water features for 24 years. This level of experience, our advanced machinery, and our evolving construction techniques has let us achieve effective means of utilizing the entire team’s skillset to work cohesively and efficiently.
Also, we don’t want to be in your way any longer than we need to. We want you to enjoy your new pond right away just like you do! Do you really want a construction crew hanging around your home for weeks wondering what’s taking so long?
Most clients enjoy taking the day off to observe our crew at work and are amazed at the transformation as it happens before their eyes. You are most welcome to do that or we can simply have the pond built before you arrive home from your job that day. The choice is yours.
Where do I begin when deciding on a koi pond installation?
Life can be crazy sometimes, so we try to make pond shopping as easy as possible. We like the idea of simplicity. We have package ponds (based on size) available that meet almost every desire of our customers. Pond Country also specializes in custom “dream features” for those who love the pond life.
Pond Country is the only water feature company in the region with a beautiful outdoor gallery that showcases every pond package on display. You will find several custom features displayed such as a wading pond and full-sized natural swimming pond. You get to see exactly what you are getting. No one else offers that.
We recommend visiting the store or contacting us before your visit to schedule an appointment with our project coordinator. We will guide you through the outdoor gallery to allow you to see all of the different options available for your own koi pond and can answer all of your questions.
When visiting the store and selecting a pond package, we offer a FREE in-home design consultation which will be scheduled on the day of your visit.
Why is a koi pond built with liner a better choice than concrete?
Liner provides support and flexibility to a pond. Concrete is a very old-fashioned and an incorrect way to build ponds. They don’t give a natural look, but more importantly, they can crack over time and once cracked – there is no good, effective way to fix it. Concrete can leech lime into the water making unsafe and toxic conditions for fish.
Are koi ponds affordable? What is the cost of koi pond construction?
Pond Country sells ponds for every budget. The term “affordability” could be considered a subjective term due to household income and personal perceived value. However, we do understand that deciding on a new pond installation or renovation is not a quick judgment and is considered a valued investment to your home. We can help guide you through this evaluating process with our knowledgable sales and support staff.
Our ponds start at $8,995 for the Tranquility series and can go as high as $100K+ for large scale natural swimming ponds. Infinity Waterfalls begin at $5,495 and installed Fountain packages begin around $3,195.
For those who would like to finance their investment into monthly payments, we offer special financing through Synchrony with options as low as 0%. Apply online today for pre-approval.
What goes into the cost of a Pond Country-built water feature?
In addition to authentic mountain boulders, Pond Country believes in using only the best equipment on the market to build your pond. What’s going on inside your pond that you can’t see is just as important as what you can see. We don’t skimp and cut corners with questionable parts. We only use professional-grade, industry-leading Aquascape® Pro equipment that feature top-tier warranties. We say our ponds are low-maintenance and we mean it. You can trust us to do the job right.
We also have the best training in the industry Aquascape® has ranked us as the #1 pond company in the nation since 2019. Once one of our ponds are installed, they will last a life time. Have confidence in knowing you will not have to replace our water feature due to failure.
If you find that a new koi pond is not quite in your home improvement budget, but still want to enjoy the sight & sound of water, then we recommend looking at our other options such as an Infinity Waterfall or a Fountain. If you feel more comfortable tackling a project on your own and a lower cost option, we sell DIY pond kits at our retail stores.
What goes into the cost of a Pond Country-built water feature?
Essentially the best way to describe the cost breakdown of a pond construction is one-third parts/equipment, one-third stone/boulders, and one-third labor.
In addition to authentic mountain boulders, Pond Country believes in using only the best equipment on the market to build your pond. What’s going on inside your pond that you can’t see is just as important as what you can see. We don’t skimp and cut corners with questionable parts. We only use professional-grade, industry-leading Aquascape® Pro equipment that feature top-tier warranties. We say our ponds are low-maintenance and we mean it. You can trust us to do the job right.
Is the total cost of the project due before work begins?
No. You will simply make a deposit to get scheduled. Once details and the estimate proposal has been approved, you will be required to make a 50% deposit to get scheduled on the construction calendar. The remaining 50% of the project total is due after construction finishes.
For financing customers, if you are financing the entire cost of the project, no deposit is required and you will begin making payments after construction finishes (we notify Synchrony Bank that we have completed the project and they will start the monthly billing process).
Will my yard be damaged during the installation?
We will need have to have access to the backyard, which can sometimes cause slight ruts and tracks in the yard. Pond Country uses the best construction equipment possible. Our machines are designed to do as minimal ground disturbance as possible.
What are the benefits of a Pond Country-built water feature?
Truly too many to list. Here are some key benefits:
- Peace: We all need an escape from the noise of our work lives and a pond is the perfect way to experience that. It’s been scientifically proven that 15 minutes reduces our stress levels.
- Eco-friendly: An ecosystem pond is the best way to bring nature from the mountains right into your suburban backyard. With the application of beneficial bacteria & aquatic plants, a pond is easy to maintain with no chemical use.
- Educational (and fun!): It seems our kids these days don’t get to spend enough time learning about the natural world around them. A healthy ecosystem pond allows that to happen in your own backyard providing a wonderful, fun education for your family. See our client, the Dantuluris, talk how this onsite learning benefited his children.
- Quality Family Time: Take a break from the TV and sit by the pond with the family, feed the fish, and talk about the interesting events of the day.
Do you build every pond with the same look & design?
No. You’ll hear of “cookie-cutter” ponds, but that’s not what Pond Country builds. Our innovative pond packages aren’t based around the look of the pond, only the sizing. We consider it simply an easier way for you to select your pond size and enhancements in an easy-to-understand format & pricing.
We don’t play the “fuzzy math” game that other competitors do. Everyone pays the same price for the same sized pond + enhancements. We have received many kudos from our customers for our pricing and estimating transparency versus their experience with other contractors and “mystery price methods”.
As for design & look, ALL of our ponds are unique to YOU. Andrew is our award-winning, master-certified waterscape designer. He will be in charge of developing the perfect water feature for your yard. Our stone are regional mountain boulders and, with Andrew’s talent, will be used to custom design your water feature into an amazing outdoor artistic masterpiece that you will love for years. For our Tennessee customers, you will be guided through the design process by our Knoxville designer, Tim.
Do you provide landscaping around the pond?
We include a nice, clean mulched perimeter around every pond we build. We can provide additional landscaping services such as landscape design, plant recommendations and installation around the area of your pond for an optional additional fee.
My existing pond doesn’t work well. Is a renovation right for me?
Maybe. We might be able to add some filtration or fix some of the main issues, but most of the time that is putting a bandaid on a broken bone. It might help it a little, but you also might need surgery to fix the problem permanently. Click here to learn more about our renovation service and to upload an image of your existing pond so that we can see what we can do to help.
I want my existing pond rebuilt. Does a renovation cost less?
Maybe. We might be able to re-use some of the stone or equipment. For an analogy, we are artists and as an artist, it is easier to paint on an blank canvas versus a canvas that has already been painted. We definitely see what we can do for the most cost-effective measure in getting your pond upgraded and enjoyable again. Click here to learn more about our renovation service and to upload an image of your existing pond so that we can see what we can do to help.
After Install | New Pond Ownership
How does my Pond Country water feature work?
Each water feature we build is different, but we offer a free service called an After Build Follow-up where the Service Manager comes out and educates you on your entire feature. This will be scheduled with you after your project is completed.
You will also be presented with a pond manual made specifically for your Pond Country-built pond. It can help answer any questions you may have in the beginning after your pond is built. Of course, our staff is always a phone call or email away too!
What can I expect with my new pond?
The first year the pond is trying to establish its ecosystem, so you can expect some string algae blooms, green water algae blooms, etc until the pond plants get established and natural beneficial bacteria creates a home.
Also, you might see a quick algae bloom in the transitional late-spring when weather might go from 70s to 90s in a matter of days. This hot weather spike will invite the bloom, but plants & typical treatment regimen will eventually get it clear again when the temperatures stabilize for summer.
Which filters should I clean?
We recommend only rinsing the skimmer filter twice a month in the on season (spring & summer) and once a month in the off season (fall & winter).
How many fish can I have?
The amount of fish depends on the size of the pond and the amount of gallons. Each pond is different. Typically we recommend goldfish or 1 – 2 koi for our Tranquility pond sized ponds. Harmony and Serenity series ponds can accommodate more and larger koi.
How do I protect my fish from predators?
A net in the fall and winter will protect the fish from all predators (blue heron, feral cats, hawks, owls, raccoons, etc) and then a Heron Stop System in the spring and summer will keep predators out. We also recommend our variety of decoys to scare away predators like our alligator floater and full-size heron decor prop. Shop online for in-store pickup of these items.
Do I need plants?
Yes! Aquatic plants are one of the most important and natural means of algae starvation. The more plants you have, the better. Not only do more plants filtrate your pond water, they also provide shade for fish in the hot summer months. Even though your pond has a biological filtration system, the pond still needs plants to help starve off the algae and filter the water. Our retail stores have the largest variety & selection of aquatic plants in the Carolinas, visit a store to browse our extensive offerings. Aquatic plants are sold starting in April through November each year.
How many gallons are in my pond?
We use the Aquascape® formula of: Length(ft) x Width(ft) x Average Depth(ft) x 7.48= Gallon Amount
For an example, a standard Tranquility pond is 10′ (Length) x 7′ (Width)x 1.5′ (Depth) x 7.48 = for an approx. 500 – 750 gallon range.
What services do you offer for my new pond?
We offer Pond💙Love plans for monthly pond care & maintenance so we are able to give detailed attention to your pond so you do not have to worry about anything. We also offer Annual Cleanings, Spring StartUp, Summer SpruceUp, Fall & Winter Prep, and more!
Will my pond attract mosquitos?
No! – nothing to worry about! There is so much moving water, mosquitos are not able to breed or lay eggs in our ponds or water features!
Service & Repair
How hard is it to find a leak in a pond?
Leaks can be difficult to find when Pond Country did not build the pond because there is no consistency. When we build our features, we know the three places that could leak. If the feature was built by someone else, it was probably not built correctly and makes it a bit harder to find. We will do our best and discuss options with you.
Why do I need a pond cleanout?
Annual Pond Cleanings help to reduce the excess waste in the pond which will help with algae blooms and water clarity. It makes a huge difference and customers are typically wow’d by the results a pond cleaning. Click here for more more details about an Annual Pond Cleaning.
Why do I continue to have algae issues (string or green water)?
If your pond does not have the proper filtration it needs and marginal aquatic plants, the pond cannot keep up with excess amount of waste in the pond and that will cause algae blooms. We recommend contacting us for a PondFacts consultation to examine your filtration type (or if the pond even has filtration of any kind).
Why is filtration so important?
Biological filtration is critical to processing the many types of nutrients found in a pond ecosystem, including fish waste, uneaten fish food, leaves, and runoff from lawns to name a few.
Why do I need marginal aquatic plants and lilies?
Marginal aquatic plants help keep the waste down in the pond for clean water by starving evasive plants like algae. Water lilies provide shade and protection for fish plus they just look beautiful in a pond! Our retail stores have the largest variety & selection of aquatic plants in the Carolinas, visit a store to browse our extensive offerings. Aquatic plants are sold starting in April through November each year.
Why is Pond Country the best choice for services?
We pride ourselves in educating all of our staff on the newest techniques and methods for servicing customers features. We are an Aquascape® Master CAC and we strive to deliver the best customer service. We treat your yard and pond like it were our own! We are thrilled you for you to become a member of the Pond Country family and want you to love your pond or water feature. Check out more reasons why Pond Country is your best choice for water feature management.
How do we signup for services with Pond Country?
If you are a new Pond Country customer who has never used us before, we will get you started with our exclusive PondFacts Consultation where a master-certified technician visits your home, fully examines and inspects your water feature. We obtain all of the information on the pond or water feature to better serve you with accurate pricing options. In addition, you will receive a detailed, comprehensive PDF report emailed to you that outlines every facet of your pond. We make YOU the expert! Note that all current service customers and clients with a Pond Country-built pond will not need a PondFacts.
Retail Store
How do I know which pump I need and why?
We would need the height and length (from pump to exit) and what flow you would want to be able to properly figure out head pressure and flow rate.
Why should I buy a DIY water feature kit from Pond Country?
We encourage the Do-It-Yourselfers to purchase our kits! They come with everything you need, instructions, and you are able to call on our expertise for help if you get stuck when building your own. Also, if you need stone, we know how much you would need and can provide that as well. Our kits come in many sizes, any sales associate at our retail locations can assist you in getting you what you want.
Why is Pond Country the best choice to get my pond supplies?
The #1 reason is in-person knowledge and advice. Unlike online retailers or big box stores, our staff are trained and highly knowledgable on water features and our entire treatment line, fish food, plants, pumps, and other pond equipment. We can point you in the right direction to what you need and assist with any questions. Our staff has been commended on their friendliness and willingness to help.
Our products have very easy instructions and are all extremely easy to use. Ask a sales associate about your water feature needs and we can definitely help! Click here for store locations.
How do I get rid of green water?
Proper filtration is a great start. After that, plants! plants! and more plants! Marginal aquatic plants and water lilies are our top recommendations as they are nature’s perfect built-in filtration system for algae & green water. You could also use a UV light.
Visit a retail location and a sales associate will be happy to assist you. Our retail stores have the largest variety & selection of aquatic plants in the Carolinas, visit a store to browse our extensive offerings. Aquatic plants are sold starting in April through November each year.
How do I get rid of the green slime (string algae) on my waterfall?
Proper filtration is a great start. Marginal aquatic plants plus treatments like natural barley straw extract and S.A.B. You could also install an Ion-Gen System which puts copper ions in the water and suffocates the string algae. Visit a retail location and a sales associate will be happy to assist you.
Why are marginal plants so important to have in a pond?
Marginal aquatic plants eat the excess waste in a pond keeping the water clean and clear.
Does my pond need any treatments to keep it clear?
Yes. We recommend using Aquascape® Maintain treatment on a regular basis. It only takes a few bottle pumps a month to add the treatment to your pond. Maintain contains beneficial bacteria that naturally eats away at the extra waste in a pond to keep it clear and healthy.
We highly recommend the Aquascape® Automatic Autodosing System that acts as an IV for your pond by automatically added the correct amount of treatment throughout the month. All you have to do is switch out the Autodosing Treatment Bag once empty. It’s super easy and convenient, no need to remember, it just does it for you!
We also have many treatments available that are used for specific conditions that work quickly and effectively such as algaecide (green water), RapidClear™ (clears dirty water), and an array of autodosing treatment bags for specific applications such as Aquascape® Clean & Clear.
Visit one of our retail store locations and a sales associate will be glad to help you with your needs.
How do I transport fish from your store to my home?
It’s super easy and comfortable for the fish.
- After selecting your new pond pet, we carefully fill a heavy duty plastic bag with just enough water for the fish to swim, but not enough for them to get too active and end up accidentally hurting themselves.
- We then add oxygen to the bag via our in-store tank. This helps provide the fish with oxygen no matter the length of the journey.
- We tightly tie up the bag, double-check the fish and hand them over.
- After arriving home, simply place the bag (still sealed) at the edge of your pond. This allows the new fish to acclimate to the temperature of their new home. You can leave it there for around 10 minutes (or less in hotter weather).
- Simply open the bag and gently let the fish swim from the bag into the pond. They’ll swim around examining and admiring their new home – your pond!
How do I keep a heron away from my pond?
There are a few different options. You can net the pond, you could get a scarecrow sprinkler, or you could make a barrier of thin fishing line around the pond to keep predators out with our Heron Stop kit.
How do I get rid of frogs?
You can’t. Frogs are attracted to water features during the breeding seasons and to live in. Frogs are amazing for water features by providing free big removal services and free snacks (frog eggs and tadpoles) for your fish.
Do you sell preformed plastic pond liner tubs?
No. We believe that preformed plastic tubs are inferior products to using EPDM liner for a pond installation. Preformed plastic tubs are rigid, provide no flexibility, and can warp and crack over a brief time.
Do you sell rubber liner for ponds?
Yes! We sell a highly premium EPDM liner that has a 20 year limited warranty. We sell it in both pre-cut dimensions and for larger scale DIY projects, we can cut off of a liner roll the dimensions you need. The liner we sell in our retail stores is the same professional-level liner we use in our pond installations.
Where are you located? Can I order online?
Click here to see our store locations, hours, and directions. We have two main locations in the Greensboro / Triad area and Mooresville / Charlotte area. We have a installation & service division in Knoxville, TN.
You can order online any of our products that we sell in the store except for fish and aquatic plants (at this time). We offer both in-store pickup and delivery services. Visit pondcountryshop.com. Unfortunately, at this time, we do not provide shipping.
What is V.I.Pond and V.I.Pond Star?
V.I.Pond is our FREE retail customer loyalty program where you earn 1 point per $1 spent in our stores and can be used to redeem rewards such as $30 off your entire purchase or 30% off all fish. V.I.Pond members are the only ones eligible for store sales and special promotions. Click here for more details. SIGN UP IS FREE!
V.I.Pond Star is a program specifically for customers that selected Pond Country as their water feature builder. V.I.Pond Star includes the same benefits as V.I.Pond with the addition of extras such as 15% off all services, special V.I.Pond Star invitation-only events, and much more. Click here for more details about V.I.Pond Star.
Koi & Goldfish
How many fish can I have in my pond?
The amount of fish depends on the size of the pond and the amount of gallons. Each pond is different. Typically we recommend goldfish or 1 – 2 koi for our Tranquility pond sized ponds. Harmony and Serenity series ponds can accommodate more and larger koi.
Do fish get along? Will they try to eat each other?
Koi and goldfish get along swimmingly (sorry, cheap pun!). They are all schooling breeds and love having friends to swim with. They will not eat one another (no matter the size).
Can I put bass, grass carp, catfish, etc in my pond?
We do not recommend these breeds of fish in decorative koi ponds. These breeds do great in larger dirt bottom ponds.
How do I transport fish from your store to my home?
It’s super easy and comfortable for the fish.
- After selecting your new pond pet, we carefully fill a heavy duty plastic bag with just enough water for the fish to swim, but not enough for them to get too active and end up accidentally hurting themselves.
- We then add oxygen to the bag via our in-store tank. This helps provide the fish with oxygen no matter the length of the journey.
- We tightly tie up the bag, double-check the fish and hand them over.
- After arriving home, simply place the bag (still sealed) at the edge of your pond. This allows the new fish to acclimate to the temperature of their new home. You can leave it there for around 10 minutes (or less in hotter weather).
- Simply open the bag and gently let the fish swim from the bag into the pond. They’ll swim around examining and admiring their new home – your pond!
What treatments should I keep handy for my fish?
We always recommend keeping Pond Detoxifier (takes out metals, chlorine and chloramines out of city water) and Aquascape® Protect (helps their slime coats and reduces stress). If you believe your fish may be injured or suffering from an infliction (ick or fungus), we sell a variety of fish medicine at our retail locations that can help.
How do I determine if a fish is male or female?
Blue Ridge Koi, North America’s largest koi farm, states that you are not able to tell which fish are male or female until they get about 12″ long. Females are more submarine shaped (heavier) and males are more missile shaped (thinner).
Will my fish have babies?
Maybe. It’s possible your fish will breed, especially if they are happy in their environment! You cannot determine biological sex of a koi until it is 12″ long, so when you purchase fish, you won’t know if have males and females together. The likelihood is high though.
My pond has foam in it? What’s going on?
Foaming of a pond is usually related to fish spawning, part of the reproduction process of koi. Congratulations! You’ll soon be godparents to new fish babies.
Is it true that koi will grow to the size of their pond?
Unfortunately koi do not control their growth. They are a part of the carp family and can grow to huge sizes. We recommend not overcrowding or overfeeding the fish.
What happens to my fish in winter? Do I feed them? Are they safe?
In the Southeast region of the United States, fish will go into a hibernation mode once temperatures start consistently hitting under 45 (F) degrees which would be around late November into December. They will stay in hibernation mode until temperatures are consistently over 50 (F) degrees.
Your fish, hibernation mode, will swim to the very bottom of the pond and limit their movement as to conserve energy.
What if there is a deep freeze (rare, but can happen)? Most of the time, your fish should be fine as a quick freeze for a day or two merely freezes the top layer of a pond leaving your fish fine at the bottom. However if temperatures reach single digits or below zero, then we highly recommend adding an Aquascape® Pond De-Icer or Aeration Kit to your pond. The De-Icer will melt a hole in the pond ice, giving your fish oxygen that they need. An aeration kit will provide moving water to prevent freezing and adds extra oxygen to the water. Both products are sold at our retail stores and online for in-store pickup.
Do I feed my fish in the winter? We advise against it! When the fish go dormant their digestive systems are not as active and the food can get bound inside and kill them (essentially rotting since their hibernation mode prevents them from expelling waste). Important Note: Do NOT get tempted to feed fish if the weather takes a warm turn in December, January, or February – your fish may look to become active again. Do NOT feed them as typically weather will take a sharp turn to deep cold again and instantly lock them back into hibernation mode.
Why is premium fish food so important?
The better the fish food, the more the fish absorbs and the less waste gets put in the pond. Which means cleaner, clearer water. Better food also helps to boost their immune systems and keep them healthier. Pond Country also sells a variety of color-enhancing fish food that will really bring out the vibrant colors in your fish’s pattern! All of the fish food at Pond Country has been thoroughly tested for quality and is the best you can buy. It’s the same food we feed our own fish!
Aquatic Plants
What is a Marginal Aquatic Plant?
Marginal aquatic plants sit on the plant shelf edge around the pond. They are the plants that do all the heavy lifting by eating the excess waste in a pond, helping to starve off the ugly plant, algae, and keeping the water clean and clear.
I have a water lily in my pond. Thats enough plants, right?
No. Water lilies are beautiful, but they do not put in as much work as the marginal aquatic plants. Water lilies have three jobs:
- Provide shade to cool the water temperatures down
- Provide protection for fish from overhead predators
- To look stunning in your pond with their gorgeous floral blooms
I have some floating plants in my pond? Is that enough?
No. Hyacinths or water lettuce (aka floaters or floating plants) pull some nutrients, but they also provide shade, like water lilies, to cool the water temperatures down. This, in turn, helps to control algae blooms.
Why is it important to thin my plants out?
Aquatic pond plants have nothing to stop them from growing and growing well. hey have food, water, and sun. Thinning them out helps to keep them from taking over the pond and helps with your water feature’s aethestic look.
Do I need to fertilize my aquatic plants?
Yes! We recommend fertilizing in the spring and fall. We automatically fertilize your aquatic plants when we perform cleaning services for customers. It helps with more flower blooms and healthier plants during the year. We sell plant fertilizer at our stores and online. However, you need to use fertilizer specially formulated for water plants, not what you see at a big box gardening center. We only sell quality Aquascape® aquatic plant fertilizer that’s made for water feature applications.