{"id":13118,"date":"2023-03-16T12:23:45","date_gmt":"2023-03-16T16:23:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.gardenstatekoi.com\/MD\/?page_id=13118"},"modified":"2026-01-16T15:24:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T20:24:34","slug":"recreational-ponds","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/new.gardenstatekoi.com\/MD\/recreational-ponds\/","title":{"rendered":"Recreational Ponds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t

\n\t\t\t\tRecreational Ponds\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t

Don’t you wish you could combine the joy of a swimming pool with the natural beauty and cleanliness of a koi pond?<\/p>\n

With a recreational pond, you can!<\/p>\n

Unlike conventional ponds, a backyard recreation pond (also called a swimmable pond, a natural pool, an ecosystem pool, a dipping pond\/pool, or a wading pond\/pool) is designed to look and act more like a naturalistic water body with a unique shape, waterfalls, plants, and more.<\/p>\n

There is no need for harmful chemicals because the ecosystem only requires beneficial bacteria and plants. An ecosystem pond’s water is filtered just like a natural stream or pond that has a balanced ecosystem. So the water quality is impeccable with very little maintenance, and is safe for all members of the family – including your furry friends!<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\"tsmithcat4\n\t<\/figure>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Tom\n\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t

CUSTOMIZABLE<\/h3>

Available in any shape and size, with unlimited customizations (diving rocks, beach areas, fish, etc.)<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t

SAFE<\/h3>

Shallow & chemical-free<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t

CLEAN<\/h3>

Kept clear with filtration & wetland systems, rather than chlorine<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t

VERSATILE<\/h3>

Naturally beautiful all year long (no unsightly pool covers!)<\/p>\t\t\n\t

\n\t\t\t\tGarden State Koi’s design and install experts can work with you from start to finish to bring your backyard oasis to life!\n\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContact us today!\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t

\n\t\t\t\tWait, how does a rec pond work?\n\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t

The most important part of rec ponds: filtration, filtration, filtration!

  1. A Skim Cove pulls in debris and\/or fish waste, which is pumped to a wetland filter.<\/li>
  2. The filter fills from the bottom up, sifting out minerals and “junk.”<\/li>
  3. Aquatic plants use all the nutrients in the water to naturally balance the PH, nitrate, phosphate, and ammonia, while managing algae.<\/li><\/ol>
    THE BOTTOM LINE? With proper filtration, the water quality is impeccable with very little maintenance, and there’s NO NEED for harmful chemicals!<\/p>\t\n
    \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"fb\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/figure>\n

    \n\t\t\tPRICING\t<\/h2>\n\t

    \n\t\t\t\tWADING\/DIPPING PONDS\n\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t

    AVG. SIZE: 15′ x 20′ x 4′
    STARTING AT $60K<\/strong><\/p>\t\n\t

    \n\t\t\t\tREC PONDS\n\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t

    AVG. SIZE: 20′ x 30′ x 4′
    STARTING AT $85K<\/strong><\/p>\t\n\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContact us today!\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t

    \n\t\t\t\tOther FAQs\n\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
    Do I need a permit?<\/h5>\n\t\t\t

    Check with your municipality or county ordinance for depth. Most towns are fine with depths of 4′ or less.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Do I need a fence?<\/h5>\n\t\t\t

    Nope; fences are decorative and optional, but would be recommended for the same reasons they’re mandatory with standard pools.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    What chemicals are used?<\/h5>\n\t\t\t

    You only need simple beneficial bacterias, enzymes, phosphate binder, and the occasional flocculant to help with cloudy water. You don’t need to add any harsh chemicals, like chlorine or salt, that are typical in standard swimming pools!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Can I have fish in my rec pond?<\/h5>\n\t\t\t

    Absolutely! You just need to make sure your filter can compensate for them.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Is algae a problem with rec ponds?<\/h5>\n\t\t\t

    A rec pond is still a pond, so biofilm does occur, but this contributes to keeping the water crystal clear! Although biofilm is not algae, it’s regularly mistaken for it by new water feature owners.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Can you heat a rec pond? <\/h5>\n\t\t\t

    No you can’t\/shouldn’t heat a rec pond. Ecosystems need to cycle, and extra heat can cause more algae blooms.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Can you include a jacuzzi in a rec pond?<\/h5>\n\t\t\t

    You cannot include a jacuzzi, but it’s easy to install one that looks attached.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Could I DIY a rec pond?<\/h5>\n\t\t\t

    Technically yes, but if it’s your first time (or even your fifth time) installing a koi pond, we really don’t recommend it. If installation is not done exactly right<\/strong> with a rec pond, A LOT<\/strong> can go wrong and you can end up spending 10x your budget to fix it or maintain it. We highly recommend trusting our team of professionals to do it right the first time!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    How much do rec ponds cost?<\/h5>\n\t\t\t