Pool as Grow-Out Pond...

[JosephandGabby]

This spring I'm planning to convert a 15' round (5' deep) above-ground pool into a grow-out pond. With over 5,000 gallons of swim area, I think it should do nicely. I will be using 45ml EPDM liner so not to worry about anything toxic leaching out from the standard pool liner. Just curious whether any of you have attempted anything similar. If so, any adviice and/or pictures of your setup would be appreciated...

-Joseph

[dubtaco]

CG posted her QT setup here a couple days ago, a little smaller in size but close to what you are talking about.

What do you plan to use for filtration?

http://koi-bito.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5669

[JosephandGabby]

I'm planning to use a DIY upflow filter setup, similar to the design posted on my site. In all, I will likely use 200-gallons of filter, which should be enough since I'm only planning to add 10 medium sized koi at the very most to this setup...

[Steve E]

I am using an Intex above ground pool as a temporary pond now. I tried to install a gravity flow system but ran into a serious issue with the connection through the wall of the pool. Wound up going over the side with a suction line. If you are not going to make it permanent then I would suggest going over the side with the suction line. What I did was use saw horses to create a platform for the pump to sit on then used flex pipe as the suction line. I know of one dealer who uses these as qt ponds for new fish. He also has the pump elevated and runs the suction lines out and down (in a L shape) into the middle of the pool.

I think that if you are going to set it up as a permanent pond then installing a bottom drain should not be a problem. I just had a problem with going through the side (probably due to my not knowing what I was doing) Had to fix it with a double patch.

Steve

[JosephandGabby]

Here's some pics of our 15' above-ground pool, which will be converted to a grow-out pond this spring...

I hope to complete the convertion by end of March...