Koi ponds
Koi ponds built as living ecosystems
A koi pond should be clear, quiet and healthy with very little fuss. We design and build ecosystem ponds where circulation, filtration, planting and stone work together, sized and shaded for Southwest Florida's heat.
Built around the fish
A pond is a system, not a hole with a pump
Our koi ponds are designed as living works of art: immersive environments where movement, reflection and natural texture come together. Depth, filtration, circulation, planting and stone placement are planned together to support a thriving ecosystem.
Matt Lombardo is an Aquascape certified contractor. That approach treats the pond as a balanced ecosystem: a skimmer to catch debris, a biological filter feeding the waterfall, rock and gravel that host beneficial bacteria, and plants that out-compete algae.
Florida adds its own rules. Warm water holds less oxygen, so aeration and moving water matter more here than up north. Summer sun drives algae, so plant cover and shade are part of the design. And herons are patient, so depth and hiding places protect the fish.
Pond styles
From courtyard ponds to waterfront streams
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Courtyard and entry ponds
Compact ponds with a stone water wall or spill, framed by the architecture, like this private courtyard pond.
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Streams and waterfalls
Koi streams that run through the garden and fall into a deeper pool, adding sound and the oxygen fish need.
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Screened lanai ponds
Ponds and boulder waterfalls built inside the pool cage, so you enjoy the water from the lanai, bug-free.
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Natural water gardens
Ponds with bridges, stepping stones and lilies that blur into the landscape around them.
Thinking about koi ponds? Let's look at your property.
A Lombardo designer will walk the site with you, at home or in our Fort Myers showroom.
Recent work
Koi ponds and water gardens
Boulder waterfall garden with red and orange annuals at Casa Ybel, Sanibel Island
Naturalistic boulder waterfall and stream planted with bromeliads under palms
Koi pond in a private courtyard with a stacked stone water wall
Multi-tier stream waterfall winding through a tropical garden
Boulder waterfall and pond built inside a screened lanai
Water garden with stepping stones, a timber bridge and a fountain jet
Koi pond with a waterfall, garden statue and dense tropical planting
Tiered stone fountain inside a screened lanai, ringed with flowering beds
Waterfront koi stream and waterfall running past a tiki hut
Crystal-clear koi pond and stream alongside a modern home
Backyard pond with a wooden footbridge and boulder edging
Natural pond with a low waterfall and lily pads
Google reviews
The pond of my dreams
I've had ponds before so I knew exactly what I wanted and they truly gave me the pond of my dreams. I'm absolutely thrilled with the outcome.
Ready for a design of your own?
Start a design brief in four short steps, or call and talk it through.
FAQ
Questions we hear most
How deep should a koi pond be in Florida?
Deep enough that koi have a cool zone through August and room to escape herons. We size the depth and shelves to the fish you plan to keep and the space available, then confirm it on the plan.
Is a koi pond high maintenance?
A well-built ecosystem pond is far less work than most people expect. The skimmer catches debris, the biological filter and plants manage nutrients, and moving water keeps it healthy. Expect periodic skimmer cleaning, seasonal trimming and occasional checks.
Do koi ponds attract mosquitoes?
No, not when the water is moving and the fish are doing their job. Circulation and aeration prevent the stagnant water mosquitoes need, and koi eat larvae.
How do you keep the water clear?
Balance rather than chemicals: correct filtration for the volume, beneficial bacteria living on rock and gravel, enough plant cover to limit sunlight and nutrients, and not overstocking the fish.
Does a koi pond add value to a home?
A professionally designed pond becomes the centerpiece of a garden and makes the whole outdoor space more inviting, which supports curb appeal and value. Learn more in the benefits of a backyard pond.
Can you add a pond to an existing landscape or lanai?
Yes. Many of our ponds are added to established gardens or built inside screened lanais. We design around what is there and plan access for the excavation.
Service areas
Koi ponds across Lee and Collier counties
All of Lee and Collier counties, from Pine Island to Marco Island. Seven communities have their own pages; choose yours to see local projects and what designing there involves.
Related services
Designed to work together
Request a consultation
Start with the sound of water.
Four short steps. Tell us what you are dreaming about and where, and a designer will call to set up your consultation at the property or in our Fort Myers showroom.