21 Circular Koi Pond Designs

We are 100% reader supported. We may earn commission at no extra cost to you if you buy through a link on this page. Read our disclosure.

Share this page!

A circular koi pond is a dynamic addition to just about any type of landscape. The circular shape brings a sense of balance and symmetry, complementing the organic shapes of your fish and border plants. It can easily become your home or garden’s focal point – elevating the overall ambiance of the location in which it is found.

There are endless creative possibilities when it comes to creating a unique design for a circular pond! From minimalist modern designs to rustic styles incorporating stone accents, the designs below should help you tailor your pond to suit the existing aesthetic of your space!

1)

Natural circular koi pond

Your own natural haven – dive into nature’s embrace with a naturalistic circular pond, complete with rocky borders and vibrant aquatic plants. This pond should seamlessly blend into a densely planted garden. Add a pot or two of lilies for texture and color on the water’s surface.


2)

Circular koi pond surrounded by hedge

A formal garden pond would be a stately and timeless enclosure for your precious koi! Complement the elegance of a circular shape by surrounding it with symmetrical arrangements, like boxwood hedges or neatly trimmed topiaries.


3)

Asian-style circular koi pond

Transport yourself into far East Asian lands by adding oriental structures to your circular pond’s design. Zen elements should beautifully complement the patterns and colors of your koi. If your budget allows it, consider integrating a low bridge into the far side of the pond.


4)

Modern circular koi pond

Keep it chic with a modern and minimalist style! A circular design with sleek edges – increasing in height to suggest motion – should blend into a well-manicured outdoor space.


5)

Plastic circular koi pond

Pre-made, circular basins or plastic-lined ponds can stand out like a sore thumb in small gardens. Bordering these with stones of various sizes is a great way to naturalize artificial edges. For more color and texture, throw in a few spritely tufts of low-maintenance grasses.


6)

Circle koi pond with fountain

Elevate the relaxing atmosphere of an outdoor courtyard by constructing a circular pond with a single fountain. Clean brick edges complement the straight lines and subdued tones of surrounding features.


7)

Rustic circular koi pond

A rustic circular pond, with wooden decking along its circumference, is a great addition to a small backyard. Ideal accents for this design include pieces of driftwood and small pots of herbs.


8)

Circular koi pond in garden

Circular ponds can double as dream-like aquascapes, especially if they are accented with one or two simple cascades of flowing water. For an even more mesmerizing sight, enhance the borders with colorful blooms and lush greenery.


9)

Pond with multi-tiered waterfall

If the size of your pond allows it, a multi-tiered waterfall would be a phenomenal addition to instill energy and dynamic motion into a circular shape. Stone slabs can be used to flank the cascade and serve as steps to the upper section of a multi-leveled garden.


10)

Symmetrical circular koi pond

For an unforgettably balanced look, commit to a symmetrical layout. Pairs of geometrically shaped hedges and planters should have your circular pond looking truly elegant in a formal outdoor setting.


11)

Circular koi pond with aquatic plants

A combination of floating plants, emergent grasses, bordering shrubs, and one or two small trees should soften a circular koi pond’s appearance. The varied shapes and textures of their foliage, which cast dappled shade onto the water’s surface, contrast the rounded shape.


12)

Small koi pond in garden

Like the elegance of a circular shape but feel that it needs some more personality? Consider adding more lines (in the form of an arch, smaller circle, or square) to its outline. You’ll have a koi pond with an unmistakable identity!


13)

Koi pond surrounded by herbs

Fragrant herbs are fantastic border plants for circular ponds with terracotta-tiled edges. Allow these to creep towards the pond, where they are likely to attract hordes of moisture-loving pollinators. As a bonus, some herbs, such as lavender, act as natural repellents to troublesome pests.


14)

Koi pond with raised stone edge

Raise the edge of a circular pond with stacks of bricks, stone, or timber. A raised edge adds depth to the shape and offers extra seating and space for potted plants.


15)

Circular koi pond with small island in the middle

Place a small island in the middle of the circular pond. This should encourage wild visitors, like turtles, salamanders, and small birds, to find basking or perching grounds within the pond itself!


16)

Koi pond with LED lights

Illuminate your circular koi pond with subtle LED lights along the border. This creates a captivating ambiance for you and your fish after dark! Set the tone with more warm lights around border plants and along your fence.


17)

Circular koi pond in tropical garden

A circular koi pond, tucked into the lushest zone of a well-kept, tropical garden, would be an oasis in the city. Excite your garden’s visitors by maintaining a verdant pathway leading up to the pondside.


18)

Koi pond with iron arch

Frame one side of your circular pond with decorative ironwork (in the form of an arch, for example). For a touch of whimsy, adorn the vertical structure with climbing vines and trailing flowers.


19)

Circular koi pond with rock fountain

A towering rock fountain should harmoniously complement the features of a simple, circular koi pond. Apart from being an aesthetically imposing addition to the pond, this feature helps increase dissolved oxygen levels.


20)

Circular koi pond with stepping stones

Place stepping stones that “divide” the circular koi pond into two sides. Rounded stone slabs would be a lovely touch that accentuates the shape of the pond. For some contrast, slabs along the border may have sharper corners.


21)

Circular koi pond with emerging plants

For vertical interest in a simple circular pond, don’t skimp on emergent ornamentals! Aquatic grasses tend to be low-maintenance and can be propagated easily.


Final Thoughts

Circles are symbolic of continuity and flow. Circular borders emphasize the benefits, aesthetic possibilities, and versatility of ornamental koi ponds. Design choices for this shape may either complement or contrast its lack of sharp edges. As these range from rustic and traditional to modern and sleek, a circular pond can enhance the finished look of all types of landscapes and gardens. Your koi will certainly enjoy swimming past its seemingly endless curve!

Angeline L
About the author

Angeline L

I'm a passionate researcher and scuba diver with a keen interest in garden plants, marine life, and freshwater ecology. I think there’s nothing better than a day spent writing in nature. I have an academic and professional background in sustainable aquaculture, so I advocate for the responsible production of commercial fish, macroinvertebrates, and aquatic plants.

Read more about Pond Informer.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.