✅ TL;DR: In Texas, we returned to expand a koi pond into a full 150-foot stream, waterfalls, urn fountains, and landscaping. The same phased approach works beautifully for koi pond installation in New Jersey, where a pond becomes the centerpiece of a complete outdoor paradise.

Earlier this year, our team built a 25×80 koi pond with a massive waterfall in Frisco, Texas. Months later, we returned for phase two—adding a 150-foot stream, multiple waterfalls, custom bridge, urn fountains, and lighting. The result? The backyard transformed from a single pond into a complete landscape water feature that feels like a natural river system.

And here’s the exciting part: while this one was in Texas, we build projects like this right here in New Jersey. Whether you’re in Morris, Essex, or Somerset County, the same principles apply.

Start with the pond 🐟

A koi pond is the foundation. Proper circulation and skimming keep water clear. In Texas, live oaks dropped acorns that stained the water like tea, but our filtration kept algae away. In New Jersey, maples and oaks do the same—so we always size pumps and skimmers to handle seasonal debris.

Carve a stream that feels natural 🌊

The pond alone was beautiful, but adding a 150-foot stream made it alive. We twisted it through the property with bends, eddies, and washouts that mimic nature. Each boulder is set with intention, steering water like erosion would in the wild.

Respect the land 🌳

Streams need to follow grade, so we used laser levels to avoid backflow and protect tree roots. In New Jersey, where yards often slope, this step is critical to prevent leaks and safeguard mature trees.

Seam liners the right way

When one liner isn’t long enough, we “shingle” overlaps—so even if water sneaks behind rocks, it still stays in the liner. Add foam under key stones to force flow forward instead of slipping underneath.

Add features that draw the eye ✨

We installed stacked-slate urns, stacked-slate spheres, and a massive driftwood accent—all tied into the stream system. These focal points make the water feature interactive and dynamic, especially when paired with subtle lighting.

Make it livable: bridges, steps, patios 🪨

Our Texas client’s reclaimed-timber bridge looks like a castle entry. Large stone steps tie the feature into the house and driveway. In New Jersey, we often connect koi ponds to patios, fire pits, and gardens so the space becomes an outdoor living room.

Finish strong with edges and planting 🌿

Cobble beaches, washouts, and planting pockets soften the look and provide spots for creeping jenny and groundcovers. This last 10% of work makes the water feature look like it’s been there forever.

How we finished the Texas project

150 feet of stream built in just over three weeks
Four seams tied into one watertight system
Custom bridge and stone steps at the entry
Three stacked-slate urns and three spheres
Complete lighting package for night views
Mulching and pathways to keep the site clean

We travel for major projects like this one—but whether we’re in Texas or back home in New Jersey, the process is the same.

Ready to expand your pond?

If you’ve got a koi pond and dream of streams or waterfalls, now’s the time. We specialize in koi pond installation New Jersey, and we can take your water feature from simple to spectacular.

👉 Contact us today to schedule a design consultation.

FAQ

Can you add a stream to an existing pond in New Jersey?
Yes—many clients start with a pond, then call us back to expand. Planning ahead makes it seamless.

Do you build outside New Jersey?
We do. While most of our work is local, we’ve traveled to Texas and beyond for large-scale projects.

How long does a koi pond installation take?
Most New Jersey koi pond projects are completed in 1–2 weeks. Large streams and full landscapes may take several weeks, depending on scope.

📌 Author: Atlantis Water Gardens – specialists in koi pond installation New Jersey. Updated September 2025.