Koi and Pond keeping is just a hobby after all so getting the most out of it and enjoying it, is what it is all about.
Over the 40 years of Ponds I have learnt some very valuable lessons and spent a lot of money that was unnecessary and if I had to do it again I would still have done it different. Every time I have started to build a Pond the biggest influence has been the cost. If I could cut corners or save money I would. This always compromised the finished product.
With Social Networks getting ideas, tips and bargains is so much easier than when I first started but even now I still learn new things every day.
They say a Koi Pond is just a big hole you keep throwing money in and I suppose it is the best analogy around.
If I was to give anyone three pieces of advice before starting it would be:
1. Research, Ask round, Design what you want & then Repeat
2. Don't Rush, save your money a while & get the best you can because you will want to upgrade later
3. Do it Once, Do it Right