Koi ponds can be safe for pets and small children, but they do require thoughtful design and supervision. The main safety concern is the depth of the pond, which can pose a drowning risk, especially for young children who may be curious and unaware of the danger. Installing barriers such as fencing, edging, or covers can help prevent accidents and keep the area secure.
For households with pets, especially dogs, it’s important to train them to stay out of the pond to avoid disturbing the fish or damaging the liner. Some pets may be tempted to chase koi or drink from the pond, so ensuring the water is clean and not treated with harmful chemicals is also important.
