Pond Supply Chain

Pond Supply Chain shortages impact every consumer and business imaginable, and  we’ve all seen what can happen when a shortage occurs, especially in the last few years. Remember the Great Toilet Paper Shortage of 2020?

Recently it’s been more common to experience a shortage of things that make other things, things like building materials, mechanical parts and plastics. Also, the pond industry hasn’t been immune to the supply shortages. If you’ve signed a contract for an installation in the last few months this could be why you’re still waiting to see parts of it, like Koi fish or certain plants, or maybe even a skimmer box.

Key Components of the Pond Supply Chain

The pond supply chain includes several steps, from the production of materials and equipment to final installation. Here are the primary players involved:

  1. Manufacturers
    Manufacturers are at the start of the pond supply chain, creating essential products like pond liners, pumps, filters, and pond-safe treatments. Some specialize in eco-friendly solutions or products tailored for specific climates, including UV clarifiers, aerators, and high-performance filtration systems.
  2. Suppliers and Distributors
    These businesses purchase large quantities from manufacturers and serve as intermediaries for retailers and contractors. Distributors help ensure that pond products are accessible to various markets by handling bulk storage, shipping, and logistical coordination.
  3. Retailers and Pond Contractors
    Retailers and contractors act as the customer-facing parts of the pond supply chain. They provide products to DIY enthusiasts or work directly with clients on pond installations and maintenance. Contractors, who have direct experience with products, also play a key role in recommending the best equipment and supplies based on specific pond needs.
  4. Transportation and Logistics
    Moving pond supplies between each stage of the supply chain involves transportation, warehousing, and inventory management. Efficient logistics keep products moving, minimizing delays that can affect project timelines, especially in peak seasons when demand for pond supplies is high.
  5. Consumers
    The final link in the pond supply chain is the consumer. Homeowners and property managers purchase pond products or hire contractors to install and maintain their ponds. Their feedback often influences product demand and drives innovation within the industry.

Pond Supply Chain of and Demand for Ponds

The demand for Koi fish is at an all time high due to the colorful fish being a huge home improvement trend, and rightfully so! Also, Koi ponds feel like a luxury aspect of any garden or backyard. Something that provides lasting enjoyment with only minimal maintenance.

There are also  supply chain issues and shortages of a wide range of pond building materials, particularly plastics. Aquascapes, one of our suppliers, produces over 50% of products used domestically. Thas been a huge benefit to us and many others. But even with this help, there’s still a shortage of many crucial materials for pond builders. This includes PVC, skimmers, pavers, and maintenance equipment. These material shortages stretch out the timetables for Koi pond projects. Sadly, this rises of prices on necessary elements used in building Koi ponds.

Unexpected Disruptions

Some of the unexpected disruptions of supply chain functions are something simple, like running out of something that makes something else. They could be more complex, like the COVID-19 lock-downs that shut down businesses of all kinds. 2021 and 2022 seemed to fair better for a while. Until things like a shipping container getting stuck in the Suez Canal, weather-related disasters, and even geopolitical conflicts happening with overseas suppliers that can slow or halt the supply chain movement.

What This Means for You in regards to Pond Supply Chain

All this to say, the pond market has been hit with a series of perfect storms. The reality is that FNC Ponds is working diligently to build and install each customer’s pond while making sure we maintain the excellent quality we’re known for. The supply chain problems are out of our control, and it’s a frustrating situation for everyone involved, but these obstacles aren’t something that will dissipate overnight. So whether you’re waiting for your dream pond, or you’re waiting for some new Koi fish pets, hang in there because the perfect backyard is something worth waiting for.  We also carry pond supplies on our web site.  Be sure to check it out!