Pond Building Average Costs #
- A shallow 4' x 6' or 6' x 8' professionally-installed pond, including excavation, liner, filtration system, and simple rock border might cost $2,000 to $3,500. As a DIY project, the same pond might cost $500 to $1,000.
- Larger ponds, depending on features and equipment, can easily cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
Full Answer
How Much Does It Cost to Dig and Install a Pond Yourself?
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pond Per Square Foot?
How Big of a Pond Can I Get on My Budget?
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pond by Type?
What should I consider when building a pond?
How much does it cost to hire a landscape designer?
How much does a plastic liner cost?
See 4 more
About this website
How much does it cost to build a garden pond?
The cost to build a pond is usually $2.50 to $7.15 per square foot. For a larger-scale project, like a lake, expect to pay $3,000 to $8,200 per acre or more.
How much do outdoor ponds cost?
You can expect to pay between $5,000 and $20,000 for a custom pond. If you want extra features such as a waterfall or stream, expect to pay an additional amount relevant to the size of the feature. Additionally a bridge or stepping stone pathway that crosses the pond will add to the total cost.
Is having a pond expensive?
On average, pond installation costs $3,368 or between $1,217 and $5,567. Specialty projects, such as a koi pond or natural swimming pool, might run $5,000 to $60,000 or more. Artificial lakes cost $4,000 to $15,000 per acre, or more if you add fish or water features.
Are outdoor ponds expensive?
Garden ponds can be very expensive, but they need not be. A 1000-gallon (3800-liter) garden pond with fish, plants and a waterfall (and not requiring a biological filter) can cost as little as $300 or as much as $5000. It all depends on what you want and how much of it you are willing to do yourself.
How far should a pond be from a house?
50 to 100 feetSetting a pond closer than the recommended or regulated limits is likely to result in damage when the water overtops the banks. Even if you're not working with any specific guidelines from your zoning department or permit office, consider leaving a barrier of at least 50 to 100 feet between your home and a small pond.
Can I dig my own pond?
Depending on where the rock layer is found, the pond may need to be built completely or halfway above grade. The deeper you can dig, the better the pond will look. It's tough to make a pond look natural when it's sitting 18 inches above the surrounding soil.
Do ponds devalue houses?
An unkempt, dirty water fountain or pond will not only scare off potential buyers but can also seriously decrease the value of your property.
Do ponds add value to property?
According to American Forest Management, the addition of a pond can increase one's property value by an average of six percent, though that number varies by region. Depending on supply and demand in your area and a host of other factors, adding a pond to your property could increase its value by as much as 42 percent!
Does a pond increase insurance?
Is homeowners' insurance higher if you have a pond? Your home's insurance may be affected by your pond. Anytime you install something on your property that raises the danger of injury, your homeowners' insurance premiums are likely to rise, and a pond is no exception.
How do you maintain a pond?
How to Maintain and Care for a Garden PondClean your pond regularly.Manage the nearby plants.Grow water plants.Control ice in the winter.Control algae growth.Maintain pump, filter, lines, and fountains.Troubleshoot and repair any leaks.Maintain the right water level.More items...
How do I build a small backyard pond?
0:071:53How to Build a Small Pond - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBegin by mapping out your pond. Once you're satisfied with the shape start digging keep some dirtMoreBegin by mapping out your pond. Once you're satisfied with the shape start digging keep some dirt for leveling if needed also digging a small ledge will allow a nice area to place plants or stones.
How much does it cost to install a pond and waterfall?
Landscapers charge anywhere from $1,500 for a small, simple pond to $10,000 and up for a larger, more complex pond, possibly including lighting, a waterfall, etc. These expenses include the costs of the design, materials and labor. The area must be dug out and lined, and a filter and pump need to be installed.
How much does a 5000 gallon pond cost?
For a 360-gallon pond, you will see an average price that ranges from $2,500 to $5,000....Backyard Pond Installation Prices by Capacity.Approximate VolumeAverage Cost Range (Installed)720 Gallons$7,500 - $10,0001,300 Gallons$12,000 - $16,0002,600 Gallons$13,000 - $25,0005,000 Gallons$25,000 - $35,0002 more rows•Jan 31, 2022
How deep should a 1 acre pond be?
Everyone wants a pond super deep. However, the average pond we dig is 12' deep throughout and depending on the size at least one area 15' deep. If the pond is large enough, say 1 acre we can dig a couple holes in the pond 15" to 20' deep and maybe 25' round. This is only done to save on the cost of the pond.
How big is a 1 acre pond?
There are 43,560 square feet in one acre of water that is1 foot deep. It is equal to 325,851 gallons. For a square pond, one acre is approximately 208 feet x 208 feet.
How long does it take to dig a 1 acre pond?
If no weather events interrupt your work, then, a reasonable starting estimate for digging a one acre pond is about a month. It's a good idea to talk to local contractors who are experienced in excavating ponds to get some estimates.
Does a pond increase property value?
Ponds do not increase in value to any significant degree but may add value to your home should you decide to sell it.
Do you need a permit to build a pond in your backyard?
Many ponds need permits. Your local municipality determines the size where a permit becomes necessary.
How much does it cost to build a small pond?
A small pond with a preformed liner and a few basic features like rocks and gravel start around $1,500. A kit pool may include a liner, pumps, and...
How far should a pond be from a house?
Your city might require that your pond be installed at a minimum distance from your house, but general wisdom on the topic suggests a 1,000-gallon...
How big should a pond be?
The average backyard in the United States is 6,000 square feet. This size backyard offers leeway on pond size, but the average is around 10 x 15 feet.
Where is the best place to put a pond?
You may place your pond anywhere that an accidental leak or flood would not otherwise send the water rushing toward a nearby structure. Level groun...
What do you put in the bottom of a pond?
Most ponds feature gravel on the bottom, which gives beneficial bacteria a place to live. Plants may also grow around the bottom of it, especially...
How deep should I make my pond?
The minimum depth for the average pond is two feet, but you will want a depth of at least three feet if it freezes in the winter and you populate i...
Cost to Dig Pond - 2022 Cost Calculator (Customizable) - Homewyse
The basic cost to Dig a Pond is $3.01 - $9.50 per square foot in July 2022, but can vary significantly with site conditions and options. Get fair costs for your SPECIFIC project requirements. See typical tasks and time to dig a pond, along with per unit costs and material requirements. See professionally prepared estimates for small pond excavation work. The Homewyse small pond excavation ...
1/4 acre pond expectations - Pond Boss Forum
Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on the pond! People with a lot of experience will be in here shortly to answer your questions. I think you'll find the general consensus will be that a 1/4 acre pond is a little bit small for fast-reproducing species such as largemouth bass and bluegill.
Half Acre - Pond Package: + Catfish - Stock My Pond
Our 1/2 acre pond package* WITH Catfish is the perfect fit! for stocking a smaller lake or pond. Package Includes: 375 Bluegill; 50 Red Ear; 50 Hybrid Bluegill; 100 Largemouth Bass; 50 Crappie; 5 -lbs Minnows; 150 (4-6″) Catfish
How much does a concrete pond cost?
It is the most expensive, however, at $60 to $120 /sq.ft.
How much does it cost to build a waterfall in a pond?
Waterfalls and fountains are popular additions to backyard ponds. Their cost varies, depending on the size and structure, but average $1,200 to $1,800. They can be installed DIY or professionally, and while it is easiest to install them at the same time as the pond, they can be added at a later date. To install a waterfall, you need a rubber pond liner and an area of the pond that can be built up to waterfall height. The waterfall needs a special pump that depends on the size and flow of the water. For best results, choose a pump with a flow rate of at least 300 gallons per hour and a lift of 6 feet. You also need an electric outlet installed for the pump to run.
Where to Build a Pond?
Ideally, you want your pond located on a fairly even or flat section of your yard. A slight slope is alright, and if you want to catch some runoff, positioning it at the bottom of a slope or hill can be beneficial.
Why do you need a pump and filter for a pond?
Your pond ideally needs a pump and filter to stay clean and not stagnate. The pump circulates the water and oxygenates it so that plants grow and fish live comfortably. The filter removes algae and debris from the pond so that it stays clean and enjoyable. The pump and filter you need are tied to the size and type of pond you install, and you have several choices. The pump is dictated by the chosen filter and the size of your pond:
How does the type of pond affect the cost?
The type of pond you install impacts the cost nearly as much as the size . While an increase in size results in increased costs, some ponds are less expensive to install than others, no matter how large they are:
What is a natural swimming pool?
Natural swimming pools are a way to have a backyard pool that appears natural, without the chemicals and maintenance of a regular pool. It is made up of two areas, the swimming area and the regeneration zone, which is filled with plants that filter the water. Pipes circulate the water between the two areas, and the pond is usually well-landscaped to make it appear natural. They may have a clay liner but typically have a concrete one. They cost between $50,000 and $100,000 on average.
What is the best liners for a pond?
Rubber is one of the most popular liners for backyard ponds. It is easy to use and endlessly customizable so that you can create the exact shape and depth you want for your pond. It tears easily, however, so you need to make sure there are no rocks or roots in your pond’s bottom. Leaving it the sun for a while before installing helps it stretch more easily without tearing, creating a better fit. These liners are good for nearly all shallow ponds of multiple sizes. Prices range from $0.35 to $2.05 /sq.ft.
How Much Does a Backyard Pond Cost? Backyard Pond Construction Costs by Type
Pond types are slightly related to the pond size. There have different types of ponds like farm pond, garden pond, koi pond, fishing pond and swimming pond. These ponds are different in size according to their features. So, here is the average cost of different types of ponds.
How Much Does a Backyard Pond Cost ? Pond Installation cost by Size
The average pond installation cost of a pond is 2.50 and 7.15 dollar per square foot. Remember that installation cost is related to both surface area and depth. In that case, if the depth increases, the installation cost will also increase.
Pond Plant Prices
Aquatic plants increase the pond beauty and work for natural filtration. Here is a list of pond plant prices.
How much does it cost to build a pond?
The average cost of landscaping a garden with a pond can vary tremendously. But you can choose a pond starting from as little as a few hundred pounds (though by the time you add in some extras and typical features plus excavation it can easily cost a few thousand pounds or more depending on the size and style).
How deep should a pond be for a koi?
The first decision of many to make is the proposed depth of the pond, which will have a major impact on the final cost. If the pond is purely for decoration, then a water depth of 0.6 metres may be sufficient. For small decorative fish the depth should be around 1 metre and if Koi Carp or other large fish are being stocked in the pond then ...
What do tradespeople do for ponds?
The work that the tradesperson can include; digging the hole for the pond, applying underlaying (along with any other layering required to seal the pond), landscaping around the pond itself and any additional features that may be chosen - so the work can be quite varied.
How wide is a protective underlay for a pond liner?
Protective underlay is usually supplied in 2-metre-wide rolls and is easy to fit. You simply roll out the underlay around the pond contours with an overlap of at least 15-20cm.
Why are plants important in ponds?
Plants are an essential addition as they play an important role in maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem. Ammonia from fish waste is converted into nitrates which are then absorbed by the plants and foliage for improved water quality. Algae bloom is often caused by increased levels of nitrates in your water, so to avoid algae problems add some more plants.
How to prevent water from saturating pond?
Creating a small perimeter trench around the top area of the pond is always a good idea to prevent water from saturating the surrounding soil. This can be easily achieved by using flexible pond hose following the shape of the pond.
What to do if the ground is not level?
If the ground is not level then it will be necessary to make it level by building up the lower areas so that the water level is maintained, but this of course involves lots of extra backbreaking work (or additional time/costs if you are hiring someone to do the excavation for you).
How much does it cost to build a pond?
The first step to building a pond is to dig out the area. On average, digging up a pond is going to cost anywhere from $2 to $4 per cubic yard of material that has to be removed . Although it may seem odd, smaller ponds are often going to cost more than larger ponds because it will require smaller equipment.
What is the easiest pond to dig?
A simple rectangular pond will be the easiest to dig because it will involve a straight line and nothing else; however, if you were to want an oblong pond or one with a circular-like shape, then the costs could increase.
How long do pond liners last?
For starters, a permanent garden pond, for example, could be made from concrete or fiberglass. These liners , as long as they are installed properly, can last up to 50 years. Flexible liners, which are usually made of plastic, can last up to 20 years.
Why do people build ponds?
Other people, however, may want to fill the pond with different types of fish and use it for recreation . Another reason you may want a pond is to swim and enjoy the water.
What to plant in a pond?
Just like stocking fish, some pond owners opt to plant plants. Cattails, for instance, are well versed for shallow waters and can help improve the water quality as they grow. Lillies, on the other hand, can be easy to care and can work very well in tropical climates.
How much does a lake cost?
The larger the lake is, the more it is going to be, of course. As mentioned above, a lake that takes up an acre can cost upwards of $60,000. Aside from the size of the lake, the depth can play a crucial role as well. Talk with a professional in your area to see what they can do for your property.
How much does it cost to clear an acre?
The average acre can cost up to $6,000 just to clear the area. This will not even include the disposal fees. For the excavating costs alone, plan on spending upwards of $3,000 to $6,000 per acre. If the soil has to be removed from the property, additional disposal fees will be applied.
How much does it cost to dig a pond?
Digging a small pond costs between $2.50 and $7.15 per square foot. For a larger pond, excavation costs range from $1.50 to $3.50 per cubic yard.
How much does a pond cost?
While the average pond costs $3,150, prices depend on the type of pond. For example, koi and swimming designs require different materials to function correctly. The least expensive style is the small garden pond for $50 at the cheapest, while farm or fishing ponds can run upwards of $10,000 or more.
Why do people put ponds in their homes?
Lots of homeowners install one because it provides water for irrigation, livestock, and fish. Not only does this type of pond need to be large enough to provide enough liquid for the farm, but they also require a good amount of upkeep.
How much does a pond cost per acre?
Larger ponds are commonly priced per acre. If you plan on a project that is less than 10 acres, expect to pay between $3,000 and $8,200 per acre. Due to economies of scale, a body of water larger than 10 acres might only run from $1,000 to $5,000 per acre. Size. Average Cost.
What is the difference between a pond and a lake?
Interestingly enough, the difference between a lake and a pond is the depth of the water, not the surface area. Lakes have something called the aphotic zone, an area that sunlight can’t reach. When building a lake, you can expect much higher excavation costs to go that deep.
How much does it cost to build a swimming pond?
Swimming ponds cost $50 per square foot to build. Lots of homeowners like the benefits of natural swimming ponds because there are no chemicals and they are easy to maintain.
Why do fish ponds have different types of water?
Fish have different needs and water types they need to live, so there is the added expense of choosing the right liner, potentially a heating system , and chemicals to maintain this body of water.
How Much Does It Cost to Dig and Install a Pond Yourself?
If you did the job yourself, you can expect to pay between $250 to $2,500 for a day-long job building a small pond, which covers both equipment and materials costs. Considering the typical range is between two to four times that price, you could save a considerable amount of money doing the job yourself. However, this is generally a bad idea for this type of project for several reasons.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pond Per Square Foot?
It typically costs between $2.50 and $7.15 per square foot to dig a pond. The larger a pond is, the deeper you will also have to dig, and that means you'll need to do more excavation. As a result, as you increase the pond's size, the cost per square foot also increases.
How Big of a Pond Can I Get on My Budget?
You probably already have a budget in mind of what you’re willing to spend on a pond. Here’s what you can expect to get for each price level.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pond by Type?
There are several types of ponds to choose from, and they each have their own separate price tags. Here are four of the most common.
What should I consider when building a pond?
The most important thing to consider before building a pond is what kind you want. Do you just want a nice aesthetic feature, such as a koi pond, or do you want a large body of water that you can fish and swim in? Your ultimate purpose for the pond will determine what the ideal size is, as well as what extras you will need to install, and that will help you better to determine your final price tag.
How much does it cost to hire a landscape designer?
Hiring a landscape designer usually costs $50 to $150 an hour. They will recommend the kind of materials to use to better help plants and fish thrive. Landscape architects have more experience with long-term project management and design.
How much does a plastic liner cost?
Most cost only $50 to $500. Homeowners can purchase a small plastic liner from a hardware or garden store, or they can dig a hole and line it themselves. Some factors affecting price are size, depth and whether there are fish.
