Cost to Build a Backyard Pond
Pond installation can be a costly decision for homeowners considering their backyard needs and the best way to spend money. For example, a pond in your yard might cost anywhere from $1,500-$5,000. A landscaper charges between 3-7 dollars per square foot so it is important that you know how much space you have before even inquiring about an estimate. The high-end price of installing a pond could range from $10,000 up to as high as $15,000 after adding all the needed features.
Have you ever had one of those days where the idea of escaping reality sounds appealing? A backyard pond is a great place to do just that. But before construction can begin, there are plenty of things to worry about! Is it going to cost way too much money? Well don’t fret; turns out building your own outdoor oasis doesn’t have an outrageous price tag after all. In fact, for a few thousand dollars (or less if you’re willing and able to do some of the work yourself) you could be living in serene bliss with nothing but fish swimming around. Follow this guide on everything from budgeting costs & understanding design styles so that someday you can enjoy some “me” time by your very own pond.
You might also like our articles about the cost of a swimming pool, a sauna, or a boat dock.
Pond Building Average Costs
A pond can make for a beautiful addition to your home. A shallow 4′ x 6′ or 6′ x 8′, professionally installed one might cost $2,000-$3,500 with excavation and liner included in the price. If you’re looking for a more DIY project then it could be cheaper costing only $500-$1,000 depending on the size of the pond. Larger pond prices depend on features and equipment so they start at around $5,000 and will only go up from there, easily reaching $15,000.
Spending time researching the pond option before you build not only will save money but also ensures that your new water feature is everything you hoped for.
When it comes to choosing a type of design, there are many factors to consider such as where it’s located and how much maintenance can be expected. One thing most people don’t realize when they’re designing their own backyard oasis: having live fish in a pond increases oxygen levels naturally while filtering pollutants from the water which helps create cleaner air quality. This may sound like something out of House Beautiful magazine; however, with some research, this could become part of every homeowner’s doable landscaping plan.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a guide geared more towards livestock, irrigation, and more.
Average Pond Installation Prices By Location:
| City or State | Zip Code | Average Price Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Statewide | $3,700 |
| North Carolina | Statewide | $2,900 |
| Los Angeles, CA | Statewide | $4,000 |
| New York City | Statewide | $3,100 |
| Philadelphia, PA | Statewide | $4,100 |
| Chicago, IL | Statewide | $2,200 |
| Houston, TX | Statewide | $2,300 |
Building a Pond: What’s Involved
There is no such thing as a “typical” pond, but there are some basic steps that go into the creation of anyone.
Excavation: Excavation is the first step in building a pond. A backhoe can quickly dig out an area for your new water feature. You could even rent a backhoe yourself to save time and money. You’ll also need some shovels if you don’t have access to this machine tool. Ponds are graded by size: small ponds hold up 500 gallons of water; medium ponds range from 500-1500 pounds capacity; large ones contain 1,500-3000+ gallon volume.
Liner: There are a lot of options when it comes to lining your pond, but the industry standard is 45 mil EPDM rubber. It’s lightweight and flexible while still being long-lasting and modestly priced at less than $1 per square foot. If you’re looking for something more durable that will cost less upfront then PVC may be an option as well; however, this material can crack if not installed properly or taken care of over time. For those who prefer preformed pond kits, there are plenty available too.
Materials used to line a pond include concrete, fiberglass, EPDM rubber (45mil), polyethylene plastic sheeting (6mm thick), polypropylene rope/netting
Equipment: Ponds can be a fun and relaxing place to spend your downtime. If you’re not quite sure where to start, consider the following equipment for your pond: filtration system, pump (depending on how it will be used), plumbing, drains–and if building a koi pond these should include skimmers, ultraviolet sanitizers, or heaters depending on climate; optional items are flow meters as well as landscaping rocks/plants like decking stones which may help with erosion control.
Other considerations: There are many considerations to take into account when building a pond. A well-designed, easy-to-maintain, and enjoyable one begins with having an idea of the space it will occupy as well as how its location on your property influences what type of water plant is best for you. You may be inclined to think that hiring someone else would save time but not if you don’t know anything about landscaping! So before choosing who builds out this plan, make sure they have architectural drawings in hand or at least experience designing ponds because then there’s no guessing game involved from start to finish.
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