How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pond?
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Size, type, and location can affect pond costs—so how much does it cost to build a pond? The typical range is from $1,220 to $5,552, with the national average cost at $3,346.
Highlights
- The cost to add a pond ranges from $1,220 to $5,552, with homeowners across the country paying an average of $3,346.
- Some of the biggest factors that influence the final cost include the size and location of the pond, the liner material, the pump and filter types, and the cost of labor.
- Building a pond comes with numerous benefits, including water conservation, carbon sequestration, local wildlife support, fewer mowing requirements, and energy efficiency.
- A handy homeowner may have the skills to build a pond on their own, but many homeowners prefer to leave the work to a professional to ensure the project is completed thoroughly.
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Water, which is scientifically proven to help people feel calmer, provides an alluring and tranquil addition to a property. Ponds are a wonderful water feature to add to a yard so residents and their visitors can enjoy the sights and sound of nature. There are numerous types of ponds to choose from depending on goals, space, and budget. It can be a small above-ground pond made from an upcycled barrel to add personality to a garden. For those who like fish, a soothing koi pond or fishing pond is a good choice. It is even possible to build a large artificial lake or natural swimming pond to enjoy swimming and other recreation right at home.
With so many different types of ponds, installation details vary as well. On the one hand, installing a small pond with a kit could be a quick weekend DIY project that costs under $1,000. On the other hand, hiring a company to construct a large, elaborate pond with landscaping could take weeks and cost tens of thousands of dollars. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the typical cost range to build a pond falls between $1,220 and $5,552, with a national average cost of $3,346. This guide will explore the various factors that contribute to the total cost of building a pond, the types of backyard ponds, and tips on saving money and hiring a professional.
Factors in Calculating the Cost to Build a Pond
There are many factors at play to determine the cost of a stunning backyard pond that can bring endless hours of joy and relaxation to homeowners. Pond size, capacity, type, and location all impact the cost of the project. Plus, there are additional fees like for the liner, pump, filter, and labor that will also drive up the budget needed to create the dream pond. It is important that homeowners consider all these factors when embarking on a new pond construction project.
Pond Size
Size is the primary factor that drives the price of a pond project. While size is not the only consideration, it is significant, since it affects the amount and type of materials needed for lining, landscaping, and stocking the pond. It also impacts the time, labor, and equipment required to excavate the land and construct the pond. The larger the pond, the deeper the land that must be dug out and the more dirt that must be removed and hauled out.
The average cost to build a pond is $40 to $60 per square foot for small to medium ponds. Ironically, smaller ponds tend to cost more per square foot to make. This is because it is like buying in bulk: The more square feet the pond has, the lower the cost per square foot. The average 1-acre pond cost to build an artificial lake, farm pond, or fish pond is $1,400 to $4,800 per acre.
The following prices provide a good range of what to expect based on the size of the pond.
| Pond Size | Average Cost (Including Installation) |
| 4 feet by 6 feet | $3,500 to $5,000 |
| 6 feet by 8 feet | $7,500 to $10,000 |
| 8 feet by 11 feet | $12,000 to $16,000 |
| 11 feet by 16 feet | $13,000 to $25,000 |
| 16 feet by 21 feet | $25,000 to $35,000 |
| 26 feet by 26 feet | $35,000 to $50,000 |
Pond Capacity
The installer or landscaper might quote the project based on the capacity or volume of the pond, which is calculated using the width, length, and depth of the pond. This is helpful information, because knowing the volume also gives a sense of the number of gallons needed to fill a pond of that size; the pump capacity to recirculate the water properly; the power consumption needed; and any maintenance costs pertaining to pumps, power usage, and the liner. The following table shows the average cost of a pond per capacity size in gallons.
| Pond Capacity | Average Cost (Including Installation) |
| 360 gallons | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| 720 gallons | $7,500 to $10,000 |
| 1,300 gallons | $12,000 to $16,000 |
| 2,600 gallons | $13,000 to $25,000 |
| 5,000 gallons | $25,000 to $35,000 |
| 10,000 gallons | $35,000 to $50,000 |
Pond Type
The type of pond a homeowner decides to install can greatly influence how much the project will cost, even if the pond types being considered are the same size. Fishing ponds, for example, will cost more than simple backyard garden ponds even if they are the same size. Fishing ponds will also need to be stocked, which adds to the overall cost. The various types of ponds and their average costs are discussed in a section below.
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Liner Material
The liner is a key component of an artificial pond to ensure the water does not leak out. Without it, the pond could not exist. That is why it is important for a homeowner to choose the best pond liner possible. This can be tricky, however, since there are so many options available at varying price points.
Flexible liners are made of thin materials that can be cut down to fit the exact size and shape of the pond and even add features like extra pumps and filters. They are inexpensive but require more work to carefully plan out how they will be cut prior to installation. The most common flexible liners include high-density polyethylene (HDPE) at $0.30 to $0.70 per square foot, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) at $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot, reinforced polyethylene (RPE) at $0.45 to $1.65 per square foot, and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber at $0.65 to $2.30 per square foot.
Another option is to use a preformed drop-in pond liner made from a firmer material that is already shaped and ready to go. That means the size and shape of the pond are dictated by the liner itself. Although these are pricier, they are easier to install and require less thought and preparation work. An HDPE (high-density polyethylene) liner is the most affordable at $3.40 to $7.40 per square foot, while a premium fiberglass preformed pond liner costs $10 to $80 per square foot.
Finally, active liners, such as bentonite or concrete, can also be used. Bentonite clay ($1.05 to $2.50 per square foot) works well in large fish ponds to keep them looking natural, while concrete ($64 to $114 per square foot) is preferred for swimming pools and raised koi fish ponds.
Soil Type
The type of soil and terrain on a property can impact the price of constructing a pond. Since steep terrain and rugged land make digging harder, both result in higher prices. Loose soil can also lead to additional cost, since slopes need to be reinforced after excavation, which tends to be a complicated process.
Pump and Filter
A pond can be even more mesmerizing if the water trickles, bubbles, or sprays. Adding one of the best pond pumps helps recirculate the water and can create these effects. A pump and filter have a practical purpose as well: to oxygenate the plants so they can flourish, help fish live more comfortably, and remove algae and debris to keep the water clean. Pump prices range from $50 to $500, while filters cost from $150 to $1,300.Prices for both pumps and filters vary depending on their size and type. Pumps are sized to the number of gallons, so a 6-foot by 8-foot pond needs a pump sized at about 500 GPH (number of gallons circulated per hour) or larger. There are submersible pumps that sit below the waterline and nonsubmersible ones that are more energy-efficient and recommended for ponds with more than 1,000 gallons of water. It is best to pair the filter with the appropriate type of pump and make sure the size matches the amount of water in the pond. An external pump works with an external filter, and a submersible filter is used with an underwater pump.
Excavation
Excavation is one of the firsts steps in building a backyard oasis and involves clearing the land and digging a pond. It costs $120 to $265 per hour, on average, to clear the land of boulders, rocks, stumps, bushes, and trees that are in the way. Homeowners may want to make sure to keep any boulders and rocks in good shape to use later for landscaping.Of course, the more that needs to be cleared, the higher the cost. Trees are especially difficult to remove, since the roots have to be dug out completely. If there are a lot of trees in the area, then it can cost up to $6,000 to clear the land for a backyard 1-acre pond.
To dig out the pond, the soil needs to be removed from the base and then hauled away. Small ponds can be dug out by hand with a shovel, which costs about $2.50 to $7.50 a square foot for the labor. Larger ponds require a pro with special equipment to excavate the land properly and efficiently. Homeowners can expect to pay between $60 and $200 per cubic yard or between $55 and $150 per hour for larger ponds. Finally, the excess dirt that was removed needs to be hauled away from the property, which adds another $105 to $175 per cubic yard of dirt to the pond construction cost. However, some homeowners save money on this step by reusing the soil to build a beach for the pond or spreading it out in other places throughout the property.
Pond Location
Choosing the best place for the pond is critical to ensure that it thrives and that unexpected costs do not arise. An ideal spot is in a flat, low-lying area with minimal vegetation, boulders, or other obstacles. Otherwise, it can get costly to clear or level the land. It is best to avoid building a pond where an accidental leak could damage a nearby structure, such as a shed or house. Also, it is important for the pond to be in a spot that gets a mixture of both sun and shade without being too close to trees, since digging near the root system can damage a tree. Finally, the pond will need electricity for features like the pump, filter, and lighting, so it needs to be close enough to the home to run the wires safely.
Labor
The labor involved in building a backyard pond includes excavating the land, installing the liner, adding equipment like a pump and filter, and working on water features. Labor rates, which can affect the cost of a pond project, can vary by location and company. More experienced companies in high demand often have higher prices than other options. The most important thing to remember is that the labor costs for a backyard pond can vary depending on the details of the specific project. Size, depth, type of pond, customizations, and other factors can shift labor rates. Professionals can charge as little as $500 for a very small pond with no landscaping to upwards of $12,000 for larger, more complex ponds. Hourly labor rates are usually $50 to $200.
Geographic Location
Where someone lives plays a role in the cost of building and maintaining a pond. The price depends on the cost of living, labor rates, and resources in a particular location. Prices are typically higher in more expensive states like California and New York but lower in more rural areas. The following table provides a sense of pond installation cost by city.
| City | Average Pond Installation Cost |
| Atlanta | $2,400 |
| Dallas | $2,900 |
| Kansas City | $2,000 |
| Philadelphia | $3,600 |
| San Francisco | $3,800 |
Additional Costs and Considerations
Besides the basics to building a backyard pond, there are several additional costs that can pop up. It is helpful for homeowners to be aware of these factors, such as costs involved with getting permits, stocking the pond, landscaping, and performing ongoing maintenance. There are also lots of choices to make with regard to enhancements to the pond, such as waterfalls, fountains, and lighting, that can raise the overall price of the project. By being aware of these hidden costs, homeowners can avoid sticker shock.
Permits
In most areas, permits are necessary to start a pond excavation project. A permit can cost between $150 and $485. Homeowners are advised to check with the homeowners association, municipality, or a professional pond landscaper for details about whether a permit is necessary. The factors that could determine if a permit is necessary include the size of the project, depth of the pond, existence of a natural water source being used for the pond, and any chemical treatments that are planned.
Stocking
One of the best parts of having a pond is stocking it with plants, fish, and other animals to bring life to this serene space. Pond plants not only beautify the area but also improve water quality, control algae, oxygenate the water, create a balanced ecosystem, and shelter fish from predators. There are four types of pond plants—submerged, floating, emergent, and shoreline—and they range in price from $4 to $55 per plant. Some popular choices include water lettuce, irises, cattails, water lilies, and lotuses.
Stocking the pond with fish can be challenging, since the options are endless. Each fish can cost anywhere from $0.25 for an inexpensive fish like a goldfish to as high as $25 for an expensive variety like a koi fish. Other types of common pond fish include trout, catfish, black moor, and bass. The total cost depends on the type of fish and the size and goals of the pond. For example, hundreds of fish are needed to stock a large fishing pond or lake, costing $500 to $1,000 per acre. To add animals besides fish to a pond, homeowners can plan on paying between $2.60 and $200 per animal, since there is a wide range to choose from, such as frogs, turtles, dragonflies, snails, and newts. The following table lists some of the average costs for different types of fish that are ideally suited for pond life.
| Type of Fish | Average Cost (Per Fish) |
| Bass | $1 to $3.30 |
| Black crappie | $1.40 to $3.80 |
| Blackmoor | $7.20 to $18.50 |
| Bluegill | $0.60 to $1.70 |
| Catfish | $0.70 to $1.70 |
| Goldfish | $1.30 to $6.90 |
| Koi fish | $15 to $55 |
Homeowners can ask their landscaper to advise them on which wildlife would be best to share a habitat with the fish in the pond.
Landscaping
On top of the fees to excavate the land and build the pond, there are landscaping costs that should be factored into the total project. Landscaping rates will vary depending on the size of the area, labor, materials, and complexity of the job. Landscape designers charge between $50 and $150 per hour or 10 percent to 20 percent of the total cost of the project. Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000 for the landscaping around a pond.
Some of the landscaping features to add to the pond include plants, rockery, pond edging, and material for the bottom of the pond. Ranging from $12 to $33 per linear foot, pond edging helps define the shape and style of the pond. It can be made from river rock, pebbles, gravel, bricks, pavers, wood, or mulch. Boulders and pea gravel are common choices for covering the bottom of the pond. Pea gravel costs $10 to $50 per ton, and boulders are $100 to $385 per ton. Finally, there are many types of pond plants to choose from, with various price points in the range of $3 to $45 per plant. These include bog plants, floating aquatic plants, marginal pond plants, emergent plants, and submerged pond plants.
Customizations
A simple pond is soothing, but there are many special customizations to choose from to make it even more appealing. Adding edging around a pond costs between $1 and $15 per square foot; it costs less for concrete and more for stone. Next, all kinds of statues can be purchased for anywhere from $10 to as much as $4,200 to create a certain aesthetic.Adding a charming pond bridge runs about $85 to $1,600, depending on material, size, and design.For those living in colder climates, a heater may be necessary to keep the pond from freezing. A heater costs from $25 to $340. Underwater lighting is also an appealing feature to draw attention to a pond, with a typical cost between $100 and $400 per fixture. Finally, many people dream of having a waterfall or fountain in their yard. One can easily be incorporated into the pond design with an investment of $855 to $4,465 for a waterfall and $2,750 to $15,000 for a fountain. With so many relaxing pond waterfall ideas, homeowners will be sure to have a great time picking out their favorite.
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