How Much Will It Cost to Build a Pond? Everything You Need to Know

Having a pond in your own backyard is one of the best things you'll ever do. It’s such a joy to step into your backyard with a peaceful water feature, watching koi fish leisurely swim.

But you might be wondering: how much does it cost to build a pond? This guide will walk you through all the costs involved in building a pond, from planning to construction and maintenance. You will also learn all about budgeting and mistakes to avoid, so you can build your dream pond without any surprises.

Why Build a Backyard Pond?

A backyard pond is a peaceful oasis that introduces the beauty and tranquility of nature to your home. Introducing aquatic plants and fish like koi fish will turn your pond into a thriving ecosystem that attracts wildlife visitors.

The majority of homeowners find that having a backyard pond installed increases property value, in addition to beautifying their backyard and providing a relaxing spot for family relaxation.

Building a koi pond can be a rewarding experience with the beauty and joy of fish keeping. Koi ponds require specialized filters and pond liners for maintaining water cleanliness and fish health. 

Types of Ponds You Can Build

If you’re a complete beginner and wondering how to build a pond, you first need to decide which type of pond to build. Garden ponds and ornamental ponds are the most popular types as they are simple to create and maintain.

They usually feature aquatic plants that purify the water and provide the fish with areas to hide, making them the best choice for pond building beginners.

A backyard pond brings warmth and character to your yard area, whether you want a lovely turf border surrounding your pond or a more intricate water feature. 

If you prefer a more advanced pond, consider a koi pond, with colorful koi fish in a specially designed environment.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pond? The National Average Cost

We'll take a deeper look, but the national average cost to build a pond is usually between $5,000 and $12,000 for most residential ponds, depending on pond size, type, and options.

• Small backyard ponds with simple aquatic plants and minimum equipment can be as inexpensive as $1500, but larger backyard ponds or natural swimming ponds can cost over $80,000.
• Cost per square foot simplifies costs, allowing you to estimate the total cost based on the pond's size and design requirements.

What About Pond Installation Costs?

Pond installation costs range widely, depending on issues such as the level of excavation complexity, pond liner type, and other equipment for the pond, like filters, pumps, and aerators.

PVC pond liners, for example, cost between $ 0.30 per square foot. Bentonite can cost between $35 and $70 per cubic yard per ton or by application area, and also requires compaction and water for activation. All these add up to a substantial cost, so you will need to budget realistically for your backyard pond.

Larger ponds are cheaper per square foot, but the total cost to construct rises with pond size due to additional materials and labor scaling.

You will need more extensive excavation and high-quality pond liners to protect larger backyard ponds and fishing ponds, which can lead to increased costs. It's important to plan the pond size carefully to make your vision and budget compatible.

Factors That Affect Pond Construction Costs

Various factors can determine the overall cost of constructing a pond. The following are the most vital determinants to consider:

Pond Size and Depth

Pond size is one of the most crucial cost determinants when constructing a pond because it also determines excavation volume and materials needed.

You will need more material for the pond liner, more cubic yards to excavate, and larger pumps and filters for water quality in larger ponds.

Furthermore, deeper ponds demand heavier liners and stronger pond equipment to support aquatic plants and fish, so they might be more costly.

Pond Liner Type

A pond liner protects the water from seeping into the ground. Alternatives include PVC, EPDM rubber, and bentonite clay liners. Prices per square foot vary, and bentonite clay liners are more expensive but organic.

Soil Type

The price of excavation can be determined by the soil and ground, and is generally charged based on cubic yards. Hard soil increases the cost and complexity of excavation, as more powerful equipment and additional labor are required to penetrate through the harder material.

Sandy soil is less hard and will not be as expensive to excavate, but you may find yourself needing more soil stabilizers or geotextile fabric to prevent damage to the trench.

Labor costs differ depending on whether you hire pond contractors, specialty pond builders, or install a DIY pond kit.

It’s best to hire specialists with the skills and experience to do pond installations correctly, but that would mean extra costs.

What Are the Legal Requirements of Building a Pond?

Check Local Rules First

Before initiating your pond installation, it is essential to be aware of local permits and laws, as conditions vary based on factors such as pond size, depth, type, and geographic location. 

Smaller Projects Might Be Exempt

In certain locations, small backyard ponds or garden ponds of a specific size and depth can be installed permit-free, but larger ponds, natural swimming ponds, or ponds with dams typically require official permits.

Why Permits Are Important

Having permits in place ensures your pond construction project complies with environmental protection, zoning, and quality standards to avoid costly fines or construction delays.

Types of Permits

Pond construction permits typically consist of local permits, environmental permits, water right permits, and even wetland permits (if your pond will affect sensitive aquatic environments or bodies of water).

Special Cases for Larger Projects

For large artificial ponds near floodplains, streams, or wetlands, getting wetland permits or water obstruction permits may be necessary to help maintain fish habitat as well as water quality. 

For larger artificial lakes, dams, or farm ponds in the 25-foot and larger category, dam safety permits will typically be necessary to ensure the structural integrity and public safety of the pond development project. 

However, it's not just about pond length, but about dam height. In many states, any dam over 25 feet tall or impounding more than 15 acre-feet of water needs a permit (NRCS/State Water Boards).

What the Process Looks Like

You can begin the permit procedure by submitting detailed plans like pond size, depth, placement, soil, and possible environmental impacts to state or local regulatory agencies.

Anticipate Delays and Changes

The procedure may be quite lengthy and will include complying with all the regulatory requirements as well as taking care of aquatic plants and the health of the fish by making changes to your pond blueprint.

Seek Expert Help

Having the assistance of professional pond contractors or firms can make the process much easier, as they usually help with getting permits and making sure your pond installation is up to code.

Long-Term Benefits of Compliance

After the permit and regulation rules, your investment and the environment are also safeguarded, and your pond can enjoy long-term success. Complying maintains water health, enhances the fish environment, and avoids conflict with your neighbors or the authorities.

Breaking Down Pond Installation Cost by Pond Type

Different types of ponds are priced differently. Let us discuss the cost of installing different types of ponds:

• Small Garden Pond: These are smaller than 500 square feet and can cost between $800 and $5,000. They are ideal for beginners and can be home to aquatic plants and tiny fish.
• Backyard Pond: The average size of a backyard pond is between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet. A backyard pond will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on features.
• Koi Pond: Koi ponds have deeper, bigger ponds, professional filtration systems, and high-end pond liners. The price to build a koi pond ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
• Fishing Pond: Large fishing ponds are bigger and may include stocking fish and other pond accessories. Constructing a fishing pond ranges from $8,000 to $50,000, depending on size and installations.
• Farm Pond: Farm ponds are typically simpler and are used for livestock purposes or irrigation. Farm ponds may range from $7,000 to $10,000.
• Natural Swimming Pond: These types of ponds feature swimming areas with natural water filtration and aquatic plants. They cost more, from $50,000 to $80,000.

How Pond Size Determines Cost

Pond size is also one of the main things to consider in ascertaining how much it costs to build a pond. The expense will also be calculated by the cost per square foot. Pond liners and excavation, for example, are usually charged by square foot or cubic yard of ground being excavated.

For small ponds, the cost per square foot may be higher due to fixed costs such as labor and rental equipment. Large ponds benefit from economies of scale, so the cost per square foot decreases with a larger pond size. Larger ponds consume more material, so the overall cost increases.

Pond Liners: What Are Your Choices?

A good pond liner is an important element in building ponds. It keeps water from leaking into the earth and keeps your pond healthy. The top-selling ones are described below:

• PVC Liners: Cheap and flexible, PVC liners cost between $0.30 and $0.50 per square foot.
• EPDM Rubber Liners: More durable and flexible, EPDM liners cost between $0.70 and $1.50 per square foot.
• Bentonite Clay Liners: These liners swell when wet and cover the pond bottom. They are costlier, around $1 to $2 per square foot, but eco-friendly.
  

Excavation and Soil Type: What to Expect

Excavation plays a huge role in determining overall pond construction costs. Excavation cost per cubic yard will vary depending on the soil type. Rocky soils are more difficult to dig and can significantly increase costs. Sandy soil is easier to work with and may require more bracing.

Excavation will cost between $50 and $200 per hour, or $5 and $30, depending on soil and equipment, on average. Again, it varies with pond size, depth, and soil type.

Other Pond Equipment and Features

In addition to the essentials, accessories for your pond can add to your pond-building expense. Take these into account:

• Pond Pumps: Water circulation requirements dictate pump costs, which range between $50 and $500.
• Filters: Keep water clean and healthy for aquatic plants and fish, from $150 to $1,300.
• Pond Heater: Beneficial in chilly climates to heat the water, from $40 to $135.
• Pond Lighting: For appearance and safety, pond lighting can cost anywhere from $30–$100 for multiple units or $100–$400 for large or high-end lighting systems.
• Water Features: Pond fountains and waterfalls can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on complexity.

DIY Pond Kits Vs Professional Pond Installation Prices

DIY Pond Kits

Pond Kits provide a cost-effective means of creating your own pond, with DIY costs as low as $800. Pond pumps, liners, and occasionally filters come in pond kits, which are suitable for small ponds and beginner enthusiasts. A pond kit will save the expense of having a pond installed, but it is time-consuming and demanding in terms of installing it correctly.

Professional Pond Builders

Licensed professional pond installers bring equipment and expertise to handle challenging pond installation jobs, especially for large ponds or specialty pools like koi ponds and natural swimming pools.

Professionals increase the expense of pond installations but ensure high-quality installation and compliance with local building regulations. Professionals can help handle permitting and on-site inspection, reducing risks and surprise costs.

Do-It-Yourself Vs. Professional Installation 

The choice here depends on your budget, the size of the pond, and your desired pond features. Garden ponds and small ponds are often both suitable for DIY work, whereas bigger ponds and farm ponds usually need professionals. 

Your Pond Pros can serve both those who would prefer to do it themselves and those who want to have professional installation done. 

Planning Your Pond Construction Budget

You will have to create a budget for pond construction. Decide on the size of the pond you want and the style of pond you prefer. Then, find out the cost of pond equipment and liners per square foot. Don't forget to include excavation, labor, and landscaping enhancements.

It is a good idea to add a buffer of 10 to 20 percent for costs like rocky terrain or concealed power and telephone lines. If you plan to add aquatic plants or koi fish in the future, factor those costs in as well.

Maintaining Your Pond: How Much Does It Cost?

Pond upkeep costs can range from $800 to $2,500 annually, depending on pond size, equipment, and features. Maintaining your pond involves garbage removal, filter cleaning, water treatment, and care of aquatic plants and fish. High-quality liner and equipment will reduce maintenance costs and frequency.

Aquatic plants play an important role in water cleansing through nutrient uptake and oxygen supply. Aquatic plants serve as a natural shelter for fish and inhibit the growth of algae, thereby reducing the cost of maintaining the pond.

Water quality monitoring and routine pond keeping ensure fish are in good health, especially in koi ponds and fish ponds.

Seasonal Maintenance

These include cooling your pond in hot summers and using pond heaters in winter for the safety of fish and plants. Proper maintenance keeps your pond in its best shape and extends the lifespan of your pond equipment. Your Pond Pros offers maintenance materials and expert advice to simplify pond maintenance. 

What Size Pond Can You Get on Your Budget?

Before you start building the pond, it's nice to have an idea of what you can spend. What it costs to build your own pond depends largely on size, depth, and soil. Here is a rough breakdown of what it could cost.

From $800 to $2,000

This budget fits small ponds best, such as under 500 square feet. At this price, you’ll usually be completing a DIY setup using a basic pond kit. That includes a flexible liner, a small pump, and maybe some aquatic plants or a fountain. These decorative ponds work great in gardens and don’t need much space or upkeep.

From $2,000 to $5,000

A bit more money provides more space, up to 1,000 square feet of area. You can go deeper, which is better for the fish to inhabit. You'll also be receiving better-quality liners and pumps that move more water. Ponds in this range can still be built by homeowners, especially those who enjoy pond building as a hobby. If your land is loose, with sandy soils, it will be simpler to dig and save on labor.

From $5,000 to $10,000

You can now build deeper ponds or even a medium-sized man-made lake. This is the cost for ponds with good filtration, lighting, and adequate pond depth to support healthy fish, no matter what season. You can even incorporate a gorgeous turf strip along the perimeter or a stronger water feature, such as a waterfall. You should check carefully for any hidden underground utility lines before digging too deep.

From $10,000 and more

This is the cost for a huge artificial lake. These ponds go well beyond the basics. They can have wide, deep areas for fish, rock borders, bridges, or island features. Consider the soil type before starting; hard clay or rocky areas will immediately add to your total cost.

Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid

When people start building a pond, they usually focus on the fun aspects, such as fish, plants, and water features. But forgetting key cost factors can lead to headaches later. Here are a few common mistakes and how to sidestep them.

Skipping Permits

Even small ponds might need permits, especially if you're going beyond a certain pond depth. Not checking local rules can cost you later, especially for large artificial lakes or deeper ponds.

1. Skipping Permits

Even small ponds might need permits, especially if you're going beyond a certain pond depth. Not checking local rules can cost you later, especially for large artificial lakes or deeper ponds.

2. Underbudgeting for Equipment

Many forget that proper equipment, like filters and pumps, can get expensive fast. Trying to save here can lead to bad water flow or dirty water, which puts the habitats at risk. Good gear also helps keep the most popular fish species alive, especially if you're adding koi or goldfish.

3. Misjudging Soil Type 

Different soil types affect pond building. Sandy soils are usually easier and cheaper to dig through, while rocky or clay-heavy soil adds to both time and labour. This can throw off your whole DIY cost plan.

4. No Cost Buffer

Most ponds end up needing more than you expect; maybe you hit underground utility lines, or the pond needs to be deeper. Always add a 10–20% buffer to cover these surprise cost factors.

5. Going Cheap on Materials

A poor-quality liner may seem like a good way to cut costs, but it can tear or leak within a year. You’ll end up draining the pond and spending even more. Spending a bit more upfront saves long-term stress.

6. Forgetting Long-Term Upkeep

Keeping fish healthy means ongoing costs for food, cleaning, and water treatments. Even decorative ponds need regular checks to get rid of algae overgrowth or pump issues. Knowing your long-term costs now will help you stay on top of things later.

Just ensure to maintain it properly to prevent duckweed and algae overgrowth. If you already have this problem and were wondering how to get rid of duckweed in a pond, aerators and special pumps can help.

Why Choose Your Pond Pros for Your Pond Project?

At Your Pond Pros, we understand how much it costs to build a pond and the importance of good products and expert advice. We stock a range of pond liners, pumps, filters, and pond kits to fit every budget and pond size.

Our customers love our products because:

• They are durable and built to last.
• Simple to install, even for the home-tiling DIY pond builder.
• We provide professional services to guide you through your pond construction project.
• We're competitively priced.
• Many pond owners depend on us for ongoing pond care equipment.

Whatever size of fish pond you want in your garden, we provide all the materials you'll need to create a successful pond project.

Some Products You’ll Need

• Pond Liners: Choose our durable pond liners for your pond size and ensure long-lasting water retention.
• Pond Pumps: Our energy-efficient pond pumps keep your water circulating effortlessly, providing healthy aquatic plants and fish.
• Pond Filters: Get sparkling clear water with our long-lasting pond filters for every pond size and type.
• Pond Heaters: Protect your fish and aquatic plants from cold winters with our affordable and user-friendly pond heaters.
• Pond Kits: Begin quickly with our complete pond kits, which include all that you'll require for a lovely backyard pond.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Small Backyard Pond?

Small garden ponds generally cost between $800 and $5,000, depending on pond size and water features like aquatic plants and pond liners. Small garden ponds are a good choice for first-time pond owners with a small pond construction budget.

Can I Install a Pond Myself, or Do I Need a Professional?

Pond kits make DIY pond building accessible and affordable, but we recommend professional pond builders for larger or more complex pond construction projects to ensure quality and compliance.

Are Permits Required to Build a Pond?

Permit requirements vary by location, so it’s important to check with local authorities before starting pond installation to avoid fines or delays.

How Much Does Pond Maintenance Cost Each Year?

Pond maintenance typically costs between $800 and $2,500 per year, covering expenses such as cleaning, filter changes, water treatments, and aquatic plant maintenance.

Conclusion

Building a pond is an excellent way to enhance your backyard. Knowing how much it costs to build a pond will help you plan your project in the right way. Consider the pond size, pond liners, excavation, and other equipment costs per square foot to create an effective pond building budget.

At Your Pond Pros, we are committed to helping you every step of the way with high-quality products and seasoned advice.