Pond installations cost between $1,200 and $9,000, but on average, ponds will cost around the $3,000 mark. It all depends on a few factors too—location, customizations, sizing, etc. It is not surprising why some people choose to build their own ponds instead of purchasing a custom one, given that an average sized koi pond can cost as much as $20,000, while a larger sized koi pond can run up to $60,000. A small waterfall pond on the other hand (or water garden) can cost between $5,000 to $8,000 and a large water garden can go as high as $15,000. Both give an aesthetic appeal to your property, so it just comes to budget and how big you would want your space for your pond to have. An artificial lake is cheaper than both, costing anywhere between $3,000 to $10,000 per acre or more if you want additional customizations. Ponds are big investments. It is important to factor in installation, landscaping, pond liners, customizations, edging material, cleaning services, and maintenance costs before making any hasty decisions.
Landscaping will cost anywhere from $350 to $10,000, depending on the size of your yard and who you hire for labor and working with large pieces of heavy machinery. Landscape covers much of the process like the design, sizing of land, and planting. Monthly landscaping maintenance will be about $100 to $200.
HDPE pond liner materials will cost about $0.62 per square foot and $90 for a 12x12 pond. These liners last very long and are mainly used for larger ponds or small lakes. RPE liners cost about $0.84 per square foot and $120 for a 12x12 pond. These liners are very flexible and plant safe and are mainly used for smaller ponds, or larger garden ponds.
With a little imagination, you can turn a muddy pond into a stunning work of art. Surrounding it with rocks, pebbles, and stones will give your pond that beautiful appeal. And if you are on a tight budget, hiring a professional will not be necessary—edging isn’t as difficult as it might seem and can be quite fun if you’re into decorating! You can also place plants, concrete, brick, and hardwood around it, giving the pond a very natural look. Edging material can cost between $1 to $15 per square foot.
Pond cleaning includes a number of steps: drainage, sediment removal, pump inspections, and refills. The duration of these tasks depends on the size and dirtiness of the pond, but typically it takes several hours to a few days. A small- pond cleaning can cost between $800-$1,000—a medium pond between $1,100-$1,500—and a larger pond between $1,600 and $2,000.
Adding customizations for a pond results anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000. Waterfalls and fountains are two popular features that people add to their pond for aesthetic appeal. This also includes hiring someone for installation, plumbing, and electrical work. A custom waterfall will cost between $5,000 to $8,000, while a custom waterfall over 30 inches will cost between $10,000 to $18,000. Fountains are great decorative pieces that really tie in your backyard pond’s overall look. The average cost of a fountain installation is between $1,200 and $15,000. Once again, this of course varies and depends on sizing and structure. Resin wall hanging fountains cost from $150 to $500. Concrete tier fountains cost from $250 to $1000, while resin tier fountains cost up to $500. Concrete wall fountains (larger types of structures) cost from $600 to $1,200 and up.
Pond Liner Expenses
Liners come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and materials. These costs will give you an idea of which liner you can use for your pond and which ones you may have to hold off on if you are trying to stay on a friendly budget. For a 12-by-12-foot pond, the average cost for this type of material installation is approximately $1,000. The lowest price would be around $250 and the highest can cost around $6,500 for fiberglass, while concrete meets in the middle at around $1,500 on average. Pond liners made from HDPE and RPE offer a flexible, durable solution for those who want to keep their ponds safe and secure, as well as being two affordable options. HDPE is known to be a cost-friendly lightweight and flexible material, which makes it such a popular choice. These liners can go from $60 to $120 and may cost $0.62 per square foot. Although this is the case, it is important to be aware of the maintenance expenses once you have installed your liner.
RPE liners are durable, flexible, fish and plant safe, and have a thick application. This type of liner is perfect for ponds, because of the strength it holds, giving it a long lasting effect. These types of liners can, at the largest size, can cost up to $120, and $0.75 per square foot. Even if large liners are more expensive, it is worth it, because RPE, like HDPE, lasts a very long time. You will also have to consider maintenance costs once you install your liner.
Permits
Before making the decision to build a pond, be aware that all of the water in Oregon belongs to the public until you have applied for a permit from the Water Resources Department. Applying for anything can be an annoying, lengthy process. Nonetheless, it is necessary to go forward with the pond process before starting anything else. There are four types of water right permit applications: Groundwater application, Surface Water application, and a Reservoir application. To use any type of water source in Oregon, you are required to apply until approval. Once approved, the applicant has rights to build their pond. However, the construction of the pond must be initiated within a certain amount of time or you may have to start all over again. Once the water source has been used upon approval–hiring a Water Rights Verifier to inspect how the water is being treated and where it has been placed is the next step.
