Most ponds cost between $2.50 and $7.15 per square foot, but surface area is not always the only cost factor. Otherwise, one of the most important costs will be for the fish themselves and their food. An electrical system like a generator, filter, and heater keeps the water and heat moving. Depending on the climate, you might also need a heating system for winter. The fish need to live in an area that is at least 3 feet deep. These are special bodies of water that require more setup and maintenance. The cost to build a koi pond spans from $450 to $5,500.
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. Fishing ponds have some of the most variety since different types of fish require different environments. Fish Pond PriceĪ standard fishing pond costs between $1,500 and $9,000. When building a lake, you can expect much higher excavation costs to go that deep. Lakes have something called the aphotic zone, an area that sunlight can’t reach. Interestingly enough, the difference between a lake and a pond is the depth of the water, not the surface area. Lake Construction Costsīecause lakes vary so drastically in size, you could pay anywhere from $1,000 to $8,200 per acre. Be sure to check with your neighborhood codes or HOA before beginning, or call a pond installer near you for more details. Backyard Pond CostĪ backyard pond could cost $50 for a simple garden design and up to $5,160 for a complex, larger body of water. 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. Lots of homeowners install one because it provides water for irrigation, livestock, and fish. Cost of Building a Farm Pondįarm ponds or lakes have many uses and cost roughly $2,000 to $10,000. Because homeowners have more freedom with this body of water, the main cost factors include the type of liner, amount of labor and the overall size. Manmade ponds don't have a standard size or shape and therefore cost anywhere between $100 and $5,000 or more. Lots of homeowners like the benefits of natural swimming ponds because there are no chemicals and they are easy to maintain. Swimming ponds cost $50 per square foot to build. If that’s the case, it’s good to note that leveling land costs $1,940 on average. Excavators usually include land grading in their rates but certain projects might call for more technical grading and equipment. Some excavators might charge for pond digging based on time, which spans from $120 to $150 per hour. For a larger pond, excavation costs range from $1.50 to $3.50 per cubic yard. Excavationĭigging a small pond costs between $2.50 and $7.15 per square foot. Since you’re taking out more dirt and digging deeper, you might receive a per cubic yard quote. Bigger projects not only cover more surface area, but also tend to go deeper.
These projects are often quoted in a per square foot cost. Smaller bodies of water are fairly shallow (between 2 to 3 feet deep) and don’t require nearly as much digging. The differences in pricing depend on size. You should choose to install your pond on a flat, low-lying spot on your property because installation will be less expensive than if you have to clear vegetation or level earth. Not all areas are suitable for building a pond. Find hiring guides, material costs, expert advice, how-to's and more.