[Rockworld]

How Much Does a Pond Cost?

One of the most important questions potential pond owners want to know when they call a company is: How much does a pond cost? Although this is a very difficult question to answer, I will try to do to explain some general guidelines you should consider.
The purchase of a pond is much like the purchase of a vehicle or even a home. With so many options available, price ranges can vary drastically. Just as a car can start around 20k with just a basic package, it can quickly cost over 40k once you adds such items as metallic paint, all-leather interior, automatic/manual, 4 doors versus two, upgraded wheels, built-in sat nav system, etc, etc. Considering that the average person sells or trades-in their vehicle within the first five years of purchase, why do so many people decide to get so many upgrades? The answer is because most people understand the importance of getting what they want the first time so as to not have any regrets later. Because most people spend over half an hour each day in their vehicles, they want to make sure their vehicle will provide them with comfort, quality, longevity, and ease of use. These same principles typically apply to a pond. Understanding that you are going to see your pond everyday for as long as you live in your home, as well as the fact that picking the right pond with the right options first time is critical as to ensure maximum enjoyment with minimum maintenance, most people decide to get the pond that will make them happiest in the long-run. Unfortunately, some people only focus on the initial price of the pond with the only goal of finding the "cheapest" contractor, therefore sacrificing low-maintenance, quality, warranty, and aesthetics, which inevitably leads to regret, especially considering that unlike a vehicle, a pond cannot be traded in if one is dissatisfied and disenchanted.
Now that you understand the vehicle analogy, I will list some of the most common options available in the purchase of a pond (in no particular order). An experienced pond installer/designer should be able to offer advice on all these options.
- Rock formations to pond from small rocks which are manageable by hand to large impressive rocks which require machinery to lift
- Perimeter edging (natural stone, brick, pebble etc)
- Coloured pond surface finishes (typically black, blue or clear)
- Stone/rock finished internal walls
- Pebbles for base of pond
- Low voltage lighting (halogen, led, coloured/colour changing)
- Filtration System (gravity , pressure, in pond) and sized for either no fish, standard fish or Koi
- Ultra Violet Clarification (UVC) (basic or self cleaning)
- Self cleaning filtration system
- Surface skimmers (in pond or side skimmers)
- Waterfall
- Stream
- Pre-formed ponds (different qualities and sizes)
- Pond vacuums cleaner
- Pipework (correct size and type essential)
- Drainage system (to drain or soak pit typically)
- Overflow system (to drain or soak pit typically)
- Water level control (none, ballcock, electronic/automatic, anti-waving)
- Inground and above ground pond
- Oxygenators
- Gushing nozzles/decorative nozzles
- Stepping stones across pond
- Safety grid
- Liner (pvc, rubber, different thickness's available)
- Anti-crack concrete (always sealed)
- Fibreglass/gel coat finish
- Sloped edge, planting zones
- Depth of pond
- Energy efficient pump
- Pump type and guarantee (1 year to 5 year)
- Switching of electrical circuits (remote control, from house, from garden)
- Planting in pond and around pond
As you can see, there are many options available, and when someone receives a quote from a company, they should thoroughly examine each option in order to educate themselves on the benefits of each option and to identify its overall importance to the success of their project.
When an inquiry is made as to how much a ponds costs, extent of installation is a key factor. What I mean by this is that the installation company should be able to offer the options of design only, materials only or a turnkey package of design and build. When considering a design or installation option check if the company have their own insurance (otherwise consider arranging your own insurance to cover installation). When considering materials for your pond check how long the guarantee lasts and if anything goes wrong with equipment who do you deal with to get a repair/replacement.

[Neptune of the Seas]

hi rockword,what is a side skimmer. neptune

[kindredspirit]

Very, very informative post, Rockworld. Thanks.

[Rockworld Water Features]

[James Kilkelly]

Thanks for this Rockworld.
A lot to take in, but it will allow people be better prepared for what they may face when thinking about installing a water feature.

[Rockworld Water Features]

Thanks James
I agree when one see's a list like above, it can be a bit daunting.

From a potential pond owners point of view the main points to consider are;
1. Location--where will my pond look best, will I be able to see it from my kitchen/lounge/sunroom or patio area.
2. Size--how big do I want my pond
3. Style-- natural pond or formal pond
4. Shape---circular, kidney shaped, oval, rectangular etc
5. Waterfall/cascading stream--not required but can add to the visuals especially if the water drop points are illuminated
6. Fish/plants --many sucessfull ponds do not have these and can still look fantastic
7. Sound--Do you want to here the sound of flowing water


The above are the basics, after that the other points mentioned previously may be considered.
A great starting point is to mark the area where you would like the pond (use a garden hose to form shape), sit back and think about it. If the shape and size are not right then try again, but dont rush.
When it comes to cost, naturally the larger the pond the more expensive.

[kindredspirit]

[vulkan]

Whilst I agree with rockworld's marvellous post I would like to mention that a pond is NOT a water feature and it is NOT a fountain. All three are different.

Quick definition


Pond

Body of water for decorative purposes, with or without wildlife.




Waterfeature

Object that emits water which it then runs down / over into a sump etc




Fountain

Water is projected upwards, it then falls down into a sump etc





Each in turn has its own variants.

[Rockworld Water Features]