Building a mid-sized backyard pond costs $3,680 to $14,500 per project. You can install a small garden pond starting at $800. Natural swimming pools cost up to $80,000. For vast man-made lakes and large farm ponds, construction prices range from $6,700 to $17,735 per acre. The cost to build a pond is $2.50 to $7.15 per square foot. Fish ponds should be 6 to 15 feet deep. Large Pond or Lake Costs Per Acre are $32,670. Annual Pond Maintenance & Cleaning Costs average $2,000.
Edging around a pond costs $1 to $15 per square foot. Statues cost $10 to $4,200. Pond bridges cost $85 to $1,600. In colder climates, a heater keeps the pond from freezing.
Excavation and Materials
Pond excavation costs $2.90 to $8.50 per square foot for small ponds. For large ponds it costs $1.60 to $4.7 per cubic yard. In small ponds, liners prevent leaking.
A koi pond costs $3,500 to $17,000 on average. Koi pond kits cost $550 to $6,100. You’ll need a plastic liner that is flexible and durable. More expensive liner materials are available.
Stocking and Maintenance
Obtaining a balanced predator to prey ratio is key to a healthy fishery. We recommend 100 bass to 500 sunfish per acre. Four feet of water prevents evaporation and predators.
Building a mid-sized backyard pond costs $3,680 to $14,500 per project, with a nationwide average of $7,400. For a larger-scale project, like a lake, expect to pay $3,000 to $8,200 per acre or more.
You can install a small pond DIY using a pond kit for about $800. Consider the following: Go for a small, pre-formed pond liner that is easy to install DIY. Use affordable edging such as pea gravel, mulch, or plants.
In Michigan, the cost to build a pond can be on the pricier side, ranging from $7,500 to $50,000 and higher.
If you dig a small pond yourself and stick to the basic materials, it can cost you five hundred dollars to build a pond.
First Steps in Pond Building
The first step to building a pond is to dig out the area. On average, digging up a pond is going to cost anywhere from $2 to $4 per cubic yard of material that has to be removed.
Does a fish pond increase property value?
A pond can increase the value of your property by 6 percent to 42 percent. In rural areas, a well-managed pond can increase property values five to 15 percent. However, an unkempt pond can deter buyers.
Many buyers think ponds boost curb appeal. While it’s difficult to measure a pond’s exact value, a property with one will likely sell for a higher price.
For maximum appeal, ensure proper maintenance. With the right location and upkeep, a pond boosts aesthetics and recreational opportunities, potentially raising a home’s asking price.