How much does a water fountain or waterfall cost?
How much does a water fountain or waterfall cost?
$1,500 – $8,800 Average total cost
Water fountain cost
A water fountain costs $1,500 to $8,800 installed on average. Water fountain prices are $40 to $6,000+, depending on the material, size, and type. Waterfall installation costs $2,000 to $8,800 for labor and materials for a pool waterfall or $3,000 to $11,000 for a pondless waterfall feature.
| Type | Size | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small rock fountain | 3 square feet | $200 – $700 |
| Medium rock fountain | 4 – 12 square feet | $500 – $1,800 |
| Large rock fountain | 12 – 20+ square feet | $800 – $5,500 |
| Small concrete fountain | 34” diameter or less | $250 – $1,300 |
| Medium concrete fountain | 35” – 60” diameter | $900 – $2,500 |
| Large concrete fountain | 60” – 100” diameter | $2,700 – $11,000 |
| Disappearing fountain / fountainscape | 5 – 100+ square feet | $2,800 – $9,700 |
| Pondless waterfall | 100+ square feet | $3,000 – $11,000 |
| Pool waterfall (sheet falls / faux rock / Rico Rock) | 2 – 4 feet high Variable width | $2,000 – $8,800 |
| Pool grotto | 3 – 6+ feet high 10 – 12+ feet long | $7,500 – $40,000 |
Average cost to install a water fountain or waterfall
The following table shows the average cost to install a water fountain or waterfall.
| National Average Cost | $5,100 |
| Minimum Cost | $50 |
| Maximum Cost | $40,000 |
| Average Range | $1,500 to $8,800 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Water feature cost by type
Water features cost $40 to $6,000+, depending on the size and type. Smaller models are typically DIY-friendly, while larger, heavier fountains or waterfalls integrated into an outdoor feature may require professional installation.
| Type | Average fountain cost* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bird bath fountain | $40 – $1,300 |
|
| Disappearing fountain kit | $450 – $2,100 |
|
| Fire and water fountain | $500 – $5,200 |
|
| Floating fountain | $150 – $1,700 |
|
| Freestanding wall fountain | $600 – $2,400 |
|
| Hanging wall fountain | $150 – $850 |
|
| Pedestal tier fountain | $100 – $1,500 |
|
| Pondless waterfall kit | $600 – $1,400 |
|
| Precast stone / concrete fountain | $200 – $6,000 |
|
| Small sheet fall (up to 12") | $50 – $250 |
|
| Large sheet fall (30" – 120") | $200 – $1,400 |
|
| Solar water fountain | $100 – $600 |
|
| Spanish tier fountain | $300 – $2,000 |
|
| Spouting water fountain | $90 – $2,700 |
|
*Not including installation.
Pond or swimming pool waterfall cost
A pond or swimming pool waterfall costs $2,000 to $8,800 installed on average. Waterfall styles include natural-looking falls cascading from imperfectly shaped rocks or modern designs with sleek water sheets falling from straight-edged spillways.
Building an inground swimming pool costs $25,000 to $100,000.
Professional pond installation costs $2,900 to $15,600, depending on the size and design.
Pool grotto cost
Installing a pool grotto costs $7,500 to $40,000 on average, including labor. Basic loveseat grottos fall at the low end of the price range. Large, elaborate grottos with extra features are the costliest.
A grotto is a cave-like structure with built-in seating and a waterfall or slide.
Faux rock or Rico Rock water feature cost
Faux rock or Rico Rock water features cost $1,000 to $8,400 for the material alone, depending on the size. Rico rock is fiber-reinforced concrete molded to look and feel like natural rock.
Small, modular faux rock structures are DIY-friendly. Hire a certified installer for large, complex designs.
Pre-made waterfall kit prices
Premade kit prices depend on the type:
Pre-made waterfall kit prices are $400 to $1,500+, depending on the size and features, and come with all the components to construct a pond-free waterfall.
Disappearing fountain kits cost $450 to $2,100 and include one or more fountains and all the parts needed for a "fountainscape" water feature.
Self-contained fountain kits cost $90 to $600+ and have a built-in reservoir, providing easier DIY install with no digging or extra plumbing required.
Consider hiring a pro for fountains over 150 pounds.
Pondless waterfall costs
A pondless waterfall costs $3,000 to $11,000 on average installed, depending on the size and design complexity. Pondless waterfalls recirculate water from an underground basin—typically covered with gravel and rocks—up and through a spillway at the top.
Disappearing fountains or fountainscapes cost $2,800 to $9,700 installed. Disappearing fountains use the same in-ground reservoir setup as pondless waterfalls, but water flows out of one or more stone spheres, urns, spillway bowls, or basalt columns.
Pondless waterfall and disappearing fountain benefits include:
Safe for children and pets
Requires less space than a pond
Low maintenance
Energy-efficient
Water fountain installation cost factors
| Item | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Fountain | $40 – $6,000 |
| Excavation / grading | $250 – $1,600 |
| Labor cost | $300 – $1,300+ |
Factors affecting the installation cost include:
Size / type – Installing a waterfall or fountain feature requiring an in-ground basin requires more labor than a freestanding, self-contained water fountain. Small, indoor, tabletop fountains cost less than large, elaborate, outdoor fountains and require no professional installation.
Custom vs pre-made – Pre-made fountains costs less than custom designs of the same size.
Material – Plastic, fiberglass, and ceramic fountains fall at the low end of the price range. Glass, marble, and copper fountains cost the most.
Weight – Heavy materials like concrete, stone, and marble may require additional transportation and labor fees.
Number of fountains / pumps – Multiple fountain water features may require more than one pump, increasing material and installation costs.
Add-ons – LED or extra spotlighting adds $400 to $1,400 when professionally installed. An auto-fill valve adds $300 to $600+ to the installation cost.
Solar power – A solar-powered water fountain pump requires less installation labor and reduces the fountain's operating costs.
Geographical location – Labor rates are typically higher in major metropolitan areas than in small towns.
Labor – Installers charge $50 to $150 per hour on average. The amount of labor required depends on the water feature size and type.
Location in yard – The fountain's distance from the house or water and power source affects the level of plumbing or electrical work required.
Prep work – Land leveling costs $500 to $1,000 for a small yard or patio. Excavation costs $2.50 to $15.00 per cubic yard.
Water source – Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour to run a water line for a fountain. Self-contained fountains and pondless waterfalls do not require a continuous water source unless installed with an auto-fill valve.
Power source – Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour plus a $75 call-out fee to run an electrical line to a fountain. Most fountains require a 110V or 120V electrical outlet.
Landscaping – Landscaping contractors charge $4 to $12 per square foot to install landscaping around an outdoor fountain.
Water fountain material prices
| Material | Average price* |
|---|---|
| Ceramic | $60 – $1,900 |
| Concrete | $250 – $2,400 |
| Copper | $700 – $10,000 |
| Fiberglass | $90 – $1,600 |
| Glass | $450 – $8,800 |
| Marble | $750 – $5,100 |
| Plastic / resin | $50 – $1,800 |
| Rock / stone | $150 – $2,900 |
*Not including installation.
Indoor vs. outdoor water fountain costs
Outdoor water fountains typically cost more to install and maintain than indoor fountains. Indoor fountains are typically smaller and plug-and-play. Installing an outdoor fountain may require digging, leveling, plumbing, and electrical work.
Water fountain FAQs
How long does it take to install a water fountain?
Installing a water fountain takes 2 hours to 5+ days, depending on the crew size, fountain size, and design complexity.
A freestanding fountain takes 2 to 4 hours to install on average.
Installing a pool grotto or a multiple-fountain water feature takes 1 to 5+ days.
Does adding a water fountain increase the value of my home?
Adding a water fountain may increase a home's value if correctly installed and well-maintained. However, water features add maintenance needs, which may turn off some buyers. Fountains are most likely to increase home value in upscale areas where high-maintenance landscaping is common.
Should I leave my water fountain on all the time?
Yes, leaving your water fountain on all the time is best in most cases. Running the fountain continuously extends the pump's life, prevents algae growth, and reduces mineral buildup. Turn off the fountain when cleaning it or going out of town.
Experts recommend turning off concrete fountains in winter, even if the concrete is sealed.
Getting quotes for water fountain installation
Before hiring a fountain installer, be sure to:
Get referrals from friends or neighbors.
Confirm the contractor or installation company is licensed and insured.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get at least 3 to 4 quotes to compare.
Ask for references with contact information.
Beware of selecting the lowest quote as it may indicate poor quality.
Questions to ask
Do you charge a design consultation fee?
Are you license and insured?
What experience do you have installing fountains or waterfalls?
Who will supervise the installation?
How much maintenance is required after installation?
How much sound will the fountain or waterfall produce?
Should I leave the fountain on year-round?
Is the fountain self-contained or does it require an external water source?