Building a pond costs $2.50 to $9.00 per square foot or $2,900 to $15,600 on average for labor and materials. Prices for larger ponds range from $1.50 to $4.00 per cubic yard. A 10-acre lake costs $1,200 to $6,800 per acre to build. The cost to install a pond smaller than 10 acres is $3,000 to $15,000 per acre.

Smaller backyard ponds sometimes cost more than large farm or fishing ponds due to their characteristics:

• Small ponds often have more complex layouts and decorative water features like cascading waterfalls, aquatic plants, and fountains.
• Most larger ponds have simple design, minimal landscaping, and no liner or a natural clay liner.

A well-maintained, properly designed pond can increase a home's value by 5% to 10%, though the increase varies depending on the condition, size, and location. Ponds in warm climates that offer year-round enjoyment typically have the greatest positive impact. A neglected, overgrown pond that needs a lot of work may decrease a home's value.

It takes 1 day to over a month to build a pond. Many factors affect the project timeline, such as the pond size, design complexity, crew size, equipment, weather, and installer experience. A typical small to medium size backyard pond takes 2 to 5 days on average for professional installation.

To build a pond, you need the following essentials:

• A shovel or equipment to dig the pond
• A liner to keep the water from seeping into the ground
• Large or heavy rocks to conceal and secure the liner around the edge of the pond
• A pump to move the water through a filter
• A filter and skimmer to remove debris from the water
• A GFCI electrical outlet at least 10' from the pond

Popular additions for a backyard pond include:

• An underlayment protects the liner from punctures and extends its lifespan.
• A bottom drain removes debris from the floor of the pond, which reduces maintenance and makes draining the pond easier.
• Pond plants offer an aesthetic element and natural water filtration.
• Lighting allows more visibility for fish and wildlife activity as well as improving overall safety.
• A waterfall provides aeration in an attractive, eye-catching feature.

Building a pond may require a permit, depending on the size, location, and terrain. Check with local building authorities, zoning office, and HOA for the guidelines, requirements, and restrictions in your area.

Pond removal cost depends on the size, type, and location. A water removal pump costs $50 to $150+. Topsoil costs $5 to $50 per cubic yard for the dirt and $200 to $400+ on average for delivery and spreading. Before draining or removing a pond, be sure to review all local laws and regulations. Large bodies of water are often regulated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Consider these additional costs when removing a pond:

• Relocating fish and wildlife adds time and labor.
• You may need a jack hammer to remove a large stone or concrete liner.
• Pond removals that affect public land or a public water source typically require a permit.

Pond contractors or installers have specialized expertise to properly construct a pond and healthy ecosystem. Some landscapers can also install ponds. DIY is possible for some small ponds, depending on the site conditions.

Whether you can have a backyard pond depends on location, soil, elevation, size, environmental impact, and regulations. Most areas restrict building ponds too close to creeks, rivers, or streams. Consult local building authorities as well as your local National Resources Conservation Service (NRSC) extension to see if your property can support a pond.

Call 8-1-1 before digging to avoid underground utility lines.

Before hiring a pond installer, be sure to:

• Ask for referrals from local friends or neighbors who have ponds.
• Check pond builder profiles and reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Ask for references and contact them for feedback.
• Get 3+ detailed estimates with similar details to compare.
• Check with the local USDA National Resource Conservation Service extension office to see if grants apply for runoff prevention.
• Avoid hiring the contractor with the lowest bid, as quality may sur.ffe

Ask the following questions to help you choose a qualified pond builder:

• How many ponds have you built in this area?
• Do you have a list of local references I can contact?
• Will my pond need a filtration system?
• Should my pond have a bottom drain?
• Do I need to build a fence around the pond?
• Can you make the pond fish safe?
• What does the estimate include, and what extra features do you offer?
• How long will it take to install the pond?
• What maintenance is required after installation?
• Do you offer an ongoing maintenance program, and how much does it cost?
• Do you offer a warranty? If so, what does it include?
• Do I need a permit to build a pond on my property? If so, do you obtain the permit?