Transparent Pricing.
Custom Solutions.

Asking “How much does a pond cost?” is a lot like asking, “How much does a car cost?” The answer depends on the size, features, materials, and level of craftsmanship involved. A simple backyard water feature and a fully customized ecosystem pond are very different projects, just as a compact sedan and a luxury SUV serve very different purposes.

When investing in a pond, waterfall, or water feature, price should be only one part of the decision. After all, you wouldn’t choose a surgeon, contractor, or financial advisor based solely on the lowest bid. You would research their experience, reputation, and expertise.

At The Pond Gnome, we specialize exclusively in living ecosystem ponds, koi ponds, pondless waterfalls, and custom water features throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. Building a healthy, long-lasting aquatic ecosystem requires specialized knowledge of filtration, water quality, fish health, plumbing, and construction techniques. That’s why we encourage every homeowner to do their homework before choosing a pond contractor:

• Read online reviews.
• Verify licensing and insurance.
• Compare experience and project portfolios.
• Review company websites and educational content.
• Make sure the contractor demonstrates true expertise in ponds and water features—not just general landscaping.

What Factors Affect Pond Cost?

Several variables influence the final cost of a pond installation, including:

• Pond size and depth
• Type of water feature
• Access to the construction site
• Soil and excavation conditions
• Filtration requirements
• Rock and landscaping selections
• Travel distance from our service area

The pricing examples below assume:

• Reasonably easy access to the installation area
• Standard excavation conditions (not solid caliche, bedrock, or steep mountainside construction)
• Installation within the Greater Phoenix area, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Anthem, Tempe, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, and Sun City

Projects outside these areas may require additional travel charges.

What’s Included in Our Pond Installations?

Unlike some contractors who quote a base price and add costs later, our pond packages include nearly everything required for a properly functioning ecosystem pond:

• Professional design and installation
• Heavy-duty 40-mil EPDM pond liner
• Protective underlayment
• Size-appropriate plumbing and pumps
• Mechanical filtration
• Biological filtration
• Rock placement and construction materials

The only items typically not included are water, aquatic plants, and fish, since most homeowners prefer to select their own plants and pond pets.

Koi Pond vs. Goldfish Pond

You’ll notice we generally do not recommend keeping koi in ponds smaller than approximately 10′ x 15′. Koi can grow quite large and require adequate swimming space, water volume, and filtration to thrive.

Smaller ponds can still be beautiful, vibrant ecosystems populated with colorful goldfish, aquatic plants, and waterfalls. Goldfish remain an excellent choice for many backyard pond owners and often provide all the enjoyment of larger fish in a more compact space.

Quality Matters

We are not interested in being the lowest-priced pond contractor in Arizona. Low prices often come from cutting corners on materials, filtration, installation practices, or long-term durability.

Our pricing reflects professional industry standards and the level of craftsmanship required to build water features that are beautiful, reliable, and built to last. We focus on delivering exceptional value, expert installation, and healthy aquatic ecosystems that our clients can enjoy for years to come.

The result is a pond that’s designed correctly from the start—and one that continues to perform long after the installation is complete.