Are you thinking about getting a koi pond for your backyard but are hesitating because you don’t know the cost? Will finding out help you decide if you want one or not?
In this post, you’ll discover the answer to the question “how much does it cost to build a koi pond” when it comes to size, add-ons, construction costs, and more. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better idea of how much your backyard pond will cost to build.
Browse our guide to water features to find out more so you can create the best pond for your home.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Koi Pond?
The cost to build a koi pond nationally is between $500 and $100,000, mostly depending on whether you choose a cheap DIY project or hire a professional pond contractor for a large, custom pond.
Average Cost To Build A Koi Pond Nationally
The average cost to build a koi pond nationally is $14,000. This is for a 10×14-foot pond.
Charlotte Backyard Ponds Koi Pond Building Costs
Our typical koi pond costs range from $10,000 to $75,000 and higher. Our average koi pond is 10×14 feet and costs around $25,000 to complete. It includes an upgraded pump, filtration system, rocks, and an upgraded waterfall.
Find out more about our koi pond construction prices.
Cost Of Koi Ponds By Size Nationally
Small-Sized Koi Ponds
Depending on where you live and the materials used, a small koi pond typically ranges from $3,600-$9,700. Smaller ponds are also an ideal choice if you’re starting out with koi fish, as they’re easier to maintain than larger ponds.
Average-Sized Koi Ponds
The average koi pond costs between $10,000-$18,000, depending on the materials used and the size of the pond itself.
Large-Sized Koi Ponds
The price range for these types of larger koi ponds is typically between $25,000-$100,000+, depending on the complexity and size of your project.
Koi Pond Add-Ons That Increase The Cost
These and other koi pond ideas will add to the cost and the enjoyment you’ll get from your pond.
Additional Waterfalls
Adding an extra waterfall to your koi pond can add a dramatic effect and provide more natural aeration for the fish. Depending on the size of the waterfall and its placement in relation to other parts of the pond, this addition could cost anywhere from $100-$500 or more.
Stream
If you want to create a larger ecosystem for your koi fish, consider installing a stream running into your pond. This will require additional piping, pumps, and rocks to line the stream bed, which can cost up to several thousand dollars depending on how long it needs to be.
Fish Caves And Tunnels
Fish need places to hide from predators and rest without being disturbed. Installing caves and tunnels in your koi pond can give them the shelter they need while providing an aesthetically pleasing feature for onlookers. These structures typically range from $50-$200 each, depending on size, shape, and design preferences.
Lighting
Adding lighting elements to your koi pond is beneficial for nighttime viewing, turning your koi pond into a magical water feature. Lighting elements range from simple spotlights around the perimeter to multicolored underwater LED lights. The costs vary accordingly from $50-$1,000 or more, depending on what type you choose and how many you get.
Heating
If you live in an extremely cold area, installing heating elements into your koi pond may be necessary. Heating elements range from simple thermal blankets all the way up to complicated systems with pumps that circulate heated water throughout. The costs vary accordingly from $100-$1,000+ depending on what type you choose.
Aquatic Plants
Aquatic plants serve multiple purposes when added to a koi pond. They produce oxygen and fish hiding spots, and they help your pond look more natural! Depending on what type of plants you choose, adding aquatic plants into your koi pond could cost anywhere from $20-$300+.
Extra Filters
An extra filter is important if you plan on keeping more than just one species of fish since different types require different levels of filtration. You can also add Ion-Gens, solid-handling pumps, or other types. This could cost anywhere from $25-$200+.
Fish
Costs will depend heavily upon species selection since prices vary greatly between types. This can range anywhere from just a few dollars per individual up into the thousands depending upon rarity or special features. You’ll also have costs associated with caring for your fish.
Breakdown Of Koi Pond Construction Costs
Excavation Costs
The price tag for excavating your koi pond will depend on how large and deep your pond is. It generally ranges from $1,400-$5,700. If your yard has rocky terrain or an underground stream that needs rerouting, you can expect the cost to be higher.
Landscaping Installation Costs
This includes installing rocks around your pond’s perimeter and adding plants and other vegetation around it. This type of work usually runs between $1,300-$5,700, depending on how complicated you want it to be.
Plumbing Work Costs
Once your excavation and landscaping are finished, you may need some additional plumbing work done for everything to function properly. This can include installing pumps, filters, aerators, and other equipment that will keep your water clean and healthy for your fish. Plumbing work is charged by the hour and usually runs between $45-$200 per hour, depending on the job’s complexity.
Lawn Regrading Costs
Depending on where you’re building your koi pond in relation to other features in your yard (like a driveway or patio), you may need some lawn regrading done for everything to fit together properly. Lawn regrading typically runs between $1,000-$3,300 depending on how large of an area needs grading and what type of soil needs moving around (clay soil is much more expensive than sand).
Prefabricated Koi Pond Cost
The cost of building a prefabricated koi pond varies widely depending on the size and complexity of the project. A prefabricated koi pond can cost between $400-$3,200 to install.
The price can change based on the size, material, and if you or a professional install it.
Factors That Impact Koi Pond Cost
Size
Larger ponds require more materials such as rocks, rockscape, and liner and more time to install. If you’re installing yourself, the amount of labor is also something to consider. All this adds up quickly if you’re creating a large koi pond.
Project Complexity
For example, if you want fountains or waterfalls incorporated into your design, these features will require extra labor and cost. Custom shapes and higher-end materials will also drive up the cost to build a koi pond.
Additions
The type of additions you want for your koi pond also impacts its overall cost. They include underwater lighting, aquatic plants, extra filters, and more.
Tier Of Contractor You Hire
Regarding labor costs for installing a koi pond, who you hire will make all the difference in terms of price. A professional contractor with years of experience in this type of work will undoubtedly charge more than someone just entering the market or someone offering their services off Craigslist.
Or DIY vs Professional Installation
Depending on whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional contractor will influence the total price tag attached to your dream koi pond project. Professionals have access to better-quality materials that last longer than their lower-cost counterparts, but they come at an additional expense. The same goes for their knowledge; hiring someone who knows what they’re doing can save time and money in the long run but can mean paying more upfront.
FAQs
How Much Does A Custom Koi Pond Cost?
The cost of a custom koi pond will depend on the size and features you want to include. Nationally speaking, the total cost can be anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 and up. The cost factors above are what will change the price the most.
How Do You Build A Koi Pond?
First things first for how to build a koi pond: make sure you have adequate space for your project. Then it’s time to begin excavating the area where you plan to build your pond and lay down any necessary groundwork, such as waterproof liners or pumps. After that, you can start adding plants, rocks, and other decorations before filling it with water and introducing fish into their new home.
How Much Do Fish Cost?
The cost of fish can vary depending on their size and breed. Most species range from $5-$20 each when purchased at pet stores or online retailers – but prices may be higher if they come from specialty breeders or dealers. The cost also includes food and supplies such as nets and tank filters which are necessary for keeping your fish healthy over time.
Are Koi Ponds Good Investments?
Koi ponds offer several benefits, including aesthetic appeal and stress relief by watching the fish swim peacefully in their habitat. They add value to your property by increasing its curb appeal.
How Difficult Is It To Build A Koi Pond Waterfall?
Building a waterfall for your koi pond is not necessarily difficult, but it requires some know-how to ensure safety and proper installation techniques are followed.
How Much Does Koi Pond Maintenance Cost?
You’ll want to factor in koi pond maintenance costs as it is an ongoing service you’ll need to pay for.
Build Your Beautiful Koi Pond With Charlotte Backyard Ponds
Installing a beautiful koi pond in your backyard can be one of the most rewarding and satisfying home improvement projects you undertake. If you’ve been thinking about turning your backyard into an oasis with a koi pond, now is the time to make it happen.
With Charlotte Backyard Ponds, you know that you’re getting top-quality products, expert craftsmanship, and customer service that will far exceed your expectations.
We promise this will become one of the most magical places in your home. Fill out our contact form today to find out how much your koi pond can cost to build.