Outdoor water fountains cost an average of $2,847 to install, but you'll find small water features as low as $150 and elaborate ones up to $12,000.
From the soft trickle of water tumbling into a koi pond to a six-foot Grecian statue surrounded by custom waterfalls, an outdoor water fountain costs anywhere from $150 and up to $12,000 to install. Outdoor water features can add a stylish sense of calm to your landscape, but the costs can range significantly. Here's how to budget for your water fountain installation cost, from early excavation to long-term maintenance.
There are several things to consider when choosing a water feature for your yard. A water fountain changes the full experience of your landscape, from its layout to the sounds you hear as you sip your morning cup of coffee. The size, type of fountain, and whether it links up to existing water features will all play a role in your outdoor water fountain’s cost.
Remember that the wide cost range for water features accounts for fixtures large and small. In general:
Small fountains less than 3 feet in area will cost $130–$2,500
Medium fountains between 3 feet and 5 feet in area will cost $800–$9,000
Large fountains over 5 feet will cost anywhere from $2,800–$70,000
Let's begin with the broadest category: the type of your water feature and how much it costs. On a very basic level, you'll pay an average of $1,000 for a simple 12-square-foot rock waterfall and basin, including the cost of installation.
Consider the extremes as well. A small birdbath with a functional fountain, for example, can cost as little as $50 with DIY installation. Custom-made statues with attached ponds and fountains, however, can reach far over $10,000, particularly if you choose a custom design.
We'll break down the cost of outdoor water fountains more specifically in a separate section below.
Outdoor water fountains typically fall into three categories: self-contained, waterfalls, and pondless fountains. The design determines where the water goes after it cascades down a structure.
A self-contained water feature costs anywhere from $50 to $5,000, depending on whether you find a small tabletop rock garden at the hardware store or order a custom fountain with a multi-tiered design of cascading bowls. Most importantly, a self-contained fountain recirculates water without a pond, pool, or nearby plumbing. The primary cost goes into the design, but installation is simple and less expensive.
Traditional waterfalls cost between $450 and $6,000 on average, though prices can reach over $10,000 for larger designs. These water features circulate the stream of water into a pool, pond, container, or ground. You'll pay more for labor for waterfalls since you must ensure the waterfall works in tandem with the additional feature. And if you're starting from scratch, installing a pond costs an average of $3,400, adding to your bottom line.
Also known as a disappearing fountain, these water features send the water into the earth through a series of rocks. These designs cost between $60 and $7,000 on average, both because of their complex design and installation. However, many homeowners prefer pondless fountains because the lack of water-filled basins makes them safer for kids and pets.
Water features are a lovely way to incorporate beautiful materials into your landscape. High-end materials like marble can push the price higher, while plastic and resin fountains offer budget-friendly options. Keep in mind that your fountain will be exposed to the elements, so materials resilient against rain, wind, snow, and salty air may be necessary.
| Fountain Material | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Plastic or resin | $40–$2,800 |
| Rock | $100–$3,000 |
| Fiberglass | $100–$3,400 |
| Glass | $100–$7,000 |
| Concrete | $300–$7,000 |
| Stone | $200–$12,000 |
Purchasing a pre-made fountain or water feature will cost significantly less than hiring a designer to create custom work. While most prefab outdoor water fountains cost $100 to $1,000, custom-made designs can push into the tens of thousands or more.
How much do water fountain installation costs affect the total cost? In total, assume labor will account for between $400 and $1,600 of the total fountain cost. The price depends on who you hire to install the fountain. A local landscaper with experience installing outdoor water features is ideal, but you can also call a nearby water fountain contractor for more complex hookups.
In the perfect world, you have a flat piece of land within arm's reach of a water source. You may occasionally need to call in extra professionals, however, to ensure the fountain is safe and successful.
Plumber costs: $45–$200 per hour
Land clearing costs: $250–$2,800 per half an acre
Electrician costs: $50–$100 per hour
If you use an electric pump for your fountain or waterfall and run it without stopping, you'll add about $25 a month to your electric bill. However, you can save on power significantly by installing a solar-powered water feature.
Maintaining your fountain, on the other hand, can add up to $20 to $150 a month, depending on whether you do it yourself or hire a local fountain cleaner. The lower end of the price range accounts for the cost of fountain-appropriate cleaner while the higher end accounts for professional labor.
Water fountain installation costs can even vary depending on where you live. The cost of living will affect labor prices and the price of materials. Some regions naturally require more prep work as well, such as on uneven or rock land. Here are some common prices across the country for an average-sized fountain, including materials and labor:
| State | Cost |
|---|---|
| California | $740–$5,800 |
| Texas | $620–$3,600 |
| North Carolina | $2,300–$4,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,300–$2,900 |
| New York | $2,400–$6,100 |
An outdoor water fountain can take on as many forms as your imagination allows. Waterfall rock gardens, water calmly cascading through a series of metal bowls, or even a large Buddha statue surrounded by a koi pond. Here are the approximate water fountain prices you can expect for each major category.
Here’s how much you can expect to pay for each type:
| Fountain Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Birdbath | $40–$1,100 |
| Cascading | $40–$2,000 |
| Tiered | $100–$6,000 |
| Kugel | $150–$5,000 |
| Glass wall | $100–$3,000 |
| Statue | $500–$12,500 |
| Swimming pool | $50–$20,000 |
| Pond | $50–$40,000 |
There are plenty of outdoor water fountains on the market that are easy to install yourself. However, if your new outdoor water fountain requires an outdoor electrical outlet, a plumbing connection, or complex land clearing, it is best to hire a local fountain installation team.
Installing a fountain yourself will only cost the price of the fountain itself, which can range anywhere from $50 to $10,000 and upwards. Add between $400 and $1,600 for labor, however, if you need to hire professionals to assist with the hookup.
An outdoor water fountain should blend seamlessly with the rest of your landscape. Common add-ons both on and around the fountain can push your design to a new level.
You'll find both functional and aesthetic water fountain accessories that can customize your water feature without opting for a one-of-a-kind design. Some of the most popular water fountain upgrades include:
LED lighting: $30–$60
Auto-refill: $40–$200
Water thermometer: $15–$110
Cover: $40–$500
Smart control: $70–$230
Spout (for potable fountains): $80–$1,100
Professional landscapers cost between $50 and $100 an hour, not including the cost of materials such as flowers, turf, mulch, or decorative rocks. Bringing in a local landscaper for your water fountain installation is a great way to blend your new hardscape element with the surrounding garden.
Water features can make a big splash—pardon the pun—without being very large. The best way to lower the cost of your outdoor water fountain is to opt for a small, simple design that is easy to install yourself. Large fountains will increase the materials, labor, and operations costs over time.
Additionally, you can lower the price tag of your water fountain by:
Installing a bubbler or spitter to an existing water feature.
Opting for low-cost materials such as plastic, resin, and fiberglass.
Paying more upfront for a solar water fountain to save on electrical costs.
Speaking with at least three water fountain installation teams to compare quotes.
Handle all land clearing and landscaping on your own.
Place your fountain close to an existing electrical source.
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Outdoor fountains require routine maintenance at least every three to four months, though monthly care will help you avoid having to call a local fountain repair team. Since fountain water is prone to algae, it's important to regularly drain, clean, and rinse each part of the fountain, including the motor, tubing, and basin.
Most outdoor water fountains do not use a large amount of energy, typically between 100 and 250 watts a day. Consider setting your water fountain on a timer to turn it off when you're away or in the evenings. Solar power upgrades can also lower the footprint of your fountain's operation.
