How Much Does an Outdoor Water Fountain Cost? [2025 Data]
Outdoor water fountains cost an average of $2,847, with most homeowners paying between $926 and $4,977, depending on the fountain’s size, type, and material.
Installing an outdoor water fountain costs an average of $2,847, although you can pay anywhere between $150 and $12,000, depending on the fountain you choose. Water features are a great way to add serenity and visual interest to your outdoor spaces, but how much you’ll pay depends on several factors. Our guide breaks down everything you need to know about outdoor water fountain costs.
Outdoor Water Fountain Cost Factors
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.
Size of Water Fountain
Remember that the wide cost range for water features accounts for fixtures large and small. Below are some common fountain sizes and their average cost
| Fountain Area (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 | $125–$1,000 |
| 3–20 | $400–$3,500 |
| More than 20 | $1,000–$10,000 |
Type of Fountain
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.
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 |
Fountain Design
Outdoor water fountains commonly fall into three categories: self-contained, waterfalls, and pondless fountains. The design determines where the water goes after it cascades down a structure. Each design varies in complexity and required components, so the cost will depend on the specific design you choose, its size, and what materials it uses.
| Fountain Design | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Self-contained | $50–$5,000 |
| Waterfall | $450–$6,000 |
| Pondless | $60–$7,000 |
Water Fountain Material
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 |
Prefab vs. Custom
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.
Labor
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.
Plumber costs: $45–$200 per hour
Land clearing costs: $250–$2,800 per half an acre
Electrician costs: $50–$100 per hour
Preparation Costs
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.
Location
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 |
Ongoing Outdoor Water Fountain Costs
Outdoor water fountains have a few associated ongoing costs you’ll want to budget for. Expect to pay for regular maintenance, repair costs, and utility charges to keep your fountain looking good and running.
Maintenance
Regular fountain maintenance costs average $25 to $50 a month for water, cleaning, and algae prevention. A professional maintenance visit ranges between $50 and $150 for deep cleaning, pump maintenance, or winterization. Hiring a local fountain repair service can cost anywhere from $35 to $800, depending on the type and extent of repair needed.
Operating Costs
Many fountains use electric pumps, adding an average of $25 a month to your utility bill. Installing a solar pump will save on ongoing utility costs after the initial purchase, which will cost an average of $50 to $425, depending on the size of the pump.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install an Outdoor Fountain
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.
Cost of Common Water Fountain Add-Ons
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.
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
Landscaping: $50–$100 an hour plus the cost of materials
Tips to Reduce Water Fountain Installation Costs
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 up front 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.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Installing a prefabricated water fountain can take as little as a few hours, and custom fountains can take as long as several days to install. The installation timeline will depend on how much preparation the installation site needs, the complexity of the fountain, and whether you choose to install it yourself or hire a pro.
