Most homeowners pay $2,000 for pond maintenance, but depending on the size and type of the pond, it can range from $450 to $5,000.
The cost to maintain a pond averages from $450 to $5,000 per year. A pond maintenance service visit can cost between $250 and $450, depending on the size of the pond. Pond maintenance costs depend on the service being performed, the type of pond, and the services being performed.
Maintaining your backyard pond ensures it stays clean and extends its life. How much pond maintenance costs depends on various factors.
Your maintenance costs will be affected by pond size. The larger the pond, the higher the maintenance costs. Some pond service companies may charge by the number of gallons, although square footage is more often used to determine price.
| Size | Average Yearly Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 80 square feet | $300–$800 |
| 80–150 square feet | $700–$1,500 |
| 150–300 square feet | $900–$2,500 |
| Over 300 square feet | $1,500–$5,000 |
Different types of ponds require different maintenance. Koi pond maintenance will cost more since you need to ensure the water is safe to keep koi fish alive. A natural pond that doesn’t use chemicals may be even more expensive to maintain, while detention and retention ponds, which hold and divert excess water, require less involved maintenance.
| Type of Pond | Average Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|
| Kai pond | $500–$1,500 |
| Natural pond | $550–$2,000 |
| Garden pond | $250–$1,000 |
| Detention or retention pond | $450–$1500 |
Adding features to your pond, such as fountains or waterfalls, can increase its maintenance cost. Water features with motorized pumps can add $300 to $600 to regular pond maintenance costs.
Winterizing your pond can cost between $100 to $500 on average. The winterizing process includes cleaning the pond, removing the pump, adding cold-water bacteria, and preparing any fish for winter.
In some cases, you may need to fully drain and refill your pond. While regular maintenance can help prevent the need to drain and refill, too much bacteria or buildup may make it the best choice.
| Pond Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost To Drain | Average Cost To Refill |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | $800–$1,000 | $600–$1,000 |
| 160 | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,200–$1,800 |
| 300 | $1,400–$1,800 | $2,200–$2,600 |
| 500 | $1,800–$2,200 | $3,800–$4,500 |
A koi pond needs weekly maintenance to ensure the health of the fish. Most homeowners choose to do weekly maintenance themselves, which only takes a few minutes to test the water and add any necessary additives. Most backyard ponds will also benefit from professional seasonal maintenance to keep them in good shape.
A koi pond service near you can perform additional services to keep your pond looking and functioning at its best. Some common add-ons include:
Pond dredging: $1.70 to $2.50 per sq. ft.
Liner repair: $125 to $800
Pump repair $50 to $400
Water testing: $100 to $200
Pressure washing: $0.30 to $0.80 per sq. ft.
Choosing to DIY your pond maintenance can save you money on annual costs. Homeowners can tackle water testing, algae treatments, pump filter cleaning, and plant maintenance. For more in-depth maintenance like dredging, repairs, and liner maintenance, a local pond cleaning service will have the equipment and expertise to ensure the job is done right.
If you’re looking to save on yearly pond maintenance costs, try these tips:
Keep up with routine weekly cleaning.
Inspect equipment monthly and promptly repair any damage.
Regularly remove debris.
Clean filters and replace as needed.
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A koi pond may add value to your home if it’s a feature sellers are looking for. Like pools, ponds can affect your property value depending on their condition, whether they’re a popular selling point, and how well they’re incorporated into your home’s landscape.
You should do a partial water change of 10% to 20% of the pond’s total volume each season for ponds without fish, and 5% to 15% weekly for ponds with fish. You may need to change pond water more often depending on water quality or excessive organic material in the water.
Like pools, ponds can be a safety risk, so they may increase your homeowners insurance. Be sure to let your insurance company know if you build a pond on your property—they may have safety requirements in order to keep your premium from increasing.
