How much does it cost to build a pond?
How much does it cost to build a garden pond or a koi pond? Fitting a wonderful pond is a great way of adding life and interest to any garden. It is no surprise to see that many people now view this as being one of the easiest and best ways of improving their outdoor space.
Naturally, if you want to create a pond to be proud of then you are going to have make an investment in getting it right. However, do you already have an idea as to how much this will cost or is it all completely new to you?
If this is your very first time looking into the cost of a pond then you may be worried that it could end up being too expensive. Thankfully, you can find different ways of making this a smart investment that gives you terrific value for money in the long run.
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Find the Pond and Cost That Suit You
The very first point to look at here is that it is possible to find the perfect pond to suit your taste and your budget. From tiny ponds that attract frogs to giant models for Koi fish and lots of plants, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Therefore, you can make a solid start on this matter by working out how much of a budget you have to deal with. Once you have done this, you will be in a better position to work out how big a pond you want.
Of course, you can also view this as a long-term investment that you add to over the years. There is absolutely no problem in starting off with a basic pond and then building on it in the future.
Think About the Benefits
When working out the cost of a new pond it is a good idea to consider the benefits that you will get from it. After all, if you are going to get massive lifestyle benefits from your pond then you will feel more comfortable about spending a little more money on it.
Will you get a fun new hobby from looking after the plants and fish in it? Will it give you a simple way of relaxing and relieving stress when you are at home?
We each look for different benefits from our garden ponds and considering exactly how much one will improve your life will help you work out how much you should invest in turning your ideas in reality.
The Cost of Digging out the Pond
The first thing you will need to do is dig out the pond. Will you do this yourself, hire someone to manually dig it or else use machinery?
The answer probably lies in how big the pond is going to be and how much free time you have. If you just need a small starter pond then digging it out is going to be a quick and simple job. On the other hand, if you want a big, deep stretch of water then digging out the land could be a time-consuming and difficult job.
Once you know the dimensions you can move ahead and find out how much it would cost to hire someone to do it or else to get in the machinery needed.
The Pond Liner
A pond liner is another essential investment that you will need to make. As you would expect, the cost of this is also likely to come down largely to the size of the pond, although there are also different types of material to take into account as well.
At the time of writing, a good quality small pond liner for a modest pond can cost up to maybe £30 or £40, with cheaper options also available. Given this isn’t likely to be a massive cost, it makes sense to look for a liner that should stand the test of time.
It is also a good idea to use a pond liner underlay to protect your liner, which shouldn’t be too much of an extra cost.
The Cost of a Pump
Not everyone uses a pond pump but it is certainly a good way of keeping the water clear and safe. This is especially important if you want to keep fish in it and if you want to avoid the water stagnating and getting nasty.
A pond pump is less necessary if you are going to fill the water with plants in order to strike a naturally balanced environment. However, it takes time for this sort of eco-system to begin to show an effect.
The smallest pumps for pools with little water in them cost from £20 or under. For bigger ponds, this can turn into a serious investment.
It is definitely worth looking for the right kind of pump that will last you for a long time without any problems. As part of the selection process, you will want to check out different types, such as submersible pumps and external pumps.
The Cost of a Good Filter
Getting hold of a good pond filter will also help to keep your water nice and clear. If your budget is tight then you might consider being something of an unnecessary cost but it is definitely something that you won’t regret buying.
A budget model for the smallest pools can cost from as little as £20. For this price, you can rest assured that your water will stay clean and healthy, which is especially important if you are using it for keeping fish in.
Some Plants
The addition of some pond plants will really bring this water feature to life. In addition, they will help to keep the water clean and fresh for your fish if you have any.
Even if you have a big pond, filling it with plants won’t cost you a fortune. Each one could cost you just a couple of pounds at the time of writing.
In addition, it is worth remembering that you can slowly build up your plant collection over time if that makes more sense to you. It is wonderful to see how your pond’s wildlife grows and changes over years in this way.
Buying Fish
The last big investment you are likely to make with your pond is in buying the fish for it. This is another cost that can vary wildly depending on what type of fish you choose.
For example, a fully grown Koi can set you back several hundred pounds, while smaller and less exotic fish can be just a few pounds each. Therefore, you will want to make a decision on what type of fish you want and how big you want them to be when you get them.
The Overall Cost of Building a Pond
As we have seen, it is possible to build a garden pond very cheaply and easily if that is what best suits you. If you want to keep costs as low as possible then a small pond is your best approach.
Assuming that you want a bigger and more eye-catching pond then it isn’t a good idea to cut costs by buying low-quality materials. Instead, you can stagger the costs and build the pond up over time without scrimping on the quality.
