How Much Does a Koi Pond Cost?
Typical Range:
$450 - $100,000
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated August 16, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.The typical cost of a koi pond goes between $5,000 and $20,000, but the final price can vary significantly depending on the size, current landscape, and add-on features. A standard 10-by-14-foot koi pond will average about $14,000 but might range between $10,500 and $17,500.
A small prefab koi pond can start as small as $450, but if your project is large, requires extensive landscaping work, and includes unique features like waterfalls and aquatic plants, expect to spend $25,000 or more. Some homeowners spend $100,000+ for large koi ponds with extensive designs.
After building your koi pond, expect an annual koi pond maintenance cost of between $500 and $1,500 a year, including cleaning, repairs, and feeding.
Average Cost to Build a Koi Pond
The average cost to build a koi pond is $14,000 for a 10-by-14-foot pond with a filter and liner, but costs can vary significantly by size and design:
| Average Cost | $14,000 |
| High Cost | $100,000+ |
| Low Cost | $450 |
Koi Pond Costs by Size
Estimating your koi pond cost solely on size is challenging because much of the cost depends on various construction obstacles and the types of features you add. In general, we can estimate the cost of a koi pond to be $75 to $125 per square foot.
| Sample Pond Size (Surface Dimensions) | Estimated Koi Pond Price Range |
|---|---|
| 6’ x 8’ | $3,600 – $6,000 |
| 7’ x 11’ | $5,775 – $9,625 |
| 10’ x 14’ | $10,500 – $17,500 |
| 15’ x 20’ | 22,500 – $37,500 |
| 20’ x 25’ | $37,500 – $62,500 |
| 25’ x 30’ | $56,250 – $93,750 |
The ideal depth for a koi pond is 3 to 4 feet. This table showcases surface dimensions only.
Koi Pond Construction Costs
Koi ponds usually cost between $5,000 and $20,000 to build, depending on size, but several factors can impact the final price. The cost to install a pond can increase significantly if your landscape is difficult to work with.
Here are common construction costs to budget for:
Excavation prices: $1,450–$5,650.
The cost to regrade a lawn: $1,000–$3,200. Sometimes this pond installation cost is included with the excavation.
Landscaping installation costs: $1,300–$5,675.
Average plumber rates: $45–$200 per hour. You will likely need to hire a plumber to reroute or set up lines to your koi pond.
Compare Estimates From Koi Pond Contractors
Prefab Koi Pond Installation Cost
Installing a prefab koi pond costs anywhere from $450 to $3,100. These preformed pond models are less expensive than building one from scratch but don’t offer much opportunity for customizing the design. They also tend to be above ground.
Prefab companies typically include installation in the price, but you’ll have to pay for koi fish separately. You may be able to purchase or order a prefab kit from a local hardware store and install it yourself for an even lower price.
Koi Pond Add-On Costs
A basic koi pond costs anywhere from $75 to $125 per square foot (surface area), or roughly $14,000 for the typical 10-by-14-foot pond. However, your cost can vary depending on what add-ons—both functional and aesthetic—you include in your pond.
| Pond Feature | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Filter pad | $40 – $60 |
| Filter | $70 – $500 |
| Liner | $100 – $1,000 |
| Waterfall or water fountain | $925 – $4,725 |
| Edging (concrete, brick, stone) | $1 – $15 per sq. ft |
| Skimmer | $100 – $200 |
| Circulation pump | $15 – $675 |
| Aquatic plants | $12 – $25 per plant |
At a minimum, budget for a pond liner and a filter for basic pond health. The cost of a water fountain or waterfall and aquatic plants can drive up the overall koi pond price, but these features make the pond much more relaxing and inviting.
Koi Pond Maintenance Cost
Expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 per year in koi pond maintenance costs, assuming it’s a small to moderate-sized pond. This includes the cost of one annual pond cleaning, as well as any necessary repair work. It also factors in the cost of feeding your koi fish each year.
Costs can vary depending on the size of your pond and specific repair work required. Call a pond cleaning service near you for a quote.
And remember: Koi live an astonishing 25 to 35 years, so this is a long-term investment. Even if you don’t replenish koi as they die, you’ll need to budget for $500 to $1,500 a year for 25 to 35 years. That’s anywhere from $12,500 to $52,500 in maintenance costs.
Koi are expensive, with each fish costing between $20 to $50. Prize-winning koi can cost $10,000 or more.
Koi Pond Cost Factors
Additional factors can impact your overall koi pond cost, including:
Type of filter: While the average pond filter costs $1,000, this can vary significantly by material. Plastic is the most affordable at $0.25 to $1.50 per square foot, while a cement liner costs $60 to $120 per square foot.
Custom shapes: Prefab koi ponds are the most affordable, but even if you opt for a custom installation, many koi pond companies have predesigned dimensions and shapes they generally install. If your project is entirely custom, expect to pay more.
Soil quality: If your soil is rocky and difficult to excavate, you’ll pay more in excavation costs. If you have poor soil, you may need to pay for a concrete koi pond, which has added costs.
Permits: Installing a pond may require construction permits. The average construction permit costs $150.
Insurance: While not a construction cost, homeowners insurance can drive up the total cost of ownership for a koi pond. In general, pools and ponds increase your annual insurance premium.
DIY Koi Pond Installation vs. Hiring a Professional
Koi are living, breathing creatures. Unlike bringing a dog or cat home, you’ll need a professional to create a sustainable environment for your koi. Whether you want to opt for a prefab kit or build a beautiful, memorable backyard design, contact koi pond services near you for a successful installation.
FAQs
How do you install a koi pond?
To install a koi pond, a company will either excavate land and design the pond before filling it with water or set up an above-ground kit. Prefab ponds are easier to install and take less time but might not last as long as a custom-built design.
How do you build a concrete koi pond?
Building a concrete koi pond is the same as building a traditional, natural pond. The only difference is you’ll have to factor in the cost to pour concrete, which is between $4 and $8 per square foot. Concrete is sometimes a better option in places that don’t have the best soil.
How much do koi fish cost?
One koi fish typically costs between $20 and $50, though single koi fish can cost more. Lower costs usually are for koi from a pet store, whereas higher costs come from a breeder. Some koi can cost $10,000 or more.
How much is a custom koi pond?
A custom koi pond is on the higher end of the spectrum, often $20,000 to $60,000. A highly customized and large koi pond can easily cost $100,000 or more. The larger the koi pond, the more expensive it will be to maintain each year—and the more custom add-ons you include, the more likely it is that a component will need repair work over time.
Can you build a DIY koi pond waterfall?
Building a DIY koi pond waterfall is possible, but it requires some plumbing knowledge. Many people who make their own waterfall use PVC pipes. If you are not comfortable with moderate to advanced plumbing, it’s a good idea to find a local plumber to install a koi pond waterfall.
How much are fishing pond prices?
Building a pond costs between $1,225 and $5,550, on average, but if you want a pond large enough to fish from, expect to pay between $4,000 and $25,000 for a quarter to half an acre pond. Prices go up significantly from there:
$5,000–$35,000 for a 1-acre pond or lake
$20,000–$50,000 for a 10-acre pond or lake
$40,000–$100,000+ for a 20-acre pond or lake
Is a koi pond a good investment?
Koi ponds are a pretty custom thing to add to your home, and as such, you might not see any ROI. Some home buyers might shy away from the added responsibility, while others might revel in this unique home feature. As a financial investment, don’t count on seeing any money come back around. As a personal investment, a koi pond can quickly become your new favorite part of your home.
Hire a Koi Pond Installer Near You
