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How much does a water feature cost?
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Price guide
$72 - $4,000
low
$72
median
$175
high
$4,000
Last Updated on
Adding water features to your home can increase your property's aesthetic appeal and overall value. It makes your home look good and creates a focal point in your garden or front yard. Water feature prices can range from $72 or "budget-friendly" to $4,000+ or a "fortune."
There are significant benefits to installing a water feature in your garden or yard space. A water feature adds natural, ambient sounds to your garden. It also helps drown out unnecessary noise from traffic and neighbours. And some studies say that the sound of running water has a calming or therapeutic effect, reducing stress levels.
Water feature prices
Landscape contractor prices will vary depending on the type of water feature you plan to install. Here's a quick table to illustrate the installation costs of different water features. The figures below may include installation fees, material expenses, and more:
Water feature |
Cost |
Backyard/garden pond cost |
$105 to $500+ |
Patio pond cost |
$150 to $300+ |
Pool waterfall cost |
$424 to $899+ |
Backyard waterfall cost |
$2,805 to $4,595+ |
Outdoor water fountain cost |
$1,900 to $3,995+ |
Factors affecting backyard or pool water feature costs
1. Pre-installation services
Pre-installation services such as land clearing, excavation, and levelling are required for landscaping contractors to install most, if not all, water features. Naturally, the clearing cost for a backyard pond is less than the clearing cost of adding a water feature to an existing pool.
2. Water feature materials
Materials used to create your water feature also affect the overall cost. Review your options because quality materials cost more to purchase and install but last longer. However, that doesn't mean budget-friendly water feature options need repairs and replacements sooner. Overall, installing a bird bath or a simple 3-tiered water fountain costs less than installing a pond and landscaping your backyard.
You might also like: Landscaping Cost Guide |
3. Sprinklers, water pumps, and irrigation systems
Quality and efficient water pumps are necessary for any water feature in your backyard. Smaller pumps might be suitable for a small bird bath or pondless water fountain. You'll need a higher-capacity pump for bigger water features. This means installation costs for an outdoor water fountain will be higher since it requires a bigger pump.
See also: Irrigation System Installation Cost Guide |
4. Water feature design
It's not surprising that simpler, traditional backyard water features cost less to install than pool water features or other more complex additions. For more intricate designs, you'll require the services of experienced and skilled landscape designers. This means you might need the help and coordination of other tradesmen, such as electricians and plumbers, to complete your project. And you'll need the assistance of the same professionals for regular maintenance.
5. Size of the job
The size or complexity of your project will affect the overall cost of water feature installation. You'll definitely be able to save more when hiring independent contractors for smaller jobs or water features with simpler designs. However, suppose you plan to have some major landscaping and add bigger water features. In that case, you'll need the services of certified professionals with the right skill set and tools.
6. Your location
On Airtasker, water feature prices and installation costs will vary based on your area. Here's a quick breakdown by region:
Area |
Water feature installation cost |
Queensland |
$125 to $150+ |
New South Wales |
$80 to $175+ |
Sydney Eastern Suburbs |
$100 to $225+ |
South West Sydney |
$165 to $209+ |
Victoria |
$180 to $200+ |
Western Australia |
$92 to $235+ |
What can Taskers do for those with existing water features?
For people with existing water features, Taskers also offer auxiliary services that you might need:
Water feature cleaning, draining, and removal
Garden pond maintenance
Water pump repair
Garden cleaning
Pool cleaning and repair
Post a task for water feature installation
Now that you've read all about the factors affecting the cost of water features, all you need to do is to hire a Tasker to elevate your backyard. All you need to do is log on, post a task, and wait to review offers that come in. Be sure to list all the info about the job:
Water feature type or design
Your budget
Size of the working area
Preferred date and time
Other requests or instructions
By booking through Airtasker, you can save time finding a reliable water feature contractor near you. No need to get a referral or look for water feature prices in person; just log on, and everything is at the tip of your fingers. Airtasker provides Tasker profiles, ratings, and reviews to help you make an informed decision before accepting an offer.
Find water features specialists, fast
Post a taskFAQs
Most water features these days no longer require water to be pumped in. Water is stored in a sump, reservoir, or pond, and then a pump moves the water up to the spout. Once the water flows back down to the sump or pond, the cycle repeats. The sump is found either in the water feature itself or buried underground in the case of outdoor water features.
You shouldn’t turn off your water feature. Water features and their pumps are designed to run constantly. Turning it off can cause stagnant water, algae buildup, and bacteria growth, attracting egg-laying insects. If you own fish in a pond, stagnant water is detrimental to their health.
Yes, you’ll need to attach your water feature to an electric supply to operate the pump. However, if your water supply runs on solar power, you don’t need electricity.
Most people agree that water features add aesthetic value to your home. As for monetary value, this is debatable since a water feature may or may not necessarily appeal to a prospective buyer. Instead, make sure that installing and owning a water feature is something that would please you or bring you joy.
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