How Much Does a Water Fountain Cost to Install?

Water Feature or Fountain Prices by Material

The price of a fountain itself will range from $50 to more than $4,000. Exact project price will depend on the material used. You can find a simple garden fountain or birdbath at a hardware store for very little money. Or, you can install a full-sized waterfall cascading over a marble wall for thousands of dollars. Any way you want it, there is one that will meet your needs and your budget.

Plastic or Resin Fountains

Plastic or resin fountains cost about $250, or between $100 and $400. They mimic the look of stone, concrete, or ceramic but are lighter and more affordable. However, they don't last as long as other options, are prone to breakage, and often don't truly look like the real thing.

Fiberglass Fountains

For a fiberglass fountain, expect to pay around $850, although you can spend anywhere from $100 to $1,600. Fiberglass is often bonded with resin and, as a fountain, this material is lightweight and durable. Fiberglass fountains mimic the look of higher-priced materials like marble, stone, and ceramic, and require minimal maintenance. However, because of its low weight, a fountain of this type can move or topple in strong winds.

Stone Fountains

Stone fountains cost around $700, or somewhere between $200 and $1,200, on average. You can, however, spend much more than this, depending on the size and style of fountain, whether it's custom or prefab, and the type of stone you choose. Stone fountains are heavy and extremely durable. Depending on the type of stone, however, they do need regular cleaning and maintenance.

Concrete Fountains

Expect to pay around $1,650 for a concrete fountain, with most people paying between $300 and $3,000. Like stone, you can spend many thousands of dollars more than this on a concrete fountain, depending on the size and style. Concrete fountains are extremely durable, but they need sealing annually to help them withstand inclement weather properly. 

Note that, despite its durability, a concrete fountain requires covering and insulating during very cold weather, as exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to cracking.

Marble Fountains

Most people pay around $2,150 for a marble fountain, and you can spend anywhere from $300 to $4,000 or more. Marble is a highly-prized type of stone for its beauty. As a fountain, marble is easy to care for and is exceptionally durable. It's heavy, strong, and impervious to weather. 

Water Fountain Cost by Type

There are many types of fountains, from a humble birdbath to a monolithic tiered pedestal fountain, and, naturally, their prices vary. You'll pay less for a small, lightweight feature like a birdbath or a hanging wall fountain than a fancy Spanish tier or an ultra-modern water sheet.

Average Cost of a Pool or Pond Waterfall

A medium, 12-square-foot pool waterfall made of rock averages about $1,000, including installation. A small DIY kit can be as little as $450, while a larger grotto-style unit with lights and a fire feature can cost as much as $18,000.

Waterfall Costs by Size

Whether you choose a small birdbath or a large backyard waterfall or fountain centerpiece, the size and height of your structure will be the main price factor.

Adding to an Existing Swimming Pool

Adding to a swimming pool requires working with your pool's existing features and landscape. A professional will consider your pool's mechanics, drainage, masonry, pump system, and filtration. Contact a pool professional for a custom quote.

Pool Grotto Cost

Pool grottos usually run from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. Grotto structures provide overhead shelter, like a cave with a built-in bench. Waterfalls typically cascade over the top of the structure.

Custom Rico Rock or Faux Rock Feature

Custom faux rock features range from $1,000 to $7,000, not including installation. A licensed contractor or pool company can provide a quote for custom Rico Rock features. Typical installation rates apply.

Advantages of faux rock over other materials include:

• availability in various standard designs.

• modular pieces that adapt to a variety of settings.

• reinforced concrete for longevity.

• a realistic look; it’s molded from natural rock formations.

• quick and easy installation.

Waterfall Kits

Pre-made kits range from $450 to $3,400. Installation takes one to two days, and kits include all the materials you need to complete the project yourself, including:

• waterfall structure

• pumps

• water lines or tubing

• installation instructions

Pondless Waterfall Costs

These range from $1,500 to more than $5,000, depending on size and type of rock work. Also known as cascading waterfalls, these standalone structures boast some advantages over other models.

• Space: These can be small, so you can build them anywhere in your front or backyard.

• Safety: No pond means you don't have to worry as much about water safety. This option is perfect for homeowners with pets and/or small children.

• Cost: Most pumps operate on a timer to run only when you are home, saving money on energy bills.

• Maintenance: Simply fill the reservoir every few weeks as needed or install an automatic fill valve.

Water Fountain Installation Prices & Factors

In general, the cost of installation is likely similar to the cost of the fountain itself. Waterfall companies, pool companies, and pond builders will charge $40 to $65 per hour to install. Complete installation, including any necessary plumbing and electrical work, will take a minimum of one day, or eight hours, at a total price of $320 to $520.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Indoor fountains usually cost less than outdoor models due to their smaller size, easy installation, and lack of maintenance. Simply fill a tabletop or floor fountain with water, plug it in, and turn it on. No plumbing, electrical, or site prep is necessary. Because indoor units aren't exposed to the elements, occasional wipe-downs and refills keep them running smoothly. 

Like with outdoor fountains, indoor models are available with features like lighting, programmable settings, and high-end materials. The price will increase with added features and higher-end materials.

Plumbing and Electricity

If you choose to install on your own, you should still use professionals to set up plumbing and electrical components. You can hire a professional plumber at a rate of $45 to $65 per hour. Hiring an electrician will run $65 to $85 per hour.

The actual rate for a plumber's services will depend on the distance your fountain is from a water source. Similarly, the distance from it to a power source will determine how much an electrician will charge. Another price factor to consider is how much water and electricity it requires.

Solar Water Fountains

Expect to pay between $50 and $200 for solar fountains. Electrical installation for a solar water fountain requires significantly less work than a standard model. A high-end solar pump with a good solar collector and battery can power a pump 24 hours a day. The price of these models is higher than non-solar units of similar size and style. However, the money you save on energy bills and the reduction in labor time offsets the higher cost of the fountain. 

Exact savings depend on the wattage of the pump, how many hours per day it runs, and the rate of electricity in your area.

For example, a small pond fountain uses a 44-watt pump to run 24 hours per day, where the cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) for electricity is 24 cents.

• 44 watts/1000 = 0.44 kilowatts

• 0.44 kilowatts x 24 hours per day = 1.056 kWh

• 1.056 kWh x $0.24 = $0.02534

• Operating Cost/Solar Savings = approx. $0.25 per day or $91.25 per year

Landscaping or Garden Work

No additional charges should apply to building into your existing landscape unless you require significant work. The cost to reslope a lawn, for example, can range from $1,000 to $3,000. 

In some cases, there may be additional costs to excavate your land or an extra cost to install a pond. If large amounts of your property need digging up and paved or tiled over to accommodate your fountain, you can expect the cost to clear and prepare the construction site to far exceed the price of the fountain.

DIY Water Fountain Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

A homeowner with plumbing and electrical knowledge can install his/her own basic water feature. When plans involve a more elaborate structure like a grotto, complex details like lighting, or significant site preparation like excavating, it's usually better to consult a fountain professional to design and install a beautiful and functional garden waterfall.