After we had massaged our plan for the pond and incorporated all of our ideas, it was time to solicit bids and to meet contractors. We decided that we wanted a large pond to be the focal point of our backyard. Our initial dimensions were to be 10’ by 20’ and an average depth of 3’. It would be the size of a small swimming pool but obviously not as deep. We also knew that we wanted a stream and 2 waterfalls.
We researched online to see what it would cost to build ourselves. We quickly ruled that out as the cost of supplies alone would run more than $10,000. Add to that labor costs and the cost of equipment to excavate and it became apparent to us, as retired folks, that it was more than we could handle.
I let my “fingers to the walking” via Google to find contractors in the Phoenix Metro area. I solicited a recommendation from a friend who also had a koi pond. I found that some contractors who advertised were no longer in business. There are not many contractors who do this kind of work in our area. Eventually, we met with four contractors and received bids ranging from $9,500 to $20,500. The discrepancy in the bid price was because of the materials they planned to use – everything from concrete to lined pond—as well as the “extras” they felt we should have.
We finally settled on a contractor in the mid-range and who fit our budget of $15,000 as a maximum price. The bid price accepted was $14,600. It included the following items (some of which we specified): pond with outside dimensions of 23’ by 15’(or about 7,000 gallons); pond depth to vary between 4’ and 2’ with an average depth of 3’; 8 large decorative rocks (boulders); automatic water leveler; fish cave; 33’ long stream; main waterfall approx. 4’ high and stream waterfall approx. 1’ high; 20 tons of dirt (most of which came from the excavation; balance was supplied by the contractor; relocation and replanting of some displaced rose bushes; 4 underwater pond lights with wire and transformer; 2 above ground spot lights with electrical and material; 7,000 gallons per hour pump (ended up with 2 at no extra charge – one for waterfall and one for stream) with all warranties on mechanical equipment, liner and lights; contractor had to leave one irrigation line intact or relocate; 6 koi fish and 6 water plants.
Excavation begins on the first day. Dirt from the hole is placed behind pond shape to create elevation for the waterfall and stream.
First Day
First Day
First Day
On the second day pond bottom is made smooth and level, plant shelf around pond perimeter created. Liner is placed, gravel placed in bottom and on plant shelf and first rocks are placed inside the pond. Once main pond elements are in place, water added to look for leaks or major flaws.
Second Day
Second Day
Second Day
Second Day
Second Day
On the third day, stream shape is refined and completed. Liner, rocks and gravel placed in stream bed. Filter box for waterfall and stream placed. Electrical for lights and pool motors – 2 – one for waterfall and one for stream are constructed. Lines buried, connections made. Waterfall and stream output tested.
Third Day
Third Day
Third Day
Third Day
The fourth and final day included relocating and replanting several rose bushes. Since the lights were on a timer set to come on in the evening they were checked the previous evening and worked well. Both motors had been running for 24 hours and there were no problems. Site clean up was performed.
Fourth and final day
Fourth Day
Time needed for construction was one week with payment made in three installments: one upon start of construction; one at midweek and one at the end of construction. We settled on the first week of March, 2011 as the confirmed date of construction. We were excited after all of our preparation to see our new pond become reality.
Our pond was up and running but very naked. Next up…plants and fish…
