How Much Does a Water Fountain Cost to Install in 2025?
Water fountains cost an average of $2,847 to install
Installing a water fountain costs between $150 and $12,000, with an average price of $2,847.
The top factors influencing the total price include location, size, material quality, and project complexity.
Water fountains enhance property aesthetics and can increase resale value.
Hiring a professional water fountain installer ensures your fountain is installed correctly and operates efficiently.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, most homeowners spend $2,847 on water fountain installation, with costs ranging from $150 to $12,000. The total cost depends on the fountain's size, material, complexity, location, and quality. Installing a water fountain can transform your outdoor space into a tranquil oasis. By budgeting properly and hiring a water fountain professional, you can ensure a seamless installation and enjoy a functioning fountain that enhances your space.
Water Fountain Cost Factors
Water fountain installation costs depend on several factors, including labor rates, the fountain size and location, add-ons, and required landscaping.
Labor
Labor accounts for $400 to $1,600 of your total fountain cost. You’ll require the help of two contractors: a professional plumber, who costs $45 and $200 per hour, and an electrician, between $50 and $100 per hour. The actual rate for a plumber's services will depend on your fountain's distance from a water source. Similarly, the distance to a power source will determine how much an electrician will charge.
Even if you plan to install the fountain yourself, hiring professionals for the plumbing and electrical work is important to ensure everything is safe and up to code.
Size
The size and height of your fountain are the main factors influencing the price. Fountains are available for all budgets, whether you opt for a small birdbath or a large backyard waterfall as your centerpiece.
| Size (Ft.) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 | $125–$1,000 |
| 3–20 | $400–$3,500 |
| More than 20 | $1,000–$10,000 |
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Indoor fountains cost less than outdoor models because they're smaller, easier to install, and require less maintenance. Simply fill a tabletop or floor fountain with water, plug it in, and enjoy. There's no need for plumbing, electrical work, or site preparation. Since indoor units aren't exposed to the elements, occasional wipe-downs and refills are all you need to keep them running smoothly.
Like outdoor fountains, indoor models have features like lighting, programmable settings, and high-end materials. The price will increase with added features and higher-end materials.
Solar Pumps
Solar pumps cost between $50 and $425 to install in a water fountain and help you reduce ongoing electrical costs. Installing a solar water fountain requires significantly less electrical work than a standard model. A high-end solar pump with a strong solar collector and battery can power your fountain 24 hours daily. While these models are pricier than similar non-solar units, the savings on your energy bills and reduced labor costs can offset the higher upfront cost.
Exact savings depend on the wattage of the pump, how many hours per day it runs, and electricity rates 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 $0.24.
44 watts/1000 = 0.044 kilowatts
0.044 kilowatts x 24 hours per day = 1.056 kWh
1.056 kWh x $0.24 = $0.2534
Operating Cost/Solar Savings = approx. $0.25 per day or $91.25 per year
Landscaping
No additional charges should apply to building into your existing landscape unless you require significant work. The cost to reslope a lawn, for example, averages $2,175.
In some cases, there may be an additional cost to install a pond or excavate your land. 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.
Water Fountain Cost by Material
The price of a fountain ranges from $50 to over $4,000, depending on the material you choose. You might find a simple garden fountain or birdbath at a hardware store for an affordable price. On the other hand, you could install a full-sized waterfall cascading over a marble wall for thousands of dollars. Whatever your vision, there's an option that will meet your needs and fit your budget.
| Material | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Plastic or resin | $40–$2,800 |
| Fiberglass | $100–$3,400 |
| Rock | $100–$3,000 |
| Concrete | $300–$7,000 |
| Stone | $300–$12,000 |
Plastic or Resin Fountains
Plastic or resin fountains cost between $40 and $2,800, depending on features and size. 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 look like the real thing.
Fiberglass Fountains
For a fiberglass fountain, you can spend anywhere from $100 to $3,400. Fiberglass is often bonded with resin, which 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.
Rock Fountains
Rock fountains cost between $100 and $3,000, depending on size and material selection. You can, however, spend much more than this, depending on the size and style of the fountain, whether it's custom or prefab, and the type of rock you choose. Rock fountains are heavy and highly durable but require regular cleaning and maintenance.
Concrete Fountains
You’ll spend between $300 and $7,000 for a concrete fountain. 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 highly durable but need sealing annually to help them withstand inclement weather.
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.
Stone Fountains
Stone fountains range between $300 and up to $12,000, depending on the type of stone you choose. Marble is a highly prized type of stone for its beauty, which runs on the high end of the price range, whereas limestone or granite are more cost-effective.
Water Fountain Cost by Type
There are many types of fountains, from a humble birdbath to a monolithic tiered pedestal fountain, each with varying prices. You'll pay less for a small, lightweight feature like a birdbath or hanging wall fountain than a high-end Spanish tier or an ultra-modern water sheet.
Waterfall
The cost to install a waterfall fountain ranges between $450 and 6,000, including installation. You'll pay an average of $1,000 for a simple 12-square-foot rock waterfall and basin or upwards of $5,000 for a larger, more intricate design.
Existing Swimming Pool
Adding a fountain to a swimming pool requires working with your pool's existing features and landscape. A professional pool designer will consider your pool's mechanics, drainage, masonry, pump system, and filtration. Because costs can vary significantly, you’ll need to contact a pool professional for a custom quote.
Custom Rico Rock or Faux Rock Feature
A licensed contractor or pool company can provide a quote to add custom Rico Rock features to your fountain. 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, molded from natural rock formations
Quick and easy installation
Water Fountain Kits
Pre-fabricated water fountain kits range from $100 to $1,000. 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
Pondless water fountains cost between $60 and $7,000, depending on the size and type of rock work. Also known as cascading waterfalls, these standalone structures boast some advantages over other models, including:
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, making them 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.
DIY vs. Hiring a Water Fountain Installation Pro
If you have plumbing and electrical experience, you might be able to install a pre-fabricated water fountain kit yourself. However, if your plans involve a more elaborate structure like a grotto, complex details like lighting, or significant site preparation like excavating, it's best to hire a local water fountain professional.
Landscaping, electrical, and plumbing work require specialized tools and expertise, making DIY installation time-consuming and challenging. Hiring a water fountain professional helps ensure projectrject is completed safely, efficiently, and correctly.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Installing a drinking fountain costs between $500 and $1,000 for indoor models and an average of $3,000 for outdoor units, including installation. The cost depends on the design, materials, and professional labor involved, with service rates ranging from $45 to $200 per hour. Investing in a drinking fountain can enhance your space's functionality and aesthetic appeal.
A water fountain increases home resale value by elevating curb appeal and enhancing overall property aesthetics. A well-cared-for fountain that matches the home’s design and functions flawlessly boosts buyer confidence and market desirability. Routine maintenance and professional installation ensure proper performance, ensuring that your fountain benefits both daily enjoyment and long-term resale value.
Maintaining a fountain costs $25 to $50 per month for basic upkeep and $50 to $150 for professional deep cleaning or servicing. A fountain of any size requires routine draining, thorough cleaning of the pump, tubing, and surface, plus regular inspections for wear, algae, or mineral deposits. Annual maintenance and sealing further extend its lifespan and enhance its appearance.
How much power your water fountain uses depends on the pump’s size and operating schedule. Smaller fountains use less than 10 watts per day, while larger cascade pumps can require up to 1,000 watts. This translates to an average increase of around $25 per month on your electric bill.
Water fountain installation takes anywhere from a few hours to several days. The installation timeline depends on the fountain’s design, site preparation requirements, and the involvement of professional plumbing and electrical services. Prefabricated water features are set up in a few hours, while custom designs require additional structural and aesthetic modifications and take much longer.
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