Inside or out, there’s almost no faster way to change the atmosphere of your space than by adding a water fountain. Discover the different types available and learn more about the average water fountain cost. This will help you select the one that’s right for you.
Understanding the Cost of Water Fountains
The average water fountain cost is $2,700 to $4,300, with prices ranging from less than $100 to over $70,000, depending on the size, shape, type, materials, and features.
Custom-built water fountains cost more than prefabricated water fountains. You’ll also have to pay extra for additional features, like fountain and landscape lights, auto-refill systems, and sculptures.
Average Price Range for Water Fountains
Because there are so many different types of water fountains, it’s not easy to give a straightforward answer about the average price range. You’ll get a better idea by comparing the average price for various sizes, materials, and water fountain types.
Size
The simplest way to calculate the average price range for water fountains is based on size. Here is the average cost for various sizes of water fountains, not including installation.
| Size | Area (approximate) | Average cost |
| Small | 24” diameter (3 square feet) | $125 to $1,000 |
| Medium | 48” diameter (12 square feet) | $400 to $3,500 |
| Large | 60” diameter (20 square feet) | $1,000 to $10,000 |
Materials
The materials you select for your water fountain have the greatest impact on the cost. The following costs are for materials only.
| Material | Features and Benefits | Average Cost |
| Fiberglass | Affordable and lightweight | $120 to $8,000 |
| Resin | Easy to work with and lightweight | $130 to $3,000 |
| Concrete | Durable and heavy, can be luxurious | $600 to $7,000 |
| Stone | Durable, luxurious, often requires professional installation | $500 to $25,000 |
Type
The type of water fountain also influences the cost. Take a look at these average price ranges for different types of water fountains, not including installation costs.
| Lightweight; Can hang from a wall or fence, DIY-friendly | Details | Average Cost |
| Hanging | Lightweight; Can hang from a wall or fence, DIY-friendly | $150 to $500 |
| Freestanding | Sits on the ground, too heavy to hang | $600 to $1,200 |
| Precast stone or concrete | Prefabricated, available in many styles | $300 to $1,000 |
| Swimming pool fountain | Can shoot water straight up or come out of a wall | $2,500 to $9,000 |
| Indoor fountains | Usually smaller and more lightweight | $350 to $14,000 |
Breakdown of Costs
To estimate the overall cost of a water fountain project, you must include installation costs and other features. Here are the typical costs that accompany water fountains.
Labor and Installation
Labor costs for installing a water fountain range from $50 to $130 per hour, not including utilities. The complexity of the design and installation will affect your water fountain’s overall cost.
Utilities
Plumbers and electricians charge an average of $100 to $200 per hour, so it will cost more to install a water fountain the farther away it is from existing utilities.
Maintenance Requirements
Different types of water fountains require various types of maintenance. You only need to clean small hanging water fountains monthly and have few, if any, maintenance costs.
On the other hand, large water features require more maintenance. They may need frequent filter cleanings and scrubbing, costing $50 to $150 monthly.
Other Features
Here are some common features you’ll find with water fountains and the average costs of each:
- LED lights–$50 to $100
- Auto-refill system–$50 to $200
- Water thermometer–$20 to $125
- Cover–$50 to $500
- Smart controls–$75 to $250
- Potable water spout-$100 to $1,200
Related Services
You could also incur costs due to the following related services:
- Landscaping–the average cost for landscaping is between $5 to $20 per square foot.
- Grading and leveling–most projects cost between $800 and $4,000 per project.
- Pond installation–the average pond installation cost is $50 per square foot.
- Land clearing–the average cost for clearing land depends on the size of the area you need to be cleared.
People often pair water fountains with other water features, including in-ground swimming pools, outdoor ponds, and waterfalls. You have to install them to match their surroundings. Costs are higher with more expensive materials.
Different Types of Fountains and Their Costs
There are as many types of water fountains as there are yards to put them in, but the most common types are wall fountains, freestanding fountains, and pond or pool fountains. Learn more about these types of water fountains and dive deeper into the costs of each.
Wall Fountains and Their Costs
Wall fountains consist of a fountainhead mounted above a basin, with a pump and tubing to transport the water from the basin to the fountain. They are either mounted or standing and can be installed indoors or outside.
Mounted water fountains are smaller and made of lightweight materials like fiberglass and resin. Conversely, standing wall fountains, or floor fountains, are commonly of concrete or stone construction. Both types of wall fountains can be premade or custom-built.
Custom-built fountains have a more cohesive appearance because you can integrate them with their surroundings. They are usually more expensive if they are DIY water fountain projects.
Here are some common types of wall fountains and the costs of each, not including installation:
| Type | Description | Average Price Range |
| Spigot wall fountains | Water flows from one or more spigots into a basin | $50 to $1,000 |
| Sheet wall fountains | Often paired with swimming pools, can be various lengths and sizes, pair well with lights | $250 to $2,000 |
| Spillway wall fountains | Water falls from a horizontal spillway instead of a spout | $100 to $1,000 |
| Multi-tiered wall fountains | Water falls into multiple basins or tiers | $250 to $2,000 |
Freestanding Fountains
One of the easiest water fountains to install is a freestanding fountain. They are perfect for locations where you don’t have a wall to mount them to, like a patio or garden. They are simple to set up, and you can move them just as easily.
Freestanding water fountains are one of the best water fountains for gardens. They come in every shape and size imaginable, from large formal statue water fountains to small bird baths. Here is a look at the most common types of freestanding water fountains.
| Type | Description | Average price range |
| Bird bath water fountains | Can be made from various materials and can have multiple tiers, solar-powered options available | $25 to $300 |
| Column Fountains | Vertical columns made from various materials | $75 to $8,500 |
| Tier Fountains | Usually, 2 to 3 tiers, made from resin or concrete, ideal for large gardens and drowning out unwanted noises | $250 to $6,000 |
| Vase Fountains | Fountains that use various size vases for the basin | $125 to $25,000 |
| Statue Fountains | Available in different shapes and materials, such as Buddhas | $350 to $80,000 |
Pond or Pool Fountains and Their Costs
Fountains are aesthetically pleasing and provide a relaxing atmosphere. When used in a pond, they serve a more functional purpose by helping to aerate it and reduce algae growth. People also use water fountains in swimming pools to increase the circulation of chemicals.
Pond and pool fountains cool your pool, which is helpful in hot climates. They also relieve stress, and best of all, they’re fun. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
Here are the main types of pond water fountains and the costs associated with each type, not including the pond or installation.
| Type | Description | Average Price |
| 550 gph floating fountain with lights | 3 feet high and 2.5 feet wide | $200 |
| ¼ hp floating fountain with lights | Aerates up to ¼ acre pond | $500 |
| ½ hp floating fountain with lights | Aerates up to ½ acre pond | $1,000 |
| Lake Fountains | Need 1 to 2 hp per surface acre | $1,800 to $3,000 |
Choosing the Best Placement for Your Water Fountain
With water features, it’s all about location. When designing a water fountain for your yard, consider these placement tips.
Formal vs Informal Water Fountains
Formal water fountains are elegant and poised. They often have geometric lines and shapes with decorative embellishments such as statues and carvings. Informal water fountains have simpler designs with free-form shapes.
Generally, a formal water fountain should be used as a focal point in an entryway or placed at an intersection of paths. An informal water fountain usually serves as an accent in a side garden.
Front Yard Water Fountains
Front yard water fountains are usually designed to make a statement. Usually formal, water fountains in your front yard integrate features like pathways and flower beds. They draw visitors in and provide a tranquil and calming atmosphere.
Backyard Water Fountains
The best water fountain for your backyard will be determined by the other landscaping features you have (like gazebos) and how your backyard is used. If your backyard is used for entertaining, a dramatic formal water fountain can be used as a focal point.
Choose a simple, informal water fountain off the beaten path if you want a feature that will promote a relaxing atmosphere or block out noise. You can use any type of water fountain for your backyard, including wall, freestanding, and pond fountains.
Balcony or Patio Water Fountains
Freestanding water fountains are best for balconies and patios. They are easy to install and move, and many are lightweight enough to be used on any deck structure. They can be as simple as a bird bath water fountain or as dramatic as a fire and water feature.
The Benefits of Outdoor Water Fountains
Garden water fountains offer numerous benefits for your outdoor spaces. Discover the benefits of water fountains and how they can increase your home’s value.
Aesthetic Appeal and Increased Property Value
Outdoor water fountains provide a beautiful and calming atmosphere to any outdoor space, increasing your property’s curb appeal and value. They also block unwanted noise and can make any indoor or outdoor space more serene.
Health and Wellness Benefits
Many people use water fountains for their health and wellness benefits. The sound of moving water promotes relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety. Additionally, outdoor water fountains create a safe and natural habitat for birds, and having birds around can have beneficial impacts on your mental health.
Environmental Impact
Water fountains attract many types of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and beneficial pollinators, making your backyard more diverse. Biodiversity in your backyard is good for the greater ecosystem in your region and the planet as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Fountain Costs
How much does a typical water fountain cost?
Most water fountains cost between $1,500 to $9,000. The average water fountain cost falls between 2,700 to $4,300, depending on several factors.
Does installing a water fountain increase home value?
While some water features add value to your home, some do not. Most outdoor living improvements have an ROI of about 80%, but in the case of water features, it depends on how difficult they are to maintain. Typically, the greatest value added by water fountains is their aesthetic value.
What are the maintenance costs?
Typical maintenance chores for a water fountain include monthly cleaning and seasonal tasks. The cost of maintenance depends on the size of the fountain. Small fountains will cost very little, but large fountains can cost $50 to $150 per month to maintain.
Is it expensive to run a water fountain?
The expense to run a water fountain depends on the size and type. Solar-powered water fountains, commonly used in bird baths , don’t cost anything, whereas a large water fountain for a lake or pond could cost about $30 per month to power.
How can I save on water fountain expenses?
You can save on water fountain costs by choosing less expensive materials and DIYing the installation. The more work you can do on your own, the less it will cost you. You can use your imagination since there are millions of ways to make a fountain. There’s no “wrong” way to make a water fountain.
