How to Create a Pond or Waterfall Feature on a Budget

If you are looking to build a pond or water feature in your yard but you are on a major budget, don't worry! There's a ton of tricks you can use to cut costs but not beauty!

Water Pond Basin - Average Cost: $100 - $400

My Cost: Free to $50

When you first create a water feature you will need a basin. I suggest looking on CraigsList. You can even post a "Want" ad for free on C.L. You'll be surprised how many people want to get rid of their current basin to upgrade to larger ones or maybe they have become tired of the upkeep. I was able to get a $300 basin for $25 at a yard sale!

Pump and System - Average Cost: $100 - $300

My Cost: $10 - $40

Next you will need to get a pump system that has a filter. This you will probably want to buy new. eBay is a great place to pick these up cheap - new and used. Or you can wait till the end of the season and score big for very little cash.

Waterfall Feature - Average Cost: $50 - $150

My Cost: $10 - $20 max

And finally you will need some kind of tarp to create the waterfall feature. You don't have to buy the expressive molded plastic ones! Just purchase a thick, black tarp that is designed to hold up in all conditions then cut to size.

Once you have chosen your spot you will want to dig a hole the appropriate size for the pond. Be sure to pile up the dirt you remove from this whole to begin building your water feature.

Dirt for Waterfall Feature - Average Cost: $100 - $200

My cost: Free!

Like most people, you will find that the dirt removed from the hole is not enough to give you the height you want for your waterfall. Instead of paying $100 or more for a load of delivered dirt, use broken cement for free! Look on Craigslist or in the paper for people who are paying to have their cement removed. Sometimes you can also find gardening blocks/bricks. These work great too. Fill the space with the bricks or cement then cover with remaining tarp to keep weeds out. Now you can apply about 8 to 12 inches of dirt on the top - just enough to plant! You have now saved at least $80 on dirt! Plus, you don't have to worry about shifting or settling!

Plants - Average Costs: $200 - $800+

My costs: $30 - $100 max

Next you will want plants. Wait until mid July to shop for perennials. You will be able to get them from places like Lowes for .50 cents a piece! They usually run huge 75% off sales starting around July 10^th.

Rocks - Average cost: $500 - $1,000+

My costs: Free to $100

When it comes time to add the rocks around your pond for a natural pond look, you can do a few things to cut costs. First, you can find rocks in places like forests or lakes. Just make sure that you are legally allowed to take them. Second, you can watch for "going out of business" sales for landscaping companies. Third, you can post want ads and offer to pay a small amount per rock. And finally you can buy them from companies at the end of the season. An alternative to expensive rocks is using logs and drift wood. A large log can cover a lot of space and look amazing. I like to hallow out holes in my logs and make planters, so it's a two-in-one!

If you follow my advice you'll save at least $1,000 on your pond!