The work
Ponds, streams and the seasons around them
Five jobs, from a shovel in the ground to the net that goes on in October.
New ponds and streams
Where a pond sits, how deep it goes and how the water moves decide how easy it is to keep. We plan those first.
A site visit and a sketch before any estimate
Depth planned for Illinois winters
Liner, underlayment, skimmer and filter sized to the pond
Stone, gravel and plants set at the edge
A call to 811 before digging
Waterfalls and fountains
Moving water adds sound and oxygen. We size the pump to the feature so it doesn't fight the pond.
Spillways, streams and stepped falls
Fountain bowls and bubblers
Pump and plumbing sized to the flow you want
A test run before the last stone is set
Spring opening and fall closing
The two visits that decide the year, and the ones most owners want help with first.
Opening: net off, cleanout, restart, water refreshed
Closing: final cleanout, pump pulled or set deep, de-icer in
A written note after each visit
Booked early; both visits can go on one schedule
Summer cleanouts
For ponds that turn green, cloudy or smelly between visits, and for ponds under trees.
Filter pads, skimmer and pump intake rinsed
Plants trimmed and divided
Fish count and water level noted
A rebalancing plan if the water won't clear
Repairs and upgrades
Most leaks are at the edge, the skimmer or a pipe joint, not in the middle of the liner. We find out which before we touch anything.
Leak search and edge repair
Pump, filter and UV replacement
Added skimmers, aeration and lighting
Spillway and stone repairs
How a new pond goes
Four steps from first visit to first fish
- 01
The visit
We walk the yard, measure, and look at the sun, the trees overhead, where power and water are, and how a machine would get in.
- 02
The written estimate
A scope, a materials list, a start window and what is left out, sent by email after the visit.
- 03
The build
We call 811, dig, line, plumb, set stone and fill. Any town permit and any electrical work are in the estimate.
- 04
The walk-through
We run the pump with you, show you the skimmer and the shutoffs, and leave the notes for the first season.
Pricing
How pricing works
We don't price a pond from a photo. Here is what the number depends on, in the order people ask.
What decides the price
Mostly the pond's size and depth, and how hard the site is to work in.
Surface area and depth
Gate width, slope and where a machine can sit
How far the power and water are
Rock, plants and the pump and filter it needs
What the estimate includes, and what it doesn't
A written scope, a materials list, a start window and who will be on site.
Included: digging, liner, filter, stone, plants listed, cleanup
Not included unless listed: fencing, a town permit fee, an electrician's work
What happens at the visit
About an hour at the pond. We measure, photograph and ask how you want to use it. The estimate follows by email; we don't quote on the spot.
Materials and who chooses them
You choose the stone and the look; we choose what goes under the water. The estimate lists plants, rock and equipment so you can see where the money goes.
How and when you pay
For a build: a deposit when you accept, a payment when the pond is dug and lined, and the rest after the walk-through. Seasonal visits are billed after each visit.
When you get the number
In writing, after the visit and before anything is ordered. If the plan changes along the way, we say so and put it in writing first.
Every figure in your estimate is in writing before work starts.
Before you book
Questions about building and repairing
Do I need a permit or a fence?
Some towns ask for a permit, or for a barrier around water over a certain depth. We check your town's rule at the visit and put any permit in the estimate.
How deep will my pond be?
Deep enough that the water doesn't freeze solid and the fish stay cooler in July. We set the depth at the visit from your yard and what you want in it.
Who does the electrical work?
Pumps and lights need power at the pond. A licensed electrician runs new outlets, and your estimate says when that applies.
How long does a build take?
It depends on the size, the stone delivery and the weather. The estimate gives a start window and the working days, and we text you when either changes.
Ready for a visit?
Tell us about the pond, or the one you'd like. We'll book a time to walk the yard.