Understanding The Price of Pond Cleaning in Minnesota

Maintaining a pond’s beauty requires regular cleaning and upkeep. Here in Minnesota, the cost of pond cleaning services can vary based on several factors. Feel free to try out our Pond Cleaning Calculator to build your own custom pond cleaning package, and then keep reading so you know how to budget for water feature cleaning and maintenance.

1. Factors Influencing Pond Cleaning Costs

Pond cleaning prices are influenced by various factors including the size of your pond, when the last deep cleaning was and the extent of cleaning required, accessibility and access, and the level of services desired.

Pond Size: Larger ponds require more labor, time, and materials. One aspect of this can be seen in simply draining your pond to start the cleaning process. While a small pond under 100 square feet can be drained in the time it takes to unload cleaning equipment and check your pond equipment, doubling and tripling that size involves a hefty amount of water that can take some time to drain. Also, deeper ponds with steeper sides can make getting in and out of the pond more difficult, causing a cleaning to take longer while trying to be safe.
Cleaning Needed: A water feature that gets cleaned every year will need less work than a pond that hasn’t been cleaned in 5 or 10 years. In small amounts, pond sludge can be cleaned out with some simply water treatments, stirring up the bottom of your pond with nets, and sometimes even a quick swim to get the water moving debris through the filters. In larger amounts, there are all sorts of equipment needed to remove thick and heavy sludge off the bottom of your pond, including large trash pumps that have to work their way through the thick material.
Oftentimes pond owners are happier with more frequent and lower cost service visits to upkeep their pond than one or two higher priced full deep cleans a year.
Accessibility: Easy access to a pond reduces the time and labor costs. Ponds that are difficult to access and work around may require additional equipment to safely work or manpower to make the best use of equipment, increasing the price.
Additional Services: Services such as repairing pumps, filters, or installing protective measures against algae and sediment buildup can add to the overall cost. There are many service add-ons, products, and water feature upgrades that can be added to a pond cleaning and maintenance visit.

2. Average Cost of Pond Cleaning

Most ponds in our state are under 100 square feet, are 2-3 feet deep, have decent access to the backyard, and have water and electricity readily available. While prices can vary, most pond cleaning with supplemental maintenance plans usually cost between $2,300-$5,400. A typical one-time pond cleaning service visit around Minneapolis and the Twin Cities area usually ranges from $1,100 to $1,600. While first time cleanings can vary a lot, subsequent maintenance visits to a cleaner pond are much easier to manage and are cheaper to maintain. See the full list of pond cleaning prices.

3. Choosing a Service Provider

When selecting a pond cleaning service, it’s important to consider not only the cost but also the provider’s experience, the range of services they offer, and their reputation in the industry. While a general landscaper might be able to provide you a cheaper short-term cleanout, a specialized water feature company will provide you with a cheaper long-term maintenance experience. Ponds are natural living ecosystems that have a balance to maintain. Anyone can clean rocks and use a hose, but understanding that living balance will help you enjoy your cleaner water feature for longer. Look for the value beyond simple cleaning tasks.

4. Long-Term Maintenance Contracts

As mentioned above, some service providers offer ongoing maintenance plans that can reduce the overall cost of individual cleanings. These service plans often include regular check-ups and preventive maintenance, which can prolong the life of pond equipment and ensure the pond remains healthy year-round without as much effort from you. Understanding the pricing of pond cleaning services helps Minnesota pond owners make informed decisions about their ongoing pond upkeep. Investing in regular cleaning not only enhances the serene appeal of your pond but also ensures its ecological balance and longevity. Keep in mind the influencing factors to a cleaning service and choose a reputable service provider to get the most value from your investment.

Breakdown of a pond cleaning

These are some aspects to look out for in a professional pond cleaning service. This thorough cleaning sets the tone for a vibrant pond throughout the warmer months.

Cleaning Services include:

Filter and pump inspection and cleaning
Comprehensive debris removal
Pressure washing
Light cleaning and adjustment
Water treatment applications
Fish health checks and dosing systems review (if applicable)

Fall Netting: Preparing your pond for winter is crucial. Our fall services include:

Installation of protective netting over the water feature (excluding fountainscapes)
Filter and pump maintenance
A 20% water change to refresh the ecosystem

Regular Check-ins: Ensuring your pond remains in excellent condition, these visits include:

Debris removal
Filter and pump checks
Water top-offs
Necessary water treatment
Lighting and fish health inspections
Dosing systems maintenance

Tailored Service Packages: We understand that each pond owner’s needs differ, which is why we offer tiered service packages:

Silver Maintenance Membership (The Essentials): Ideal for hands-on enthusiasts, this package includes Spring Cleaning and Fall Netting. Pricing varies by the size and type of your water feature, ranging from $495 for a fountainscape to $2,695 for large ponds. Typically, most Silver Maintenance Memberships are $2,100 a year.
Gold Maintenance Membership (The Standard): This package offers an extra layer of care with bi-weekly care visits and basic algae elimination systems added to the essential services, ensuring season-long maintenance. Prices start at $4,100 for fountainscapes and go up to $5,600 for larger ponds. Most Gold Maintenance Memberships are $4,900 a year.
VIP Maintenance Membership (Stress-Free): Designed for those who prefer a comprehensive and hands-off service, this package includes all services from the previous two packages plus free dosing system usage, an advanced algae elimination system, and weekly visits to give you our Clear Water Guarantee. This is our most extensive offering, with prices starting at $5,100 for fountainscapes and up to $9,000 for large ponds. Most VIP Maintenance Memberships are $7,200 a year

For more detailed information on our offerings, including adjustments for specific water features, browse our maintenance service page and feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help you enjoy the full benefits of your beautiful water feature and help you love your yard again!