A pond cleaning from Just Add Water averages about $650 for small ponds and water features, $1,150 for most ponds and $1,950 for large or complex features. Those averages come from cleanings we have done around Des Moines and Central Iowa. After a quick conversation and a few photos, we can usually tell you which range your pond fits before we schedule.
Here is what each cleaning includes, how a spring cleanout differs from a full drain and clean, and how often your pond actually needs one.
Pond cleaning prices
| Pond or feature | Average price |
|---|---|
| Small ponds and water features | $650 |
| Most ponds and water features | $1,150 |
| Large or complex water features | $1,950 |
Every cleaning is different. Your final price depends on the size, condition and complexity of the pond. See all of our pond cleaning services.
What a full drain and clean includes
A drain and clean, which we call an Exploratory Drain and Clean, is a full reset for your pond.
- We pump the water down.
- We keep any fish safe in a holding tank.
- We clean the rocks, gravel and waterfall.
- We clear out built-up muck.
- We service the pump and filters.
- We refill with treated water.
Along the way we inspect the whole system and tell you what we find. In one review, a Fort Dodge homeowner describes Alex finding her chemical doser leaking onto the ground instead of into the pond during a fall cleaning. That is the kind of thing a cleanout catches. Learn more about our exploratory pond cleaning.
Spring cleanout or full drain and clean?
A spring cleanout opens your pond back up after winter. We clear leaves and debris, clean the skimmer and filters, start the pump and add water treatments.
A full drain and clean goes further. We drain the pond so we can deep clean every surface and inspect the liner, plumbing and equipment. It is the right choice for a neglected or inherited pond, or when something is not working right.
How often a pond needs cleaning
Most ponds in Central Iowa do best with one thorough cleanout a year, usually in the spring, plus lighter care during the season. Ponds under trees or with a lot of fish may need more attention.
Fall matters too. A winter of leaves and debris can leave the water murky by spring. Our guide to protecting a pond from fall leaves covers netting, and fall pond cleaning covers what happens in a fall visit.
Cleaning on its own or in a plan
You can book a cleaning by itself. Or you can get it as part of a maintenance plan. Our weekly, bi-weekly and monthly packages include spring cleaning, fall service and winter shutdown, so your pond gets regular care and its seasonal cleanouts. Monthly plans start at $250 a month. See our pond maintenance cost guide.
What customers say after a cleaning
"So clean I can see the rocks at the bottom and count all the fish." That is Darlene McMullen after a fall to spring transformation. Read more on our reviews page.
Book a cleaning
Call (515) 208-4099 or request a quote. Spring and summer fill up quickly in Central Iowa, so book early if you want a spring cleanout.
Pond cleaning cost questions
How much does pond cleaning cost? About $650 for small ponds and water features, $1,150 for most ponds and $1,950 for large or complex features, based on cleanings we have done around Central Iowa.
What is a drain and clean? A full reset. We pump the pond down, keep fish safe, clean the rocks, gravel and waterfall, clear out muck, service the pump and filters, and refill with treated water.
How often should a pond be cleaned? Most Central Iowa ponds do best with one thorough cleanout a year, usually in spring, plus lighter care during the season.
Is cleaning included in a maintenance plan? Yes. Weekly, bi-weekly and monthly packages include spring cleaning, fall service and winter shutdown.
