Serving Des Moines and Central Iowa
Pond Builder in Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is home base. Our shop and display ponds sit at 2223 SW 23rd St on the south side, so for most Des Moines homeowners we are a short drive away for consultations, builds, cleanouts, and repair calls. We have been designing and building ponds, streams, and pondless waterfalls across the city for about 20 years.
Working in Des Moines
What to expect from Just Add Water in Des Moines
Because our crew is based here, Des Moines customers can see finished water features at our office before they commit, then work with the same team from design through seasonal care. Whether you have a new yard ready for its first pond or an older pond that needs a renovation, we can walk the site and give you a clear quote.
Master Certified Aquascape Contractor
The only one in Central Iowa.
2023 Aquascape Contractor of the Year
National recognition for our design and builds.
About 20 years in Central Iowa
Locally owned and building water features here since 2004.
Services
Pond and water feature services in Des Moines
See our work nearby
Finished water features near Des Moines
FAQ
Pond questions from Des Moines homeowners
How much does a pond cost in Des Moines?
A basic 6 by 8 foot pond with pump, filter, rocks, and a small waterfall starts at $12,000. An average 11 by 16 foot pond runs $24,000 to $26,000, and larger high-end ponds start at $40,000. If you want moving water without open water, pondless water features start at $6,500 and fountainscapes start at $5,000. Your exact price depends on size, site access, and features, and we confirm it after visiting your Des Moines property.
How long does it take to build a pond in Des Moines?
Most backyard ponds in Des Moines come together in a matter of days once we break ground. Larger ponds with long streams take longer, and spring weather in Iowa always has a say. After an on-site consultation you get a clear quote and a realistic timeline before any work starts.
How much maintenance does a pond need?
A well-built ecosystem pond needs less care than most Des Moines homeowners expect: a spring cleanout, occasional skimmer and filter cleaning, water treatments, and a fall or winter shutdown. You can do much of it yourself, or book a single maintenance visit from $175 or a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly plan.
What happens to my pond in an Iowa winter?
You can run a water feature through an Iowa winter or shut it down, depending on the feature and your preference. Our ponds are dug to a depth that suits Iowa winters, and our winter shutdown service protects the pump and plumbing through the cold. We will walk Des Moines customers through the simple seasonal steps either way.
Does Just Add Water serve Des Moines?
Yes. Des Moines is where our shop is, at 2223 SW 23rd St, and we serve every part of the city for new builds, maintenance, cleaning, and repairs.
Knowledge Center
Helpful reading before you start
Stuck in the Planning Phase? Here’s What Happens When You Finally Make the Call
Stuck in the Planning Phase? Here's What Happens When You Finally Make the Call You know the signs. There are 47 ponds saved to your Pinterest board. You've watched every Aquascape installation video on YouTube twice. You've read so many pond blog posts (maybe even ours) that you could practically…
Pond Installation Cost in Des Moines: What to Expect in 2026
A clear look at what a professionally installed pond costs in the Des Moines area in 2026, from compact water features to large estate-scale ecosystems.
What Makes A Fountainscape Installation In Iowa An Enchanting Centerpiece For Any Yard?
Installation of a Fountainscape in Iowa transforms your outdoor space into an enchanting centerpiece by blending regional plantings, engineered water movement, and lighting that accentuate local seasons. You gain low-maintenance design tailored to Iowa's freeze-thaw cycles, soundscapes that mask noise, and visual focal points that increase property appeal. With proper…