5 Smart Ways to Save on Pond Services Without Sacrificing Quality

When Lisa from Eagan called us in early March, she was honest right away:

“I love my pond, but I need to be smarter with how I spend this year.”

Inflation had her watching every dollar, and like many Minnesota homeowners, she wanted to preserve the joy of her backyard sanctuary without breaking the bank. Her pond, nestled beside a grove of native birch trees, had always been her summer escape. But with rising costs in everything from groceries to gas, she wanted to make sure her maintenance choices were wise, not wasteful. She needed to “cut the edge off” her spending.

At Superior Ponds, we’ve been hearing this more and more. That’s why we’ve redesigned our services—including discount and credit options—to help you make the most of every dollar. From long-term maintenance planning to smart upgrades and rewards for loyal customers, here’s five ways to save money on your pond services without cutting corners.

Prefer to listen instead? Tune in below as Andrew and Emma discuss this article on the Ponderings Podcast!

1. Invest in Ongoing Maintenance to Avoid Big Repairs

It might feel counterintuitive, but routine maintenance saves far more than it costs. Just like oil changes in your car prevent costly engine failures, ongoing care for your pond prevents the kinds of repairs that destroy budgets (and ecosystems). Every year, we get calls from DIYers whose neglected ponds have reached a breaking point—it’s either time for a complete remodel or to fill it in altogether for safety reasons.

Why It Matters:

A clogged skimmer or unchecked leak can lead to pump burnout or major water loss—issues that can easily rack up $1,400+ in emergency repairs. A study by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) found that water features receiving seasonal maintenance are 60% less likely to require major repairs. Smaller services more often prevent bigger services less often.

What You Can Do:

Schedule a Spring Startup, Fall Netting, and Winter Shutdown. These three seasonal services are what we call “The Essentials.” They allow you to catch many problems before they escalate.
Join a maintenance plan. Our VIP Maintenance Members enjoy consistent care, priority scheduling, extended (even lifetime) warranties, and cost savings through bundled services.

2. Pond Perks: Rewarding Stewardship and Community Sharing

At Superior Ponds, we know our clients care deeply about their water features. We also understand that the cost of everything is going up. That’s why we created Pond Perks, a rewards program that gives back to customers who help share their story. While we can’t offer traditional discounts, we believe in rewarding stewardship—with real service credits that make a difference.

Yard Sign Display

Clients who let us leave a small branded Superior Ponds sign in your yard for 3 months receive a $100 thank-you credit on their next service ($30 each additional month left in your yard!). It helps us by showing your neighbors that you trust us with your pond. It’s a simple way to support local without doing anything, and the yard sign does all of the talking! The credit can be applied to any product or service.

Lifestyle Testimonial Video

Let us record a short testimonial video about how you enjoy your pond. We’ll take some shots around your water feature, ask you a few questions, and help others understand the possibilities of a lifestyle connected to water. In return, you have the option of:

$200 back, or
A mid-season check-up ($250 value) including a “Pond Bomb” water treatment ($100 value)

Neighborhood Pond Showcase

This opportunity is only open for a limited number of weekends in the season. Let us host a laid-back event at your home gathered around your pond. You invite your friends and neighbors, we handle the setup, refreshments, and cleanup. In return, you have the option of:

A Spring Startup & Cleaning (up to 180 sq. ft. pond, standard starting $1,200 value), or
Two months of free VIP Maintenance (up to $2,400 value)
If you’re already proud of your pond, let it earn you something back. Just ask your favorite pond technician or contact our office to enroll!

3. Use Higher-Quality Materials Upfront

That bargain filter or discount liner might look good today—but if you have to replace it next season (or the one after that), your cost-per-year goes up fast. We’ve seen DIY kits where the pump lasted less than a full Minnesota season.

What Makes the Difference:

Professional-grade pumps often last 7-10+ years when maintained, compared to 1–2 years for most box-store options.
Thicker, fish-safe liners resist UV damage, wildlife claws, and freeze/thaw cycles far better than their cheaper counterparts.
Proper installation matters just as much. A well-installed component won’t just perform better—it will prevent costly leaks and flow issues later on. (wondering how much that new pond will cost? Check out our Pond Pricing Calculator)
Keeps you from having to mix-and-match equipment.

Industry Insight:

According to Aquascape Inc., poor-quality materials are the #1 cause of system inefficiencies and unnecessary replacements in backyard ponds (Aquascape). Paying more upfront means saving hundreds—sometimes thousands—over the lifespan of your pond.

4. Bundle Services for Better Pricing

Instead of waiting for issues to arise and calling for single appointments, bundling your services into an annual maintenance plan lets you save money—and ensures your pond is never neglected.

Our Maintenance Plans Include:

Seasonal cleanings and inspections
Equipment checks and winterizations
Exclusive discounts on repairs, upgrades, fish, and plants
Peace of mind for a system operating right

VIP Members save between 25%-30% annually compared to one-off service requests—and get priority scheduling in the busiest months. Gold Members save between 15%-20% annually compared to lower plans.

5. Beyond the Basics: Smart, Underused Ways to Save

Even with great equipment and a strong maintenance plan, there are additional ways to keep your water feature affordable.

- - - Natural Filtration with Plants:
      Plants like water lilies, water lettuce, and water hyacinth naturally help clean the water. As Reflections Water Gardens points out, these aquatic plants function as natural filters—reducing algae and supporting pond balance (RWG). The more natural filtration you have, the less you have to rely on mechanical filtration.
    - Rainwater Harvesting:
      Collecting rainwater through your gutters and drainage tile around your yard and using it to top off your pond is free, sustainable, and helps reduce utility costs. Especially in Minnesota summers, this can make a real difference.
    - Seasonal Adjustments:
      Winter prep isn’t just smart—it saves money. Removing pumps, draining lines, and checking plumbing before a deep freeze can prevent burst pipes and cracked equipment. Our spring startups often reveal damaged equipment that could have been prevented with a few winterization steps.
    - Buy Now, Pay Later:
      Your upgraded and maintained water feature doesn’t have to be out of financial reach. With a variety of financing options available with up to 30 year options and up to 18 months interest-free and same-as-cash, your dream pond is only a call away.

Harmonizing Passion with Practicality

Owning a pond shouldn’t feel like a financial burden. It shouldn’t be an ongoing money pit. When you invest in quality from the start and stay proactive with maintenance, you actually save over time. We believe pond ownership should be enjoyable, relaxing, and sustainable—especially here in Minnesota where each season brings new challenges.

Superior Ponds: Helping You Save, the Smart Way

We know costs are going up everywhere—that’s why we’re doubling down on pricing transparency, preventative care, and programs like Pond Perks. Our mission is to help you spend smarter, not spend more.

Whether you’re new to pond ownership or a seasoned veteran, we’d love to show you how we can help you save over the long haul.

What changes could you make this season to protect your pond and your budget?
Let us know in the comments—or better yet, reach out today to get started on your Superior Pond!