Not Just a Look—Your First Step to Superior Pond Solutions in Minnesota
When Jeff and Maria in Prior Lake first called us with unknown problems in their self-made pond, their question was simple: “Can you just swing by and take a look?” Their waterfall had slowed to a trickle, a few goldfish looked sluggish, and they wanted “a quick set of eyes” on the pond before deciding on repairs.
We get hundreds of calls just like this every month. While we’d love to visit every single one of these callers, it’s unfortunately just not possible. If we drove to every pond for a quick look, we’d have no time left to actually solve problems, rejuvenate ponds, or build the beautiful, stress-free water features our clients expect. Instead, we’ve developed clear, proven starting services so you get expert eyes, clear answers, and a solid action plan without wasting time (or money) on guesswork.
After years of experience and training in this craft, there’s very little in Minnesota pond layouts, equipment setups, or backyards we haven’t seen before. With a few clear photos and some basic details, we can usually narrow down the right starting point for you. After those initial visuals, here’s our client’s favorite ways to get their water feature solutions started.
Why a “Quick Look” Doesn’t Help Much
Many water feature issues can’t be solved by a surface walk-around. Leaks may be hidden under rockwork, pumps may appear fine but have internal wear, and poor circulation problems are often caused by subtle design issues you can’t spot from simply looking at from above. In fact, most solutions involve getting into the pond, moving components, testing equipment, and sometimes partially disassembling equipment.
That’s why our starting services are built around true diagnostics and action, not just casual observations. As certified professionals who invest thousands of dollars every year in continuing education and certifications, we focus our time where it creates the most value for you.
We’re also here for the DIY crowd—if you’re a hands-on pond owner simply looking for a little professional insight, we’re happy to talk through options over the phone or point you to relevant DIY articles and podcast episodes we’ve published. Having started ourselves in the water garden lifestyle as hobbyists, we love working with DIYers! If you’re looking for more than what we freely offer, we can share what our consultation packages look like and see what might be the best fit for your situation.
Pricing & Expectations: How We Protect Your Time
We know you want quick answers—but pond solutions sometimes take more than a glance. To give you the best value:
- We can solve many issues over the phone using photos and videos you send, saving you any trip fees.
- Every on-site visit is a booked service, meaning our time is fully dedicated to your needs.
- Most starting services begin at $350 for a one-hour on-site professional visit, including travel and off-site analysis or prep.
- Visits are structured to diagnose, start repairs, or deliver a plan, so you leave with next steps instead of more questions.
This approach keeps our technicians focused on active solutions for clients—like you—who are ready to move forward with turning their pond into a Superior Pond!
Clients Favorite Starting Service Options:
Discovery Visit – Starting at $350
Need expert eyes on your water feature? Whether you’re troubleshooting performance issues, exploring upgrade ideas, or just unsure what you need, our Discovery Visit puts a certified professional right on your property.
Includes:
- On-site walk-through and visual assessment
- Hands-on troubleshooting for minor issues (flow problems, equipment quirks, etc.)
- Up to 60 minutes of one-on-one time
- Verbal assessment, recommendations
- Service record with system status observations, recommendations, and product notes
- Expert insights to support repairs, upgrades, or maintenance planning
- A complimentary Hands of the Artist display book
Ideal for first-time clients or anyone seeking professional clarity before moving forward.
After buying a home in Savage, Paul and Jenn inherited a pond they knew nothing about. Our Discovery Visit helped them identify outdated equipment and a risky electrical setup. With our recommendations, they phased in repairs over a few months and now enjoy a safe, low-maintenance pond they can show off to guests.
Service Visit – Starting at $350
Designed for routine seasonal care for non-maintenance members, minor repairs on identified problems, or follow-ups on known issues.
Includes:
- Inspection of pump, skimmer, and filtration system
- Water level and equipment operation check
- Water treatments (as needed)
- Fish health observation
- Service record with system status observations, recommendations, and product notes
This is your all-purpose, flexible visit for non-emergency care.
Mike in Eagan booked a Service Visit before a family reunion. He had to be out of town for the couple weeks leading up to the event and he saw his pond turning green through his backyard Ring security system. We cleared out surface string algae, tuned up his pump, and treated the water. Guests arrived the next day to a clear water feature and happy koi—without Mike having to lift a finger.
Diagnostics Service – Starting at $350
For troubleshooting active problems like leaks, reduced flow, or noisy equipment. If it’s minor and we can fix it same-visit, we will—otherwise, you’ll get a full quote and plan.
Includes:
- Inspection of pumps, filters, and electrical components
- Surface-level leak detection
- Flow and performance testing
- Clearing clogged intakes or filters
- Up to 60 minutes of one-on-one time
- Minor repairs if time and materials allow
- Credit of diagnostic fee toward approved repairs
This is when there’s a problem and you don’t know what it is (Many clients find an Exploratory Drain and Clean to be their most valuable service option)
Lynn in Eagan noticed her water fountain was slowing down and emptying faster than usual. Our Diagnostics Service revealed a partially cracked intake pipe leaking water into the surrounding landscaping. The initial $350 Diagnostics Service turned into a total of $489.11 with additional labor and materials we had on our service van to get Lynn’s fountain up and running on the spot.
Emergency / After-Hours Service Visit – Starting at $695
For critical issues that can’t wait, like pump failure, severe active leaks, or equipment faults.
Includes:
- On-site assessment and immediate stabilization
- Emergency bypass or shutoff if needed
- Priority scheduling for follow-up repairs
VIP Maintenance Members receive scheduling priority.
Two days before a wedding in Lakeville, the venue’s pond pump died, threatening their signature waterfall backdrop. We arrived within two hours, installed a temporary pump, and saved the day (and the wedding photos) while sourcing the specialty pump they needed.
Design & Planning Consultation – Starting at $995
For new builds, rebuilds, or high-impact upgrades. This is an experience-led planning session with a professional, not just a conversation.
Includes:
- Detailed on-site evaluation
- Design discussion based on lifestyle and goals
- Equipment sizing and layout recommendations
- Measurements, photos, and documentation
- Tailored maintenance or build plan
- One follow-up meeting to finalize recommendations
- Hands of the Artist coffee table book for inspiration
Ranges from $995 to $5,000 depending on scope and engineering needs. This investment goes towards the cost of the project and is the first step for most installations and rebuilds.
The Johnson family in Apple Valley wanted a large koi pond but were nervous about upkeep, child safety, and next steps. While our investment calculators helped them accurately estimate their project budget, they really wanted to make sure a water feature would work in their yard before committing. Our Design & Planning Consultation helped them choose a pondless waterfall instead—same beauty, far less maintenance, and totally family safe!
Why This Approach Works
By starting with the right service, you:
- Avoid wasted trips and delays waiting for “someone to take a look”
- Get actual problem-solving, not just guesses
- Protect your investment by working with certified, insured professionals
- Gain a clear plan for your next steps—whether DIY or professional
As the University of Minnesota Extension notes, “targeted pond interventions prevent problems from escalating and reduce total project cost over time.” We’ve simply applied that principle to every type of water feature we touch.
The Bottom Line
If you’re ready to start fixing, improving, or planning for your pond, choosing the right first step matters. We designed these services to save time, protect your investment, and get you to the fun part—enjoying your water feature—sooner!
Next time you wonder, “Can you just swing by and look?”—remember: our process is about acting, not guessing. Which starting point fits your pond’s needs right now: Discovery, Diagnostics, or Design?
Superior Ponds is here to turn that starting step into a stress-free, beautiful result. Let’s get your water feature moving in the right direction, schedule a conversation today!