Swim Ponds & Retreats

Transforming Backyards Into Luxury Pond-Side Retreats

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Luxury Swim Ponds & Backyard Retreats in Oklahoma

At Garden Ponds Unlimited, we specialize in building high-end natural swim ponds and outdoor retreats that go far beyond a backyard water feature. These aren’t just ponds, they’re fully immersive escapes designed for relaxation, swimming, and year-round enjoyment.

With over 28 years of experience, a portfolio of stunning projects, and 450+ reviews from happy clients, we’ve earned our reputation as Oklahoma’s most trusted pond builder. Our team combines artistic vision, ecological design, and expert construction to create private resort-style environments that elevate your entire property.

Every swim pond retreat we build is tailored to your landscape and lifestyle. Whether you want a crystal-clear swimming area with biological filtration, a tranquil setting with cascading waterfalls, or a full-yard transformation complete with outdoor living zones, we’ll bring your dream to life.

We proudly serve Moore, Norman, Edmond, Oklahoma City, and surrounding areas.

Check Out This Swim Pond Retreat

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What Our Pond Clients Say...

Just had my pond clean out done, they were very careful with my fish, gave me a free owners manual, and tips on how to better care for my fish! My pond looks amazing! Thanks to them!

Shelby Ryan

I was a little bit weary of using Garden ponds unlimited for my clean out because they charge by the hour instead with a bid like the other Pond companies. but in the end it was cheaper and just as good of a job

Jeremiah Sturges

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Recreation Pond?

Building a recreation pond in Oklahoma is an investment that combines natural beauty with functionality, providing a chemical-free swimming experience and a stunning outdoor feature. At a high level view, costs typically range from $50,000 to $100,000+, depending on the scope, design, and site-specific factors.

There are generally three categories our recreation pond clients will fall into.  Those building a recreation pond from scratch, those expanding or modifying an existing pond into a recreation pond, and those who are looking to convert an existing swimming pool into a more natural swimming pond.

Here's a breakdown of what goes into building a recreation pond and how costs may vary depending on what we're doing:

Creating a Recreation Pond from Scratch

Building a recreation pond from scratch provides the most flexibility in design but involves significant work. This process includes full excavation, installing advanced filtration systems, and incorporating custom features such as sandy beaches, waterfalls, or surrounding landscaping. Larger properties allow for expansive designs, while smaller spaces may require creative solutions to maximize usability. Costs for building a recreation pond from scratch typically range from $50,000 to $100,000+. Access issues, such as limited space for excavation equipment, can add to labor and material delivery costs.

Converting an Existing Pond to a Recreation Pond

Transforming an existing pond into a recreation pond can be a more cost-effective option. This process often includes upgrading filtration systems, reshaping the pond to include distinct swimming and filtration zones, and adding natural features like aquatic plants and rock formations. The cost for this type of conversion typically falls between $35,000 and $70,000, depending on the condition of the existing pond and the extent of the modifications required. Issues such as leaks or structural weaknesses may increase costs.

Converting an Existing Swimming Pool to a Recreation Pond

Converting a traditional swimming pool into a recreation pond offers a unique way to blend natural aesthetics with an existing structure. This involves retrofitting the pool with biological filtration systems, introducing aquatic plants, and landscaping around the pool to create a natural look. Costs for pool-to-pond conversions generally range from $40,000 to $85,000, with expenses influenced by the pool’s size, current condition, and the extent of the changes needed. While conversions save on excavation, structural limitations may impact design options.

Additional Considerations

When building or converting a recreation pond in Oklahoma, site-specific factors like access and space, can significantly impact costs. Limited access for equipment or challenging ground conditions may increase labor costs, while customization options like waterfalls or intricate landscaping add to the overall expense.

Whether starting from scratch, converting a pond, or transforming a pool, Garden Ponds Unlimited can create the perfect recreation pond for your space. Contact us for a consultation and estimate today.

Extra Large Custom Pond

We are capable of building ponds of any size!   Whether it's a zoo exhibit that requires a very specific type of eco-system or a dramatic and beautiful entrance to your private or commercial property, we can design and build whatever you wish!

Cost $35k-$150k+
Depending On Size and Scope

Large Custom Pond Construction
Consultation

What's The Difference Between
a Regular Pond & a Recreational Pond?

When deciding to add a water feature to your outdoor space, it’s essential to understand the key differences between a regular pond and a recreational pond. While both offer beauty and tranquility, their purposes, designs, and functionality vary significantly. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Purpose and Functionality

Regular Pond: Regular ponds are designed primarily for aesthetic and ecological purposes. They often serve as a visual focal point, creating a peaceful environment for relaxation and contemplation. These ponds typically feature koi or goldfish, aquatic plants, and decorative elements like waterfalls to enhance their beauty. Regular ponds are not intended for human interaction beyond enjoying the view.

Recreational Pond: Recreational ponds are built with human interaction in mind. They combine the natural beauty of a pond with the functionality of a swimming pool, allowing you to swim, wade, or relax in a chemical-free, eco-friendly environment. These ponds are ideal for homeowners who want a natural swimming experience while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of a water feature.

Design and Construction

Regular Pond Design: Regular ponds are typically shallow and smaller in size, focusing on supporting aquatic life and creating a balanced ecosystem. They often include areas for aquatic plants, fish habitats, and decorative features to enhance their natural look. The filtration systems in regular ponds are designed to maintain water clarity and health for fish and plants.

Recreational Pond Design: Recreational ponds are larger and more complex, designed to accommodate both swimmers and aquatic life. They feature separate zones—shallow areas for lounging and deeper sections for swimming. Advanced filtration systems, such as biological filters and constructed wetlands, are essential to keep the water clean and safe for human use. Recreational ponds often include naturalistic designs with sandy beaches, rock formations, and lush landscaping to create a seamless blend with the surrounding environment.

Maintenance Requirements

Regular Pond Maintenance: Maintaining a regular pond involves periodic cleaning, debris removal, and monitoring water quality to ensure a healthy environment for fish and plants. Beneficial bacteria, skimmers, and UV clarifiers are commonly used to prevent algae growth and maintain clarity.

Recreational Pond Maintenance: Recreational ponds require more comprehensive maintenance to ensure water quality is safe for swimming. This includes regular testing of pH levels, oxygenation, and filtration performance. Additional care is often needed to manage the plant-based filtration zones and ensure debris doesn’t compromise the swimming areas. While maintenance may be more involved, the natural systems used in recreational ponds reduce the need for harsh chemicals.

Which One is Right for You?

Choosing between a regular pond and a recreational pond depends on your goals for your outdoor space. If you want a low-maintenance, ornamental feature to admire, a regular pond may be the perfect choice. However, if you dream of an eco-friendly swimming retreat that doubles as a beautiful water feature, a recreational pond offers the best of both worlds.

At Garden Ponds Unlimited®, we specialize in designing and constructing both types of ponds to suit your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you envision a tranquil koi pond or a custom recreational pond, our team has the expertise to get your Pond's Done Right The First Time!

To schedule an estimate for your pond building project please call (405) 799-7663 or fill out our contact form and we’ll get right back to you.

Our Swim Pond Construction Process

At Garden Ponds Unlimited®, we follow a proven six-step process to ensure your recreation pond is expertly designed and built to last as a thriving, low-maintenance eco-system.

We start with a consultation to discuss your vision, preferences, and budget.

Your recreational pond design will be carefully outlined in your yard using painted guidelines, giving you a clear visual representation of its size, shape, and placement before construction begins. This step allows you to see exactly how your new recreational pond will integrate into your landscape, ensuring the layout complements your outdoor space. It also provides an opportunity to make any adjustments before excavation starts, so you can feel confident that your pond will be positioned exactly how you envision it.

Once the design is finalized, we excavate and prepare the site with precision. This step includes digging, grading, leveling, and shaping the pond area to create the desired look and to ensure proper water flow if there is a stream or waterfall incorporated.

We install the pond liner, skimmer or bog skimmer, filtration system, pump, and other necessary components to ensure your pond functions flawlessly.  Lights, if purchased, will be installed with strategic placement of each light.  Rocks, gravel, driftwood (if purchased), and other natural enhancements are carefully placed to create a visually stunning and natural-looking environment, while also providing structure and shelter for aquatic life.

Once the structure is complete, we fill the pond with water and treated with our Garden Ponds Unlimited Dechlorinator to create the perfect conditions for plants and fish.  We ensure the filtration system is operating correctly and all components are working smoothly.  Aquatic plants are strategically placed, and koi or other fish can be added to establish a thriving, balanced ecosystem.

In the final step, we add the finishing touches, such as finishing the surrounding landscaping, or adding additional decorative features. Our team then provides a detailed walkthrough and provide you with our client owners manual, ensuring you know how to maintain your new pond and enjoy it for years to come.

Consultation

Our Recreation Pond Projects Can Include

We can incorporate any or all of the following upgrades and enhancements into your new pond

Additional Streams
Additional Waterfalls
Bubbling Rocks
Bubbling Urns
Firepits
LED Lighting
Aquatic Plants
Driftwood
Viewing Areas
Auto-Fill Systems
Pathways
Bridges
Landscaping
Floating Plants
Echo Chambers
Koi Tunnels
Sitting Boulders

Frequently Asked Pond Building Questions

Here is a list of questions we're commonly asked about recreation ponds

A recreational pond is a natural swimming pond designed for both beauty and functionality. Unlike traditional swimming pools, recreational ponds use natural filtration systems, such as aquatic plants and biological filters, to keep the water clean and safe for swimming. They often feature separate zones for swimming and natural filtration, blending seamlessly into the landscape to create an eco-friendly and visually stunning retreat.

Recreational ponds rely on advanced filtration systems and natural processes to maintain water clarity and quality. Biological filters house beneficial bacteria that break down organic matter, while aquatic plants absorb excess nutrients that could otherwise promote algae growth. Combined with proper circulation and occasional maintenance, these systems ensure the water stays clean and safe for swimming without the need for chlorine or other chemicals.

Yes, recreational ponds can be used year-round in Oklahoma, but their functionality depends on the season. During Oklahoma’s hot summers, recreational ponds provide a refreshing and natural swimming experience, offering relief from the heat without the use of harsh chemicals.

In cooler months, while swimming may not be ideal, your recreational pond remains a stunning water feature, enhancing the beauty of your outdoor space. With proper design and maintenance, including freeze prevention systems or aeration for winter, your pond can continue to function as a vibrant part of your landscape year-round.

Garden Ponds Unlimited® can help you design a pond tailored to Oklahoma’s unique climate, ensuring it stays enjoyable and beautiful no matter the season.

Recreational ponds require less maintenance than traditional pools, but they do need regular care to keep them in optimal condition. Tasks include skimming debris, maintaining aquatic plants, checking the filtration system, and occasionally removing sludge buildup. Garden Ponds Unlimited® offers maintenance plans to keep your recreational pond clean, balanced, and ready for enjoyment.

Yes, recreational ponds are safe for children and pets when designed correctly. Shallow zones can be incorporated for younger swimmers, and natural edges or steps can provide easy entry and exit. Unlike pools with harsh chemicals, recreational ponds use natural filtration, making the water gentler on skin and eyes for both kids and pets. Always supervise children and pets around any body of water.

Absolutely! Recreational ponds can include fish and aquatic plants, creating a balanced ecosystem. Fish like koi or goldfish can add visual interest and help control mosquito populations, while plants enhance water quality and provide natural filtration. The swimming zone is typically separated from the planting and fish zones to maintain clear water and easy access for swimmers.

The cost of a recreational pond varies based on its size, design, and features. Factors like the type of filtration system, landscaping, and additional features such as waterfalls or sandy beaches can influence the price. Garden Ponds Unlimited® provides custom designs and detailed quotes to fit your vision and budget. Contact us for a consultation to explore your options.

Recreational ponds offer numerous advantages over traditional pools:

    • Eco-Friendly: No chemicals are used, making it safe for the environment.

    • Lower Maintenance Costs: Natural systems reduce long-term upkeep expenses.

    • Aesthetic Appeal: They blend beautifully into natural landscapes.

    • Multi-Purpose: Serve as both a swimming area and a stunning water feature.

    • Healthier Swimming Experience: Gentle on skin and eyes without harsh chemicals.

The construction time for a recreational pond depends on its size, complexity, and features. Most projects can take a few weeks from design to completion. Garden Ponds Unlimited® works closely with you to create a timeline that fits your schedule and ensures high-quality results.

No, recreational ponds are less likely to attract mosquitoes compared to stagnant water sources. The constant circulation provided by pumps and the presence of fish, which feed on mosquito larvae, help keep the mosquito population in check. Proper maintenance and design also prevent standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

Yes, an existing pond can often be converted into a recreational pond with modifications. This process may involve adding or upgrading filtration systems, creating distinct swimming and filtration zones, and enhancing the landscaping. Garden Ponds Unlimited® specializes in retrofitting or modifying existing ponds to meet the standards of a recreational pond.

Yes, an existing pond can often be converted into a recreational pond with modifications. This process may involve adding or upgrading filtration systems, creating distinct swimming and filtration zones, and enhancing the landscaping. Garden Ponds Unlimited® specializes in retrofitting existing ponds to meet the standards of a recreational pond.

Building a recreational pond requires expertise in design, construction, and ecosystem management to ensure it functions properly and remains beautiful for years. Professionals like Garden Ponds Unlimited® have the knowledge, tools, and experience to create a pond that is safe, durable, and tailored to your needs. DIY projects often fall short, leading to costly repairs or poor water quality. Trust our team to handle every detail of your pond construction.

Request Your Recreation Pond Consultation

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