We dug our first one on a whim back in 1996 and now have about a dozen water features all over the yard. IF you are into gardening, wildlife, fish, the maintenance isn't that bad. Especially if you do it right the first time. That is a big pond which means easier to keep water temps stable but sometimes harder to have enough plants to control algae. If you aren't interested in koi, goldfish are fine in smaller ponds. Koi require significantly more filtration and care and need big ponds that especially are at least three feet deep for proper muscle growth as they swim up and down. Swimming only horizontally does not let their muscles develop evenly and shallow ponds are harder to keep stable. It is really up to you! IF I had space, I'd build a big pond in a heartbeat.

I'm leaning more and more towards a pond. Just the thought thought of one is appealing. I just want to make sure it isn't something I'll regret at a later date. Sort of like buying a time-share. I just want to make sure I get all the info to "internalize it". Actually, I'll like to hear someone play "Devil's advocate" and try to talk me out of it... just to get a different perspective. Thanks for the reply.