It's actually cheaper to put in an in-ground pond. Above ground will require a lot of framing or block-work, and in-ground wont. Or this time of year, you could buy a swimming pool REALLY cheap and use that until you can afford to build a nice pond. Last year I bought a 12' diameter x 32" deep Intex pool at K-mart for $45.00. You can build your own filter for less than $200 (go to the web site koishack to see how), and buy a decent pump for around $200.

I would recommend the swimming pool, too. We have an above ground swimming pool, 18', that we USED to use every winter as our fish pond at the time was not deep enough for winters in our area. Of course the kids refused to swim in the pool come June until we got the fish all out and put in a new liner every year :) It was not easy catching all the fish every spring. But yes, pools make great inexpensive ponds, just make sure they are big enough, because doesn't the water get colder during winter in one of those rather than an in-ground pond?

yep above ground does get much colder I would think due to wind exposure and all sides not having the ground as insulation. cement blocks are about 99 cents each arent they. Say 100 block a liner and a pump to get you started with a filter then later you can change it around as need be? I would think with a pool you would run afoul of city codes and fence requirements no? depends on neighbors and area i guess