This Will Be Better Than Sand On The Beach

Episode 7 - We're finishing up our backyard pond build by putting lots of rocks in and around the pond. In this video we put some crushed limestone around the entire perimeter and then put a nice alternative to sand in our beach area.
This Pond Rocks
Filling My Pond In With Rocks

[@ssok4133]

I feel like it may have been easier to pick up the farm, and set it next to a pond.

[@Chr.U.Cas2216]

👍👌👏😁😁😁

[@matthewallen6752]

And cheaper. What does something like this cost??

[@ssok4133]

Any where between 50k, and 300 million. Somewhere in there. @@matthewallen6752

[@pilotdog68]

@@matthewallen6752 He's doing nearly all of the labor himself, so while sand and rock has a cost, its surprisingly cheap comparatively .

[@ceplinskii]

❤😂😂😂😂

[@jimthompson717]

I love these DIY ideas. I'm going to build one. Same size. I'll use bags of ready mix, a wheel barrow, and my best shovel. Working weekends only, I expect it to take approximately 300 years.

[@digdrivediy]

Better get started! 😂

[@judemccooey4987]

😂😂😂 lmao This is how I start out every project Usually give up half way and come back to it a couple years later to finish it

[@petmensan]

Be sure to post a time lapse video!

[@PatrickWagz]

I just set a reminder on my phone to check it out in July 2323. 👍👍

[@kingair350]

Hire those jungle guys and it will be done in a day

[@byronh121]

I would suggest running 3” PVC from the gutters/downspouts of all your metal roofs to your pond to fill up the pond when it rains.

[@bogmaerke]

Brilliant 😅 and possibly quite cheap

[@KYurk]

With a screen to catch debris.

[@terrydalton8154]

As a person who has built a few backyard swimming ponds, you would have been better off using hard rock gavel around the perimeter instead of limestone. The limestone is PH positive which means it will tend to make your water alkaline instead of neutral. Alkaline water will retard the growth of algae and will throw off the biological balance of the pond such as the conversion of fish shit biologically to something recyclable in the pond food chain. Instead of producing algae and planktain, it will hang around as a light green slime across the pond floor. The choice of pea gravel was correct because it will help fish bed breeding and is PH neutral as well. I always used inner terraces on the way down so if a child who couldn't swim fell in they would not go to the bottom as fast giving them a chance to stand up before they drowned. It also gave me a structure to lay in inner circles of large hard rock (granite) boulders which are beautiful and give fish some much need structure. All in all though, I like your approach of building a pond instead of a stupid chlorine pool.

[@digdrivediy]

The limestone actually helps to balance out the naturally acidic rainwater and clay based soil from what I've come to understand. There are hundreds of pounds around here with limestone around the top and the limestone helps them to get to a .ore neutral pH.

[@romanvoloshyn1984]

@@digdrivediy have you tried using a ph tester on the water? really curios if its noticeably alkaline

[@nomlasrellik7286]

​@digdrivediy clay isn't acidic it's alkaline. Both fish and plants prefer slightly acidic water vs. alkaline

[@ladavis1959]

Oh man now he’s going to really second guess his research

[@terrydalton8154]

All the ponds you were showing were dyed blue......because they turned green.

[@keithhenderson2920]

This is the most impressive and Hass to be expensive pond I have ever seen and my family has farm and lived. We’ve built three ponds. In my lifetime I’m 65 and I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m so impressed. Good job.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks!

[@irishguyjg_2ndchancerecovery]

Very expensive, makes you really wonder how people have so much money to build something like this. We are trying to make our rent before the 5th and I see this and I'm like, they are blessed 🙌 , I bet they work darn hard for that money too

[@recoblade1465]

@@irishguyjg_2ndchancerecovery probably not as expensive as you think you have to remember they doing all the work themselves including hauling the gravel. all they had to pay for not that it’s a small amount was the gravel itself the concrete work and fuel and it’s probably been in the works for a couple of years the saving that is. do you ever pay attention to a receipt you’ll notice the labor cost is often more than the parts.

[@donhuffer5167]

I’m a pool builder. What happens when it doesn’t fill up or hold water? Looks like it’s going to be a muddy mess for a long time.

[@ComedyZoneJA]

Bamabass. On youtube has a bigger an more expensive pond he has a 5 acre pond

[@newzealandfromadjimini2cor452]

The best thing about watching this video was to see the three older guys involved and helping and all your own family pitching in .... you must have a close knit family ... I will look forward to more projects and the pond full of water .. 😊❤

[@digdrivediy]

I'm lucky to have tight family for sure!

[@bobe3250]

You are the man!!! The worst that could happen is that you never see rain again. Love your thinking and your drive.

[@S.E.C-R]

This is going to be amazing when it’s done… I can’t wait to see it finished!

[@christiegriffith5883]

I would consider adding a layer of gravel or smaller stone right next to the pier. Or a ladder to the pier. Usually the kids jump off and want to get right back up to dock not swim over to the beach and walk back to the dock

[@digdrivediy]

We planned on the ladder but have also thought about some more stone there. My Dad suggested that too.

[@3-2-1-.]

I used stone slingers on my lake project in Alabama. I had to back fill a 22 foot deep cavity behind a concrete wall. I couldn't get to it with anything else. It was worth the extra cost! I found the guys in Tennessee, and they drove out here for me.

[@theblacksectorgod6477]

The best part of the video to me was the grandpas working. So wholesome!!!

[@Doogie1954]

Your correct a weed barrier only works for the first year then it traps organics and then the weeds grow, I use bark mulch 3 to 4 inches and it works great.

[@user-vn6hi2bi3g]

GREAT OUTCOME! Scale is just right. Good planning and lots of hard work equals well deserved results.

[@iamDustii]

I can’t wait to see how good it looks when it’s finished!!!

[@area51z63]

LOL so you have never seen concrete? It's ugly dude

[@clinteastwood5718]

I worked full-time as a Mason whilst attending HVAC-R school.A few short years later and I find myself working masonry again because my pay in that field has almost trippled😂. The weight I gained from working as a technician, disappeared almost instantly.I am currently working on a backyard pond,so I appreciate the insights.

[@UndergroundIndigenousPrimate]

Clint, you`re so modest! I love your movies.

[@michaelurciuoli7899]

Not only is the pond building video good to watch but the peek into farm life is even better.

[@ritterjon]

Wow! That truck that brought in the pea rock was the perfect tool for that job! I’ve never seen one of those. Very cool! My girls want to know when we can come jump in? Keep on tractoring!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Jon! As soon as.theres enough water you're invited! 😉

[@egomaniac247]

Boy this thing looks AMAZING….when u first revealed the project I was thinking just a dirt hole. You guys went SO far above and beyond! Looks so professional!

[@DCMAKER133]

@3:00 damn you poured those rocks so well! Almost didn't even need to rack!

[@simblorr]

100% agree with your comments on weed barrier, it's horrible stuff for most applications.

[@shepgre]

I came to your channel because Captain Kleeman referred to you during his tractor build. Your channel is so much more than I was expecting and is my favorite along with Kleeman. Entertaining, full of experiences that I learn from and I love how clean, exacting and perfect you strive to make everything. The OCD in me says, "now, thats how you do it" Thanks for quality video too!! Greg

[@digdrivediy]

Wow! I really appreciate it Greg. Kleeman has been a great friend of the channel and he's a heck of a great guy. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@ALZ2526]

Wow it looks great, awesome when family pitches in to help. Can’t wait see it done!!

[@georgebeale4181]

Thank You I Love That You and Your Family Are A Real Family And You Have Been Raised The Right Way Money Is Yours And I Love watching Your Videos Keep It real Like I Know You Will Yours Truly Ge Beale From Southern Maryland

[@chrisgoodson2604]

I am impressed with the quality of life you folks are living- looks like hard work and honest living. Best wishes

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you very much!

[@tylerwilkins2096]

Absolutely beautiful job! I just love this project, as much as i would love to see more videos of your projects. I would also love to see an interview on your dad and uncle from North Carolina. Just to hear about everything they saw growing up and the wisdom they have. A lot of dads wouldn’t do this for their children, you’re an excellent role model for all of us!

[@dadboddamien]

This build is amazing! Can't wait to see it finished. Definite goals for my dream property.

[@goodolarchie]

He's right about the weed barrier and mulch. After a year or two the weeds have reestablished above the barrier. Mulch comes with free weeds unless it's totally cooked through.

[@jonathandorr2234]

I love a ‘slo’ effective build. I like seeing the stages and choice process. Such a rare idea, and conceptually, it will keep you from driving to Zanzibar.💜

[@joebacarella2829]

See now I love the clean cement look and the different stones, I wouldn`t want no swampy looking oasis, this looks modern and maintainence free, I love it, the cost even though you did most of the heavy digging with your own dozers and backhoes, the cost of the cement and those huge pilons and pier and all of the stone and gravel, has to be way up there, I am very impressed with this monster of a project, you and your family took on, it`s moving along very fast, now I want to see how long it takes to fill, it is going to be beautiful when the water hits the cement edge, very impressed so far.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much 👍🏻 I tend to agree with you!

[@andrewsmith9104]

This is so awesome, but what I really love is just how good the farm looks. I'm almost jealous of what you have there.

[@tomorrowsforests]

Great Video!!! We had a ton of fun building our pond.

[@rodneylamb1245]

Great job!! People complain it's expensive! But hard work pays off!!! More power to you brother!! Cheers from NC

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks 👍

[@Tdale85]

Good morning Neil and family! Awesome job. Looks great!

[@digdrivediy]

Good morning! Thanks so much 👍🏻

[@ATaylor369]

Professional herbicide applicator for 35 years here and your correct on the weed barrier. I can't tell you the number of jobs where the barrier partially fails making it harder to control the weeds or years later weeds just grow on top of it.

[@digdrivediy]

Glad to hear from you on that. Thanks for confirming what I felt to be true only from my own experiences.

[@theonlysjc]

Throwin that pea gravel is absolutely wild! Talk about making life a bit easier!

[@thatsreality5184]

Having all the equipment has git to make the undertaking, si much easier. Im envious. The project looks great .

[@thedelcodave]

WOW! The swimming Pond is shaping up nicely. I agree with what you and your wife determined about the beauty vs practicality. I have seen those extravagant ponds and they are maintenance nightmares.

[@jacquerene789]

Wow! Love it! What a nice clean and even look!! That rock shooter is genius. Thanks for the share!

[@user-xp5qx8wg9x]

Looks and sounds like you nailed it. Your decisions were well thought out and I'll bet when you do your 1 year anniversary video, it'll be perfect. Be grateful, you've got an enviable life there.

[@mdv2043]

Excellent build . Don't forget structure in bottom of the pond so fish will thrive. Also maybe a fountain to airiate.

[@digdrivediy]

Planning on the fountain - not crazy about fish in it though.

[@mdv2043]

@@digdrivediy oh man walk out your back door and catch dinner and hrs of fun for the kids.

[@wyattlaw4952]

This project is one of the most impressive I have seen. Congrats to Neil and his family for collaborating on such an amazing job. I'd love to see when the pond fills with water.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks

[@crabkilla]

Nice work - would have got "Greg Woodstock - the pond guy" involved for a pond design that isn't so clinical

[@triggerhappydad65]

​@@crabkilla I like the shape of it, and how the pier flows out level with the walk. Very elegant design in my opinion.

[@-gg8342]

The guy with the stone thrower looks like he loves his job! That would be the best.

[@awesomesauce2935]

Just like using machinery to pee!

[@JellyBean-vs4dw]

This backyard pond build is turning out to be something truly special! The addition of crushed limestone around the perimeter and the alternative to sand in the beach area is such a creative touch. You could explore the Buildovate CRM for assistance in managing construction projects like these!

[@okhotrodder]

After all the yrs of pouring concrete, I've found that cutting the concrete increases cracks. It will crack everywhere without your help and very seldom follows what you cut. Of course it cracks under the cut, you helped it by thinning that portion. It's really not worth the extra effort and cost to put cuts in. We put small stones around the edge of our pond also and 3 yrs later most have fallen downward helping fill in the pond. Weeds will grow no matter what. The best thing about our pond is we know exactly what's on the bottom. No big boulders, tree branches, etc. But even after packing it and having sandstone underneath, keeping water is a problem every yr. The level we thought it would stay at is half what it is. Maintaining ours is pretty expensive. Any time in rains, a few days later algae growing. Then a gallon of algaecide and $300 later, it takes a few days to clear up. After you do that every couple of weeks, it gets tiring and the cost never goes away. Plant life is constantly springing up. Seems the type is always changing. We're always asking ourselves, now what plant is this? Literally, we go from a floating type of pedal to bamboo looking, then to underwater growth, etc. It never stops. Turtles, frogs, insects, wasp, dirt daubers will all find the water. The first couple yrs will be nice. But eventually it'll prob turn into just a pond because you'll look at it and say your not swimming it that, especially when the kids get grown, stop using it and move on, lol. Just telling my story and thoughts. I'm sure if you were wealthy and could pay someone to keep it clean and nice, it'll have many yrs of good use and look great. But I know from experience that our enthusiasm about being the caretakers disappeared after it started wearing us down. Then the cost just wasn't worth it anymore. Ours is now a fishing pond. All types of fish, growth, etc. The grandkids have fun fishing in it, but no one will swim. The cost to stock it with fish was def less than the chemicals to be safe/nice for swimming. Good luck to you!

[@digdrivediy]

We should get started on filling it back in and just have a nice sidewalk!

[@user-kx3io9ft6w]

Your solution - bioplat.

[@user-md9gq4ke1z]

Very impressive, worked in and around construction all my life and have to say you definitely “got it! You are a one man army…….and obviously have an amazing right hand WOMAN on your team 🤙

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks!

[@stephenhoyt924]

In 1984 we bought a small farm (30 acres) in Chester County PA which was all that was left of a 200 acre property. It had a spring fed pond completely silted up. I almost destroyed my back cleaning it out! It was maybe a quarter acre size. I didn’t go deep enough to get all the organic material removed. I lay a liner over the area and placed large rocks randomly to secure it in place and then allowed the spring to flow back to feed it’s new home. When we came back after a quick weekend trip we saw the rocks floating on the liner. Methane built up under the liner! What a foul smelling mess to puncture and remove that liner! It was time to turn the job over to someone who actually new what they were doing! You have done a GREAT JOB. And like me, you have a supportive wife…ahh memories!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks. I've never heard of that happening but it sounds lousy to deal with. Thanks for sharing.

[@John-wr6yo]

So what purpose does the pond provide. Entertainment,eye candy,viable water source,fish production. Water for animals what..

[@stephenhoyt924]

@@John-wr6yo We were far from a water source for fire protection. Our Fire Department depended on it’s large pumper. We did stock the pond for all that you highlighted; we particularly liked the eye candy of migratory birds and animals of all kinds…particularly the fox kits in the Spring!

[@stephenhoyt924]

@@John-wr6yo All the above…but the primary driver was fire protection. Our volunteer fire company relied on one large pumper. For a major house/barn or field fire they would need to be able to refill it

[@brentkneebush9144]

So this just randomly popped up on my You Tube and I said to myself this has got to be local. Watched a couple other videos and sure enough you are. I live in Antwerp. Small world. Gorgeous pond, we all have them over here so we don't have to deal with the Sulphur water as much.

[@digdrivediy]

Hey that's pretty awesome! Thanks for checking it out. Yeah, lots of ponds just a stones throw from here!

[@curtm6867]

I seen a comment about ladder on the dock, kinda obvious. But instead a set of concrete stairs 6 or 7 steps rite beside the dock into the water. Kids jump off dock over n over, go a easier way out of water. Awesome job! the sidewalk around pond was great idea!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much! I like your stairs idea. Has me thinking...

[@troyperry1231]

Impressive so far is all I can say and can’t wait for the next video 😮

[@robertcasey7312]

This is an impressive project. Thank you sharing your excellent videos. I’m looking forward to the final episode. TY Best Wishes.

[@scottlurken9667]

Brilliant, nicely done!!!

[@kenpatterson8880]

Great job, enjoyed going through the process with you - thanks for sharing!

[@darrellblair5818]

This was impressive. You are a work-a-holic. I have watched several of your videos and are now a subscriber. I'm an old man who loves to see young folks who know what work is and won't run from it. 👍👍up to you young man.

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you sir I appreciate you watching and subscribing! We do try to stay busy around here! :)

[@genesispuredeaf2390]

Thank you for confirming what I have been feeling for the longest time regarding weed barrier overuse. Without a doubt, if you are going on top of existing turf without removing the topsoil, the weed barrier is needed (regardless of the depth covering it) but I knew intuitively that weeds are growing on top of the “stuff” blowing in and decomposing. It was my feeling that the weed barrier then is providing a bit of an aid to keep this “new soil” together (think of a plastic pot holding planter mix versus just putting a pile on the table) and grow plants. Most valuable on this was learning your perspective on the “nestling” that the stones would make into the soil (versus weed barrier). I expect that your experience in working with soil has proven that out….I never thought about that but definitely on a slope, that makes a positive impact. It’s only fair to recognize that you weren’t claiming expert evidence on your points but only your perspectives in making a collaborative decision with your partner on project. I loved how you two talked out your different preferences (and keeping them intact) without it being a competition and settling on a “best total solution” that works for both of you. Good on you sir!

[@digdrivediy]

Great comment. Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm glad some people appreciated the exchange we had on that.

[@dpheaslip]

I’m with you. Weeds grow on top of weed barriers.

[@vaporrift]

I jumped to another page while continuing to listen and when that smaller john deere utility tractor started to run I immediately knew what model it was by the sound. I grew up with my dad owning one of those and he still has it to this day.

[@ahmedmekawy93]

Loved this & now I love your channel. God bless you brother!

[@Starman261A]

Great job Neil. I like it. Big project. I broke a sweat just watching. Nice land.

[@NistaDGB]

Beautiful, can’t wait to see it filled!

[@user-cn3np1qh2p]

The pond is really shaping up well!. Very interested in seeing the finished pool..

[@jasonjtg21]

The rock looks great. I thought it was silly to add the rock under the pier but it did make a difference. Well done!

[@CynSan]

My husband is very impressed with your quality of work on this project, as I am also. He really liked the way you had the pea gravel delivered! This is looking so awesome, Neil! Great job!

[@digdrivediy]

Really appreciate it! Your husband sounds like a smart guy 😉

[@gtuttle4]

The pond is really shaping up well!

[@MotherofMycroft]

Man I'd pay good money to sit and listen to your dad and his brother tell stories from the farm.

[@ok4Pool]

I have to say I love the video! I may never build a pound in my back yard but I do love learning how to. Thank you for the quality video.

[@Suzwebb1]

Wow! What a project! Can't wait to see it full of water and in use! ❤

[@digdrivediy]

Us too! Thanks 👍🏻

[@wilmersilva4338]

Nice looks cool can't wait for the finished look.

[@helnbak9372]

What a beautiful home and family. I love what you’re doing. Congratulations

[@ofcv1238]

18:57 stone slinger rocks, saved 2 days of moving rock. Great idea for berm of larger rocks at base of pea gravel beach!

[@BatMan-ut1fp]

Good job, looks good.

[@countryroadslife]

I look forward to these videos like I used to look forward to my favorite TV shows when I was a kid!

[@digdrivediy]

That's a great compliment. Thank you.

[@spawnzrage1]

It's like a modern natural pool. You got pool top where you can set up chairs and then will have a beach area. I like it

[@digdrivediy]

Exactly!

[@Luke_937]

Very American accent and seemed like from the 90’s lol enjoyed very much🇦🇺

[@wrenchdoozer]

The project is coming along nicely and the stones look very nice. I also liked the practice ribbon cutting ceremony at 19:49. ;)

[@genesispuredeaf2390]

Clever perspective…good eye!

[@davidsolberg9935]

I absolutely love what you are doing. So very interesting

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you so much!

[@anndrake492]

Fabulous! Worlds greatest home pool! thanks.

[@ACE18769]

Love the pond build bubba

[@Andyrob323]

Looking good Neil! That’s a pretty cool stone truck, I’ve never seen one like that in my area that I can recall

[@digdrivediy]

They're very handy when you need them.

[@timwight9471]

Hey Neil, we’re ready for our pond next!! Let's set it up to skate on during the winter months. And put in a lap counter so the kids don’t lose track of their miles.

[@digdrivediy]

I like that counter idea. We've discussed that!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Awesome project, thanks for bringing us along

[@dilsonsardajunior3924]

You have a great place and a lovely family. Nice work. Greetings from Brazil.

[@waterislife.9204]

Epic build and engineering for sure on your pond.

[@rickeyman2215]

Great project!

[@MileyonDisney]

Honestly, the part that impressed me most was the gravel-spreader truck. Cool pond.

[@jackieraulerson2005]

Love that you concrete pathway is a bike track!

[@simplicityisbliss]

Very nice pond! I love the concrete walkway and the stone around the perimiter.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks 👍

[@ExpressBrick]

I've never used a concrete saw without water, that could help with the chipping.

[@redcars72]

Water also keeps the silica dust from entering your lungs causing Silicosis. For a small project like this, not a huge issue, but if someone dry cuts like this over a career or years, it will have an impact. This pond is looking so freaking sweet. BTW

[@brianmellinger7981]

Nice job living the dream have a good voice. Nice video production too.👍😎

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you kindly

[@davidfarley1175]

Neil, I just watched a video of you cutting and splitting firewood, we had a large fireplace in our home, and Dad would always complain about the electric bills during the winter months, we lived in Ohio so he called the guy the built the fireplace because he felt that he wasn't saving any money on electric, the guy told him fire needs oxygen to burn and the nice warm air is what's feeding the fire and going out the chimney

[@720MotorWorks]

I would wear a respirator or at least a mask while cutting concrete, that dust will mess you up. Great pond tho, excited to see it finished

[@digdrivediy]

Good call!

[@EmBeye21]

Fantastic! Mind. Blown.

[@williamdouglass2643]

Love your style and approach to your project.

[@ladavis1959]

The landscaping will be fun to see as well .I’m sure it will be a beautiful legacy.

[@C-M-E]

Coincidentally, I got into clay properties a few months ago for another crazy project, going so far as to build a harvesting station in the backyard to separate out clay from soil; I'm up to 14lbs from a 5 gallon bucket, whatever that weighs in 'backyard dirt'. LOTS of limestone!) If your clay is as hard and dense as the stuff we have around here, a weed barrier is a rather unnecessary expense. (Consequently, the ultra fine particles also make an excellent natural ground sealer for water features.) The only time I run one is to kill the grass under it just in preparation of making a slab then it comes back out. A tarp will do the same thing however and you can get them tons cheaper than the weed mats. In the event you do get curious about your clay one day, essentially it's eroded mountain elements from your area's geological past. Basically all soil has clay in it, it's more of a concentration factor. Compounds are mostly silica, various oxide compounds form the color of your soil, and mineral content. A very interesting endeavor that I didn't expect to take as much joy from as I have. Beats the snot out of having to ship clay too! My kids love playing with it naturally and I'm 'swimming' in little fun creations. Not a pond, but I bet it'd make good video content if you decide you want to play with extreme fire to make them true ceramic art. 😁👍

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Neil this is a spectacular project!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks a bunch Ed!

[@naiboz]

That’s gonna be beautiful when finished

[@charmnGUY]

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL POND/LAKE, LIKE A MINI RESORT

[@NutmegThumper]

Inspiring video. Amazing what people can accomplish.

[@2beatteam01]

I would've tried a plywood slide for the gravel under the pier

[@MikeMPharmaCyclist]

Weed fabric under rubber mulch is a huge advantage here in Florida. You still have to keep up with it but far less than without.

[@jasongentle6446]

Mega pond can’t wait to see it finished 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧