Full Backyard Pond Build Start To Finish

We dug a pond in our backyard and this video summarizes the entire build from the inception to the completion.
Merch is now available before Christmas and more designs will be coming soon after.
farmfocused.co...

[@brzs4life]

As a brazilian who lived in the US watching this channel makes me appreciate how easy it is in the US to get ahold of appropriate tools/equipments as well as qualified professionals for everything. Greetings from Brazil, u r inspiring fathers and workmen worldwide. God bless!

[@southstreetbarbecue7875]

It's really not that easy for most of us. Neil is blessed to have a close-knit family and circle of friends with backgrounds and interests that coincide with his, so that equipment is available. Folks like me would have to pay money for 99% of that equipment and help. I'm glad it works out for him (and others), and the content he creates with his projects is both entertaining and inspiring. Not inspiring enough to make me actually get off my lazy rear and tackle a project like that though. 😁

[@briantangen8568]

As someone born in the USA and lived there until moving to a Latin American country at age 55, I agree. To me, a difficulty in living in Latin America and I can imagine, living in many other countries around the world, is that there are some things that are very, very difficult to get. No matter how much money you have, there are some things that aren’t available unless you pay to import them from the USA. Even if you do find the type of thing you might need, the variety that the USA offers just isn’t available here. Easy examples; they sell a ton of Coke here but mainly regular Coke. We are starting to see sugar free Coke with regularity but not every store sells that. Then the couple of grocery stores that might get special items will sometimes have Cherry Coke. In the USA there’s easily 10 to 15 varieties of Coke that are sold almost anywhere that sells Coke. Same with Pepsi or other soft drinks. And that applies across the board. There are tool stores here that sell all the name brand power tools. Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch, etc. But they will only have one or two models of a particular tool (saw, drill motor, router, etc) and maybe no model of a special power tool by any brand. In the USA they will offer 10 or more different drill motors and saws and a couple highly specialized tool with only one use. Those things just aren’t available here.

[@MathiasRocha94]

Uhuul, tem outros brasileiros aqui 😂🇧🇷

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

It’s easier if you are Neil since he can operate the majority of this stuff. I might have my hands full just trying to rent a third of this stuff and probably 12 times more expensive.

[@costaht]

Agreed. I just moved back to Brazil and I miss how easy it is to build stuff in the US. In Brazil a DeWalt drill costs literally a month's salary. This guy lives in paradise.

[@Sc-jf3yk]

Best thing you did to me was you built it when your kids are young. Driving, weddings, and grandkids are right around the corner and it's all about making memories. The pond helps with that.

[@jblamires]

It is so gratifying to see good people achieve great things.

[@meatkurtin9747]

That’s was a fun journey. I think my fav part was when all the fam showed up to dig the well. Even tho it didn’t work the effort from everyone really showed the essence of what it means to be human. We work together. It’s can’t be done alone 🤝

[@blackdogexcavator21]

When you were speaking about "over engineering" the pier, I thought about something my Dad always said. He built houses and always said, "if something I build ever falls, it should be from the weight of the nails, not the lack of the nails". I always think about that whenever I build anything and tend to over build it somewhat. Great job on the build.

[@digdrivediy]

I like that! Never heard that phrase but it certainly applies here! Thanks as always BD!

[@BrickyardPowerMan]

Loved this project. This what makes KZbin great. Regular people sharing ideas, skills, joys and tears - thank you Neil and family!

[@davidredfern836]

I think being out in such an open area, the 7 ft rock edge around the pond is more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Also the side walk looks more like a ribbon separating the grass from the pond but not taking up too much space lol. I think three ft wide on the sidewalk was the right call as well. Just a great project from start to finish 👍

[@CowboyCarCrushing]

212K 😮 Look who's channel is on 🔥 again 👍🎉 Good for you Neil 🤠👊 Absolutely thrilled for you

[@colinkulukhon-lincoln959]

I came to this channel for the diy videos but I return for how you involve your family and be involved with your family. I grew up without a dad so I don't know what it's like to be a good man,I get the idea here. Your teaching more lessons then you know. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into it neil.

[@tjw4947]

Another interesting and wholesome video, you are a natural story teller Neil. For me the thing I enjoy most about your channel is your family dynamic. From Your father and his brothers pitching in to all of the various cousins helping out to your wife and daughters all lending a hand. It's a pleasure to watch everybody working together to achieve a lasting goal. I think it's a great looking pond and I hope you and your family gets years of enjoyment from all of that hard work.

[@LaLadybug2011]

The pond is beautiful. It wouldn't be do-able where I live thanks to beavers, alligators and snapping turtles. Yes, they would find it and move in happily. I think your place is beautiful and you have an amazing wife, family. She is always smiling and helping. Loved seeing the start to finish in this video. It's unbelievable and very pretty!

[@beeroquoisnation]

We have 3 daughters 11, 23 , 24. There has never been a summer where the water hasn't been a family member. We never owned anything beyond an Intex pool for our backyard, but when we didn't have one, community pools, lakes and streams were regular destinations. Our girls are finally getting what they want for summers here at Grandma and Grandpas. It may not be much, but it is definitely a step up form the Intex bag pool. Great Work Neil. No matter how you feel about it, the magic is how they feel about it and the expressions on their faces while using it. Cheers Bud.

[@wayne735]

This build is how I found your channel. Captain Kleeman talked about it. I'm quite happy he did because this is a great channel. The pond turned out awesome and unlike some I like the look of the rock around the top. It makes very clean lines.

[@Mowgi]

Loved the series and this recap. Can't wait to see more of what you have up your sleeve

[@brianburke7997]

Thank you for sharing this story with us all, Neil. You are a skilled story teller and your detailing of the process was well planned and well executed. I truly hope you continue to post more stories about your projects. You are good at this! And don’t forget to lend a hand to all your friends and family who made your pond story possible. 😉. I know you do help family and friends. That’s what it is all about.

[@TheShowgunofHarlem]

I thoroughly enjoyed waking up on Sundays mornings and watching this build over time with a nice cup of coffee. Amazing job. Be proud. What a great little piece of heaven you've built for yourself and your family.

[@Margie1951]

Remembering back almost 50 years now our half acre pond reuse for many years not quite as the labor is yours 15 feet deep clay bottom fast forward 50 years now we have foot and half koi’s lot of memories of hot summer days.now we are in our seventy’s ride the golf cart around thanking GOD FOR all the blessing (hard time too ) enjoy your time with family let the dishes wait mom and enjoy the gift of family down on the farm. Ps bought my koi in Ohio they were 3 inches 3 years ago now 16 inches love them hey didn’t see a golden retriever hanging around or border collie. We have three one border collie and two goldens never too old to enjoy. What’s here. Michigan

[@georgeandrew8388]

The pond build is how I ended up here. Stayed for everything else.

[@Ede74]

I always look forward to Sunday to see the latest episode. You really succeeded with the pond and the things you would do differently next time are really just small things. Look forward to the coming summer, the girls will be thrilled. Greetings from Germany 👍👍

[@fennerangmail]

Neil, This has been a great series to watch. Your thought process and commentary make it real. Looking forward to seeing other projects. Keep it up.

[@johnmichaelkarma]

Nice review of the project. Because people like to jump/dive into water from an elevated place,the only thing I would have done different is make a "soft" exit from pool much closer to cement platform.👍

[@briansadler5502]

Hi, from Nova Scotia, Canada , Kudos to you you’re a man of many talents! I’ve watched two or three videos in the past, and my favourite one was when your dad and your other relatives and friends got together attempting to drill for water because it showed a great deal of family effort and expertise.

[@timfontenot5]

As a Louisiana Cajun my great great great grandfather came from Nova Scotia. The British did not like the French at all. So I’m part Canadian, French( other family came from Toulouse in southern France)

[@ru8h1]

Neil, what a great series you’ve put together here. From your neighbor to the north in Michigan, we appreciate all of the weather and seasons you saw digging the pond, even the combine throwing corn husks in the end. My parents built a pond in the 90’s, similar sized. Are you planning to stock with fish too? Love your videos, the style in which you film and edit and just the overall content. Typical kind hearted rural midwesterners. Keep it up man! We’ll keep watching!

[@dubberkm7200]

What a great project. I think the pond turned out beautiful. It's a heck of a diy project though, ha ha, but you have the equipment and the know how. One of the best things to watch throughout all the videos was the way your family was there to help in so many ways. Anyway, GREAT JOB!

[@Skiprob]

Good morning found the channel a couple months ago and i live in sw ohio so it cool to see someone somewhat close on youtube with an interesting successful channel. Thanks for the educational content Neil . God bless you and your whole family!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Neil… that drone shot at the end was beautiful! What a perfect way to showcase your efforts. Having a pond you and the ladies dreamt about and built has to be satisfying. Having help from family, friends and a few experts along the way made the build itself fondly memorable. This was indeed a summer and fall project you’ll always treasure!!!

[@TheBelrick]

what a tragedy that like so many, you stopped at two kids.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

@@TheBelrick who me?

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you as always my friend. I appreciate your kind words every week that help motivate me to keep going. Hopefully there will be many years of family memories made here! Now to find something to work on indoors for a few months! 😁

[@paulhawkes215]

Great job Neil and the whole Koch family, not your average DIY project but love the thought, planning, passion and attention to detail that comes through with all your projects. I agree with a previous comment that you tell a great story, not only verbally but with the filming, editing etc. look forward to seeing the 1st pool party video 😁

[@user-nw3xc2tk6y]

It looks like it all came together so easily when watching this video lol, hope folk watch the series, as watching it come together slowly, step by step was a joy. Looking forward to seeing it develop next year too.

[@kenhull1245]

What an amazing journey for you and your family. Memories for a lifetime. Thank you for sharing!

[@augustseven9243]

I remember watching these videos and dreaded how long it'd take for the next one. It was cool to watch again.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks for another watch!

[@ErictheAmateur]

You’ve built the most beautiful, well manicured pond I’ve ever seen. With all the effort you and your family have invested, you have every right to be very proud of the accomplishment. I hope y’all get loads of fun from it. Congratulations!

[@danielsechrist4410]

I enjoyed watching the project and learning from your videos. If this was all the space I had, I'd rather have the yard than a pond, not to mention the time and expense of building the pond. But to each their own and I hope your family enjoys it!

[@Adam_c1965]

Hey Neil, that was a perfect ending to the pond build story. Even though I had watched the build as it happened, this recap highlights the amazing amount of hard work that went into it….. well done to you all, and I’m sure come next summer all the blood, sweat and tears will be quickly forgotten as you enjoy it. 👏🏻 Adam 🇦🇺

[@SLCFarms]

It’s a beautiful pond. I personally enjoyed the entire series. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@leedun7]

You could easily have a career on any dyi show. Amazing story telling skills...thoroughly enjoyed the recap Neil!

[@mitchellm.keithley3071]

Thamns for the content Neil and family!! I have watched the whole pond build and started following you since the wood splitter episode. I ESPECIALLY LIKE THE COMMENTARY PLEASE NO VIDEOS WITHOUT COMMENTARY YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME THANK YOU NEIL!!!

[@ArmandoGarcia-qf9zd]

Congratulations. You deserve it! Your family looks like they truly appreciate each other and the things you have. That's what it's all about!

[@adampittman1624]

Loved it Neil. I’ve watched the pond build from the very beginning not missing a step of it and still was on the edge of my seat watching the whole process and break down of it again lol something bout dump trucks and bulldozers gets a guy’s attention

[@br549rdr]

It’s a beautiful pond. Absolutely love the pier. Looks like it’s floating. Above all I think your editing skills will be cherished in the future when you and your family watch these videos with children n grandchildren. 🙏🏻😇🙏🏻 You have a beautiful family. So blessed!

[@chopperhehehe]

Been a great journey thank you and your lovely family and friends 👍👍👍😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦕🦄😁✌️🤞

[@guguineo]

Beautiful production in all sense. Congrats from Venezuela. . . I Lived in rural Michigan and loved farm living. You’re blessed

[@carlnelson3893]

Great final synopsis! It just shows that with a vision, dedication and drive and a little money, we can do anything!

[@goptools]

Hi Neil. Loved the pond build recap. With all the work that went into this, next year you can relax all summer and enjoy the pond! Thanks for the video. -mike

[@matthewcoons4718]

I love this! It was the pond build that brought me to you channel. My favorite comment through the build was when you started to get water and you said, "We wanted hot water." 😂😂

[@lorettahiggins3717]

I loved watching the entire build! I can't wait to see what you have in store for the Spring.

[@pasogaupo9027]

Ultimate dad channel, me as a young man myself watching over the course ive learned a lot from you 😉 thx for sharing your journeys with us

[@danielnestorick9942]

Absolutely picturesque! Such a great job. And lots of memories yet to be made. On a side note, so excited to order my own dig-drive-diy hat. Thanks for making them available.

[@danvetor1365]

Nice to see it turned well. Next summer you have full use of it. Great work!

[@CR-pr4sd]

I was fortunate enough to watch from the start. Really enjoyed the journey with all the challenges and how each time everything slowly came together. Thanks mate, from Australia

[@kylesmith8769]

I think your design, the sidewalk, and the use of stone was pure brilliance. You could’ve done a smaller piers, but I actually like what you did.

[@seanlumley8365]

Well done! It shows what hard work, resourcefulness and determination can do in the face of limited resources.

[@ericreinoehl4350]

Love the review, absolutely a family pond. Everyone Involved and to enjoy in the future. Turned out very nice and is what you wanted it to be. Enjoy

[@BossWayneInc]

Your videos and projects are the absolute best thing on KZbin. I cant wait for more. Congrats to you and your family on a job well done

[@TheRealXyzven]

I Love these videos... You really exemplify the "family pulls together" mentality. Love it!

[@michaelmcguire3983]

It did turn out great Niel! Bet you’re glad that it’s behind you for now!!! Time to move onto a few smaller projects so you can get some much deserved rest now and then! Take care my friend!

[@connor91726]

I really have to say i love your videos, these are the only videos where i watch the whole 20 minutes and love every second of them, thank you for making these Videos 🙌

[@digdrivediy]

Wow, thank you!

[@cruntjamman]

Thanks for making this series, its been a fun journey you've taken us on. If there was an award for best KZbin series for 2023 I'd nominate your channel for this build.

[@Mac_Sauce43]

Hello from DC! We loved following your pond story from the beggining and were always excited when we saw a new video uploaded. Your determination to get the pond completion for the soul purpose of family is really inspiring. Thank you for the great series! :)

[@trsbuilds3697]

So awesome, I came to follow this pond build partially through, about when the rock was being put in, went back and watched all those videos. Safe to say I cannot wait to have property of our own to do things like this with my family! It’s been my dream since I was a little kid to own some property and to raise my kids similar to how I was raised on property, nothing beats it! Awesome job on the pond build and I’m looking forward to following more!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Here’s to hoping your dream comes true. It took us 10 years to get our own piece of heaven on Earth… wouldn’t trade it for all the condos and apartments outside our Cloud 9. Good luck man!

[@jasonbeedon9867]

This is an excellent project. I really appreciate how Neil patiently deals with all of the people giving him advice in the comment section. He clearly is the most knowledgeable person in the room and graciously deals with the comments. He’s a true professional.

[@thomasboardman7482]

Great job! There are always things we could have done better after we finish a job. You did the best you could with what you had. No regrets. What a fantastic story you have built. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your story.

[@periwinkle-dragonfly]

This was quite the project! And I enjoyed watching and following along with every bit of it. Great job Neil !!

[@ratmanmurray7137]

You have done a remarkable job mate! What an awesome job. You and your family should be proud of the outcome... from all of the work you all did. I can't wait to see the girls, you and your wife enjoy it next summer haha. Regards to your mom and dad... I trust they are well. Greetings from Down Under

[@Indigochild_73]

G’day mate, I’m also watching him from Sydney

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much! It never gets old hearing from the good folks in Australia!

[@seanmccurry6737]

Fantastic job, Neil. I really enjoyed the entire process and the logical thinking involved. We’ll be here for the next project!

[@f1mikeyboy]

Awesome journey. Great memories for you and your family. Thanks for the videos.👍

[@troyrunyan249]

You are a great human being! Excellent filming and editing. Awesome job on the whole thing! You and your family and beyond will be able to enjoy that pond!

[@edryan2926]

That was such a wonderful series to watch and thanks for the complete re-cap. You should all enjoy it for many years to come! God Bless!

[@chrispy3866]

I think the pond turned out perfectly. You are blessed with a beautiful family. Cheers

[@AmericanShiba]

Your channel reminds me of everything that is good and the definition of the American dream. Family, hard work, dedication, honesty, perseverance, dreaming big, and achieving them. God bless, Neil and your family 🇺🇸❤

[@terencegillespie6675]

Your lead photo for this vid…. It’s a gorgeous photo of your new dump truck and matching barn with new water well over a hint of water. Now I’ma guy and I know whats important, the truck. You even got your outdoor furnace in there. Pond? That won’t keep ya warm. Pretty amazing vid.

[@aaronburford5701]

Neil sir, you and your channel is the absolute BEST on KZbin! Your property and how you maintain is the best, your commentary and content is must see! I can't get enough, and this pool build was phenomenal and informative. The finished product is flawless!

[@digdrivediy]

You're my #1 driveway fan! I love it! 😉😋

[@jeffdieringer1]

As usual you orchestrate a beautiful blend of family, hard work, careful planning, fun and know how!

[@Adam-gi8sv]

Whats awesome is you now also have an ice rink when it gets cold enough. I would really enjoy that

[@kevhead1525]

Great way to encourage the kids to go out on cold days. A fire pit would be nice.

[@SHOdown13]

Watched from 2nd episode. Learned alot about the process, the equipment and the how's and why's of small farm community. Enjoyed every second. Thanks for sharing.

[@J_Dunc_da_MILLest]

I look forward to Sunday morning every week just to see your video. I love your channel man. We think the same way on so many things. Why buy new when you can fix what you got? The pond looks awesome. Keep up the good work man.

[@digdrivediy]

I appreciate that!

[@54321Judith]

I think a waterslide and a waterfall would be super cool in there! Maybe even a heater?🥰

[@johnbeck845]

Work is what makes these things happen. Is it really work when you see the kiddos smiles tho? Well done Sir👍🇺🇸

[@everydayshid]

Brother, you are a inspiration and a true to the bone Husband, Father, Neighbor and an all round good human being. They don't make many like you anymore. I have binge watched a lot of your videos and must say, If I had a brother or a father, I would've loved for it to be you. GBU and keep doing what you are doing.

[@DwaynettaD]

Genuinely the best series I’ve watched on KZbin. I’ve absolutely loved it!!

[@deborahshipman8888]

It's so wonderful!!! Fam & friends have a beautiful place to gather & enjoy life...❤❤❤❤

[@5262janna]

What a wonderful experience to watch! Love that your whole family was involved. My favorite video was the day you tried to dig your own well. Enjoy!

[@viper9302]

This is incredible. Love seeing the life you’ve built.

[@monkeylordofdoom14]

Have really loved the whole build! Looking forward to seeing all you and the family do in the future. God bless you 🙏

[@CKM96497]

Well done! I love how everything and everyone came together. More blessings and exciting projects to you

[@fikrikip5552]

I am watching you from Turkey and I admire your meticulous and serious work. You are also a very good family man, admirable.

[@jameslast3192]

I’ve really enjoyed this whole series. Thank you for inviting us all into your life. Beautiful pond! Interesting process.

[@trevhaydon5090]

Great series Neil, Really enjoyed it, Well done for keeping your promise to the girls. Nothing better than family helping out on the big projects as well as the small ones. Have a wonderful Christmas, Looking forward too what you have installed for us next year. Love and Respect to you all from North London, UK.

[@neukin]

Looks awesome. Nice to watch all the work that goes into a pond like that.

[@hulksmash8942]

Loved this series... I hope one day you could make a diy video about how to grow grass and maintain it on the cheap in suburbs... Well done 👌🏼

[@southstreetbarbecue7875]

I don't know about you, but I don't know of a "cheap" way to do that, in the suburbs or anywhere else. What we're attempting to do this year is buy a couple of bags of grass seed/turf builder/weed control every payday so that by the time spring rolls around we'll have all the material we need to get our lawn looking good. That should also free up some cash so when spring gets here we can rent all the equipment we don't have in order to pull this off!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

It helps that he owns soil that bison once tread! Nonetheless, a soul scientist like Neil can certainly share a few tips for us that don’t!

[@digdrivediy]

Unfortunately we often see that in new suburbs too much subsoil ends up on top and it is very difficult to establish nice lawns in subsoil. It is different in all cases though and so much variability across the country, but sometimes the most benefit comes from addressing the soil needs.

[@terryrogers1025]

Always things you would do differently, goes with the territory I guess. Your pond turn out beautiful, it reflects the planning. As far as family helping out, we’ll sir, that’s what it is all about, and truth be told, I would bet they had fun helping you, they say the greatest gift we can give to others is let others help us. Thanks for the review, fun reminder.

[@J0shuajKemp]

I have enjoyed following along your journey of installing a swim pond on your property. I think you definately have made the better choice between a chlorinated pool versus a pond for your family, and I'm sure you and your girls will agree once you have had a nice warm summer season to enjoy all of the possible activities the pond has to offer. I sure like the overall aesthetic and vibe you've created by completely transforming the entire backyard, and am sure as time goes on, you may decide to add or take away decorum as form and function will inspire. For instance, I had the idea of creating an illusion with the dock by adhering mirror tiles to the underside practically erasing it's reflection from the surface of the water. Another neat idea to play around with is the general idea of the ponds reflection, and how you can basically paint a visually pleasing picture from the view of the house, with something like a gazebo for instance in the far side, and yard lights illuminating the structure at night. Wether or not you consider these ideas for your pond, I do congratulate you on your achievement and look forward to any updates on any changes and all the fun to come and hope your family has a blessed lifetime of wonderful memories there with your pond.

[@Grace-Andy]

I have truly enjoyed your build

[@lisaharvey4373]

A absolutely beautiful job Neil WOW it was all worth every minute you and your family and friends spent building the pond and there isn't another one like it anywhere!!!

[@tommycoyle4475]

Wow you are an awesome guy. I’ve been around of a lot of intelligent men when it comes to this stuff but I have never seen someone so spot on with the camera work and everything else before. It all ties together so greatly. Once an again you’re awesome. Thanks for the video

[@GerryHartman]

I love your pond! I had an above ground pool at my last house and I miss it. You have made a fantastic addition and I'm sure you'll love it for years.

[@stlbrotha314]

This was cool to watch, I joined when you where digging for water with dad but I was instantly hooked and went back a watched the other videos. Great job!!!!

[@jasonschwab4308]

neil sharing all the pitfalls and things that don't go smooth is what keeps me coming back here. so much more authentic with the blown out tire, or stripped bolt, or failed DYI water well, or dried up PVC cement, or orange peel paint job, or dealing with broken this or that. not that i get my kicks outta somebody's bad luck, it seems more like what the average schmuck runs into.

[@Popeyes66]

Your whole Estate looks magnificent Neil,especially of course from the drone shots. Every time i look at it i feel the need to go tidy something . Great channel and lovely folk .

[@aaronburford5701]

This was an incredible journey and a joy to watch!

[@cmastersx2592]

That's Wonder I can and can't imagine all the wonderful family moments before during and after that DIY build!!!! ❤🎉😅