I Made a Tiny Natural Swimming Pool - Here's How

I made this pool over ten years ago. This film is a revisits the process in a more palatable form and reflects on the plants and animals that have arrived in that time.
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Facebook/organicpools
For a free version of my DIY Manual PDF see: www.organicpools.co.uk
A full length version of this film is available: vimeo.com/ondemand/organicpools

[@DrSizzles]

Towards the end I felt like I was watching a National Geographic Documentary. This is an excellent combination of passion & selflessness as it was not only created for the family but also for wildlife to thrive. There should be more pools like this made around the world.

[@yardleyj9391]

I agree. It has inspired me to build one on our 1 hectare plot.

[@karlmeyer9473]

It's also a good way to get yourself killed by unsupported excavation. Unless you think you can withstand 1800kg per cubic meter collapsing on you.

[@flaxenRdn]

Agreed 👍

[@JohnSmith-gq9gn]

@@karlmeyer9473 I was thinking the same thing.

[@THEHORSELOVER235]

Theres a company in California that builds these pools but its extremely expensive. Maybe if it didn't cost so much more ppl would be inclined to get them

[@BarelyDecentProduction]

The man didn't just make a swimming pool, he made an ecosystem

[@martinosborne6635]

For real. I wouldn't swim in it, but nice.

[@OReily08080]

​@@martinosborne6635my exact reaction

[@kirsty9821]

Bro factssss😂

[@ธัญสินีอินทะวี]

​

[@GabiCosta-qi6ec]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊⁰

[@johnevans6399]

The children won't realise how fantastically lucky they are until they are older, but we can enjoy this brilliant piece of nature from now. Thanks for sharing.🎉

[@karlmeyer9473]

No. They will just think about dad crushed in unsupported excavation....

[@xanadu1jw]

@@karlmeyer9473 how is It unsupported? It has been dug out perfectly, and lined with layers and layers of fabric and bricks and the water is pushing outwards on those layers all the time.

[@RobotNannyDiaries]

Agreed🤩⭐️💖

[@Idotisme]

​@karlmeyer9473 what drugs are you on dr?

[@Idotisme]

@HOFMC-OFFICIAL i wish i could disable the comment section. Haha and its becoming such a habit to just have a flick through.

[@kylecduncan]

“Despite being incredulous about the project, my friend Barry agreed to help.” The best definition of friendship I’ve seen in a while.

[@tiffmeek]

A man who shows his love of family by building stuff that makes their and the whole world a better place. My father was one of these men. And my mother loved to work shoulder to shoulder with him.

[@krispynico960]

This could've easily be a 1 hour long video but instead was compiled into a 6 min short video. Great work Sir!

[@Parth14b]

Meanwhile me who even watched it on 2x speed lmao

[@audreyscott6312]

yep I agree

[@ll2323]

I would watch the hour long video though 😂

[@mansilahoriya5824]

Well it definitely felt like an hour though😂

[@oliverbruce1702]

I would have preferred the one hour version

[@chiarabay9364]

I have spent 14 years digging wildlife ponds which despite using spirit levels never ever seems to work out! Thanks to this I am going to start again and redo the pond following this technique.

[@MrKirchov]

Thinking about getting into it myself! Very inspiring.. hard work I bet. What wasn’t working out with them, if you don’t mind me asking?

[@oliverbruce1702]

The plastic liner is vitally important so the water doesn't drain away.

[@rockfeli]

So have you made it yet? Did it work out this time? I'm kinda curious since I think I might do one myself.

[@kryptokrypto702]

At first I thought it would be literally just a simple dug out dirt pool. Then all of a sudden it looks like the construction of some major project. 😅 Amazing.

[@nomvuladlamini4618]

I thought so, too! He really built an ecosystem ❤ When the plants grow and the birds & insects vusit you know you have created something special 🎉

[@tonyweaver2353]

Kinda looked like he was building a WW1 trench

[@oliverbruce1702]

He did it properly :)

[@SieraDeltaPS43]

Kudos to Barry. Being a true supportive friend ❤️

[@cloudydays6277]

WOW what a dad not just for your kids but for the community & ecosystem. Some dads don’t even return texts lol or even around in their children’s lives. Honestly wish it was longer, you left us wanting more, at least 15mins would’ve been nice

[@CEUprimate]

Worse are some buys milk or go to prison and they are very common among certain people.

[@Gbekaxo]

Can we just give a standing ovation for this incredible hard-working This man put both for the children's and the ecosystem.🙏👊

[@alzym1803]

And his 70+ year old friend! amazing effort men

[@godzilla928]

No

[@thexanderthemander]

Nothing like plastic pool liner for the ecosystem.

[@allouttabubblegum1984]

​@@thexanderthemanderwhat's worse, him using a plastic pool liner or the fact that it attracted and made a little ecosystem for wildlife🙄

[@LALOVEme]

Just be careful and watch your kuds all the time

[@yrubla]

The kids has the most important job of them all, jumping and swimming and having fun in the pool.

[@AzngameFreak03]

Amazing pond. Those kids are sooooo lucky to have such great men in their lives. I wish I had a pond :)

[@FVWhimsy2010]

Sadly, it wouldn't work here...would end up with brain-eating amoeba. Know your water temps, before copying this idea for swimming.

[@justincasey_grabbederpussy6756]

@@FVWhimsy2010 so simply cool your water off and re-circulate it back in with a small solar powered pump.

[@nofurtherwest3474]

@@FVWhimsy2010 exactly. he just created a swamp. no running water? ewww

[@OOOOO0KKKKKKKK]

@@nofurtherwest3474 did you not see the video

[@COJY06]

@@FVWhimsy2010where do you live?

[@nonasmith2405]

Omg thank you that brings me back 50 years ago my dad dug a hole and filled it with water for my siblings and myself.

[@Juhani139]

Thank you for putting a fence around it. It's shocking how many people do not recognize the dangers of bodies of water.

[@Maggioretom]

This is not a swimming pool, it's a little miracle of nature! 🙏

[@katharina...]

My goodness, what an extraordinary project! Thank you so so much for sharing, I feel more alive for having seen it. These children are so fortunate to be surrounded by such fantastic adults 🥰

[@aflutteroffeminineconfusio1986]

May I say as someone half the age of Barry, that i think your a bloody legend!!! Hope I'm as spry in my 70's ..well done...I absolutely love everything and anything to do with natural pools ....I find the videos across you tube really calming 😌

[@AGamerPS3]

Every community needs its own version of this.

[@checkeybeckford2155]

This is absolutely amazing! What a beautiful example of creating an environment where humans and natural elements coexist! And this could be in any backyard. Thanks for sharing.

[@stephaniegagnon2583]

Lucky children! Great Dad! 😊 This is amazing 💕

[@Onelove-Oneheart-h4c]

Why did i imagine the project was gonna be easier than it seemed ? 😂 great job

[@JessieMcConkey-v8d]

It is easy….

[@angelalovell5669]

Amazing little documentary! I really, really enjoyed that, especially the cinematography and your humorous yet relaxing narration. And the result, WOW! Thanks for making a little piece of the world all the better for your presence, that pond ecosystem looks beautiful.

[@willm5814]

The difference between a modern swimming pool and this absolute GEM is mind-blowing - the former being a significant net-negative to the environment as well as being a very expensive make-work project (bought a house with a pool, glad I’m not there anymore )

[@Terra_Divina]

What an outstanding masterpiece this whole video is, blended with hilarious humor, should be shown in every school. And thanks for not spoiling it with annoying music, it is simply pure and beautiful. And most of all: you brought a bit of Eden back to Earth! Chapeaux, Sir! 🙏

[@yoshinori.is.precious]

Look how they have such a dedication to make the children happy

[@NiranjanDecember]

thank you for giving back to nature. More people should adopt such organic pool and on a much bigger scale.!!!

[@CorpseBride64]

Oh my gosh, I can not tell you how much I love this!! Such hard work you all put in. A fabulous job, enjoy! 💓

[@suzannacommander7384]

Best video I've watched on KZbin. Wish everyone would do this. No more chlorine pools. More natural wildlife pools you can swim in. Thanks for sharing. It looks amazing. 😊

[@Beckenbauer-by1rm]

This are the videos we suppose to see in KZbin, its shows how human can contribute to help the nature , we are depleting our resources day by day, destroying our ecosystem and nature and as i am an Indian, most of the people of our country are so irresponsible regarding their nature they don't care about it but i was so pleased seeing this video. Hope many people get influenced by this and help the nature to grow more rather than destroying it.

[@herryvaliant7689]

They should adapt this on a bigger scale for town park. Great idea and application for ecosystem and families! Wonderful job mister!

[@tracy3364]

That was exhausting to watch but I admire your dedication and its stunningly beautiful...Great memories for your kids

[@randywilson6869]

I bet they don’t have snakes over there

[@justincasey_grabbederpussy6756]

@@randywilson6869😂

[@101yayo]

The only venomous snake in the uk is the black adder, I think.

[@MeganGarzaWellness]

@@randywilson6869 you wouldn't dare do this in Florida and jump in feeling safe.

[@jeffersonsairpods4811]

@@101yayoAnd he is just grumpy and sarcastic, not dangerous at all.

[@gabrielfranco6112]

Absolutely awesome. Looks natural and refreshing. Great job.

[@petersterling5334]

What a Beautiful Pond Ecosystem you made!! Its Awesome all the Plants and Animals that have found a home!

[@Fqlan]

Wow! It came to be beyond perfection! Enjoyed watching. And the ecosystem! Words cannot express it! Beautiful.

[@demuschakka9604]

He made beautiful memories for his children

[@anothernp]

beautiful, mine's going on 1 year old, survived the winter! thanks for your help with it

[@organicpools-davidpaganbutler]

Delighted to hear that. Thank you

[@SLvibe365]

This is not a swimming pool , it's a little miracle of nature 🌳❤

[@audas]

I love natural pools - but here in OZ it'd be about 2 weeks before there was half a dozen tiger snakes and a couple of king browns in residence.

[@JustDeLuca]

Also in Aus, and I was literally just thinking how I'd be too scared to get in. With goodness knows what else in there.

[@urbanjeanie2579]

How incredible! It did look like a ton of work to get it set up but what your labour has created is magnificent!! Truly a marvel that I'm certain adds joy to all your lives Xx

[@robeiur]

Really appreciate the English sense of humor. beautiful work. Congratulations.

[@Sknla90]

Wow sir, this could easily be a high production documentary ❤

[@Jl-pm6fp]

Really enjoyed the dry humour and the beautiful wildlife swimming pool you created!

[@gendoll5006]

I would love something like this with some kind of filter or something that kept the water moving and clean to prevent mosquito larva and just that nasty deadly bacteria you hear about from swimming in lakes. But the natural look and feel of it is so amazing.

[@cannyexplorer5357]

The newts and others will soon get rid of the mosquitoe larvae. We never had a problem with our nature mini lake once they moved in. Just watch any chemicals you use in the area as they can be deadly to the pond life.

[@ssansu]

It has a filter

[@DChristina]

Has a bubble powered circulation system- aka a filter.

[@childofcascadia]

N fowleri doesnt care about circulation. It cares about temperature.

[@Dangerkiller-D]

Love the way you articulate all your words. You could become a storyteller. Love the vocabulary he was taught well in school

[@jverrelli1]

You really inspired me to do something similar, you really nailed it!! Excellent work and thanks for sharing, best part is watching your children enjoy the natural environment and all the creatures that are utilizing the pond.

[@kittimcconnell2633]

Such a beautiful wee swimming pond! May it bring you joy for years to come.

[@Knotaro_bot]

That established nicely! Fresh water management can be a real challenge with plants involved, looks like you have done a very good job.

[@avrilmiller2028]

Bro no way I love this pool too. I think we watch the same things a lot

[@Knotaro_bot]

@@avrilmiller2028 we must have good taste in videos😃

[@9catlover]

wow that took a lot of effort. it is stunning. love the planting

[@brookeparizo4519]

This is amazing, but the commentary definitely was the best, I laughed out loud several times!

[@aistisnarmontas4515]

Wow it feels so natural and true. It gives very positive vibes unlike man made swimming pools that most houses have

[@MsFarmer567]

You did good, with an Awesome project, never seen an man-made pond in a back yard that was so delightful, Great Job 👍

[@kellyanne7225]

Where there’s water, there’s mosquitoes! Get some bat houses and you’re all set! 👍🏼😁 The sound of the frogs would lull me to sleep every night! 😴

[@shadowridge2742]

Wow, that was such hard work, but the result is glorious!

[@SuperChicken666]

An engineering masterpiece worthy of its own episode of Modern Marvels.👍

[@Jason-yd6mn]

Love this guy's videos of natural swimming pools - cheers David !

[@christinarcelano2235]

Brilliant! Thank you for sharing with humans and nature.

[@amirmorsh]

The first image where the kids are standing looking at you is really cute.

[@patty9265]

That looked like alot of hard work but well worth it . Nice job.

[@bharathkrishna6776]

They made it look so simple & elegant. In real, it isn’t. Must have felt so pleased with how well it turned up 👏🏼

[@himalayanvibes6999]

One of the best videos i've ever seen!!! Simply outstanding!!! Cheers!

[@TheMurlocKeeper]

This is gorgeous! I think you're insane, lol....but I LOVE the end result! If I had a large chunk of land, I would be doing something like this! And when i say "I", I mean, "someone else", lol! There's no way I could heft heavy stuff around like that! Epic effort though! Much better than a pool full of chemicals!

[@justincasey_grabbederpussy6756]

Why exactly is this much better than a pool full of chlorine? I mean… When it comes to swimming, I’d much rather have the pool for my grand children to swim in, versus a snake pit.😅

[@epistarter1136]

This is how it should be instead of those channels where they act like they build just through their hands and small tools, leaving small buildings to rot in the forest

[@karlmckinnell2635]

Love ❤️ to hear Barry is keeping current with the latest technology. Rotating laser level 😂😂

[@xdatdolo]

i was not ready for that joke and I almost died laughing out loud

[@mohammadishaktayoob1143]

This pool is supporting and homing so many organisms ❤ Loved it

[@Dcll8451]

You created a million dollar pool. That is beautiful. I love when people live with nature not against it

[@Alain.Robert]

You created an amazing ecosystem ! thanks for sharing your project !

[@yardleyj9391]

Absolutely spectacular! That is our life mission : create a small paradise in our dwelling space. Congratulations to you Sir. Namaste! ❤

[@ivanjmg]

What a beautiful swimming pond :)

[@TheMeisaku]

So absolutely beautiful! What a source of fun n education for the children! And the beauty of the flowers! Wow! So natural🥰

[@realsimplerealestatewithni7996]

Wow, so cool. I had an old pool in my yard that I wanted to turn into this but everyone thought it was a weird idea so never did.

[@JustDeLuca]

Don't let people dull your shine. If you want to do something that other people find weird, you should just do it. If this is weird, then weird is an awesome thing. So go ahead and be weird. You only live this life once. Enjoy it. Your way.

[@paulabears7882]

Would love to see more about how you did plantings. Plant and animal selection for cleaning pond

[@SubhojitDey]

This video is making me hopeful to live till i get old.

[@brandongregori995]

Nice. I always wondered what it would be like to take one of these natural ponds and make it worthy of swimming in.

[@ewasadurska9888]

Cudowne naturalne środowisko zabaw dla dzieci!

[@Allen2saint]

I’m subscribing for the priceless humor and warm, friendly storytelling. Also, nice pond.

[@shadowkaged]

That was beautiful to watch! I would love to have one of those ponds some day too😊 reminds me of my childhood

[@МашаБахтиярова]

Столько труда Результат классный Спасибо дедушке 👍

[@marsilt]

If everyone with backyard would do such ponds we'd have hope in saving our wetland species.

[@nofurtherwest3474]

its not "natural" if it's lined with plastic. fake title

[@marsilt]

@@nofurtherwest3474 my point was elsewhere. Irrigation has dried out most of the wetlands in many countries and it's impossible to reverse it in most places as it is used as farmlands so only way to bring back wetland species is to create many ponds to keep up their life needs. Even these ponds aren't natural these are great deal for natural wetland species especially ponds without fish.

[@athena1491]

@@nofurtherwest3474 theres functionally no difference between a stone basin with plantable surfaces, a clay basin with plantable surfaces, and a plastic one with plantable surfaces,

[@nofurtherwest3474]

@@marsilt either make a wetland or a pool. a wetland is not meant for humans to swim in.

[@nofurtherwest3474]

@@athena1491 this isn't a real pond. a real pond naturally fluctuates with the water table and other forces.

[@PortraitoftheArtistasanOldDog8]

Ten men required OR a woman with a stick lmao This is gorgeous guys So inspiring. My 13 yr old no longer wants to bounce on the trampoline I dug in by hand I'm gonna put it on the flat roof for stargazing & get digging deeper! Have an above ground pool to salvage as liner. You guys have totally inspired me.. nb Botanic gardens Adelaide for lotus seedlings!👍☮️❤

[@Bristolandlazy]

The best I've seen on KZbin, amazing. Just beautiful.

[@2023BeTheChange]

Amazing build!

[@MrNogood4432]

Big effort, awesome result 👏

[@michaeleasley1368]

Hello from Texas, USA! Sorry if this has been asked and answers in the past, but do you have any experience using vinyl billboard material for the pond liner? Was considering trying this option for a small duck pond to test the concept. I like this option because they are UV stable which is a huge consideration in our climate. Any thoughts or resources concerning vinyl billboard material as a pond liner would greatly appreciated!

[@Curated_by_YFR]

Idk if it's the way the narrator is speaking or I'm genuinely interested, but note that I AM GLUED!

[@Monsieur-Estrada]

A dream pond! Congratulations it's so inspiring and relaxing to see the whole process. Some day I'll build a pond like yours

[@Gaurav_ambhore]

Animal needed this pool more than his kids

[@mdsaad9805]

What are you trying to say here

[@mohann2289]

I would say both

[@JefferyWWright]

Naegleria fowleri, colloquially known as the "brain-eating amoeba", is typically found in warm freshwater bodies such as ponds, poorly maintained or minimally chlorinated swimming pools (with residual chlorine levels under 0.5 mg/m3), soil, and pipes connected to tap water.

[@daneascott9645]

There are sharks in the sea and people still swim in it too. Why live in fear? Why spread fear and paranoia to others?

[@yosemiteanemone4714]

N. Fowleri requires a water temp of 80F or above to become active enough to be a risk. While that is seemingly close to the ideal summer pond/swimming temperature of 78F there is an impressively large energy difference between the two for even a small pond. Checking pond temp before swimming is still advised for safety.

[@permiesolutions]

I would love to see how you would put together a simple above ground natural pool system. I currently have a rainwater harvesting pond using an old pool, but I would love to put together a simple natural pool for my kids during the summers, but never worry about chemicals or any “accidents” they may have creating a bacterial/viral problem. Ideas?

[@organicpools-davidpaganbutler]

Making an above ground pool is entirely possible. I may put together a demonstration at some point.

[@bruce-le-smith]

@@organicpools-davidpaganbutler If you put it next to the first it could have a tiny infinity pool / waterfall...

[@tiagobarros5666]

Amazing. Looks like a amazonic landscape. I'm from the Amazon region of Brazil and here there are small lakes or natural pools that we call "igarapés". Visually, this pool that you created looks a lot like a stream.

[@c.v.h.8260]

I absolutely loving it. You created a little piece of heaven over there.

[@mrsTraveller64]

But I would still be worried that this would become a place where you can get the bacteria that goes up to your brain, because the water is not moving anywhere? Or does the filter clean the water so good that it can't happen?

[@Mom2Kolja]

In my opinion, this filter has no effect as far as bacteria are concerned. Not all ideas are as good in reality as they seem in our heads. As this uncle will soon find out if he lets the kids swim in it.

[@street_sharq]

I doubt anything bad will happen, but I'd be highly interested in more on what this bacteria brain attacker is. I'm sure there are tons and tons of documented cases

[@letsworkoutabit1959]

I believe he addresses it here 5:48

[@heathermarcoux294]

Naegleria fowleri

[@Bf26fge]

My only concern would be brain eating amoebas in warm weather. It's most likely to be a potential risk in bodies of water with a high nitrogen load.

[@imiejj8665]

😂

[@jimjim01938]

Brain eating amoebas go brrrrr

[@phoenixluna4137]

This is amazing!!! Thank you for being considerate of nature and for making this a short video that people can watch

[@Nrnrnrnrnrnrnr1105]

Ur work deserves more appreciation ❤ Keep up the good work

[@SilentNoMore64]

Grampa looks like he is in his 70s, working like a 40 year old. They don't make men this tough anymore. He's probably been through 2 wars, built his own house from the ground up, raised 6 kids, and put 30+ years in before retirement. He is still going strong. Hats off to you sir! 👍

[@qwertytwerty7293]

If David, or anyone else reading this, can advise on a super low power oxygenator/ air pump for a tiny pond I would be grateful. By tiny I mean in an old Belfast sink. Approx 50cmx40cmx20cm. Thanks.

[@DinDooIt]

There are some decent solar power bubblers out there.

[@rbnjr]

If a place can be made to produce a waterfall the oxygen levels should improve without the need for electricity.

[@lexkek5625]

Try an aquarium pump if it's that small. Something with 400 gph should be plenty. You can go with 100 gph if 400 is too much too.

[@michaelprice3040]

I always thought ponds layered with plastic were too far removed from nature and prefer the super compacted clay with reeds the keep the clays water retention. But otherwise lovely job.

[@BigWalka]

I agree, I thought it would be more natural

[@danielandjenny9]

Brings back memories of being little and swimming in the rivers in Holland with my grandparents

[@californiadreaming9216]

Here we see illustrated two things: 1 The importance of wetlands within our ecosystem. 2 Nature's ability to quickly and readily adapt to modifications WHEN they are not disruptive.