One Year Swimming Pond Update

[@SirFoodie1904]

You’re living my dream sir. I dream of having a place like yours.

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

I hope you can make it happen! But always remember, this is KZbin, it may look perfect, but nothing really is. I still make many compromises to make this kind of lifestyle happen (which is not easy in a developed country like Austria). For example, this garden you see on my channel is not the place I live with my family. It´s two minutes by bike away from our flat. The land is owned by the company of my father where I work part time. I am allowed to develop the land as I wish, but the chances that I can someday live there are very small, because the property is not dedicated for living on paper. But I do all I ever wanted - try to be as self sufficent as I can, grow all kinds of food, build my own furniture, offer workshops and it is amazing to have a garden this big (that much land is extremely expensive where I live), a pond and all the other stuff. All of these beautiful things simply came to me (like a gift of life, I did not have to do much for it, rather than take the possibilities that opened up) - at the price of not being able to live there, but it is much better than not doing anything of it at all. All the best, Manuel

[@SirFoodie1904]

@@manuelangerer-permaculture , thanks so much for your reply, here in San Diego California it’s extremely difficult to do such things for one, it’s the local government that has so many restrictions and regulations. Two ,Southern California is extremely dry so it’s almost impossible for me or anyone to have their own ponds. But I do really enjoy your videos and advice.

[@50millionmillilitremansion]

Lots of work and dedication on display here ❤

[@Bronkowitsch]

Tipp: To get rid of Mosquitos, you can build structures which helps Dragonflies to breed. The Millennial Gardener has a Video about that Topic.

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks! We have no problem with mosquitos, but I´m interested and try to find the video!

[@Senthiuz]

There's also Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, a bacteria that produces proteins hazardous to mosquito larvae. It's been in use across the world for decades, including the Danube floodplains. So far, no study has shown ill effects on vertebrates, mammals, or humans.

[@ShoelessTim]

Do you have any native species of bamboo? You could use those for shade while you wait for your tree. Make sure you stick to short height “clumping” bamboo. Running bamboo will try to spread as far as it grows tall. And so in a number of seasons it can overwhelm unsuspecting growers. They don’t grow much the first and second seasons. But will grow to Full height each season in the spring and fill with shade cover by summer. They are ever green and can be eaten (shoots) and used for construction materials. (I’m a huge fan of multifunctional plants)

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

@@Senthiuzexactly works like a charm, get the granules that sink, not the floating discs. I have it in my koi pond and birdbath. It’s just a bacteria that is harmless to fish, humans and wildlife. They attach it to I think corn cob granules so it just sinks.

[@IsaacSmithRacing]

What plant would you use in Portugal

[@marshhen]

Such a wonderful project. You are a breath of fresh air on KZbin. It is very kind of you to share plans with others. This is rare these days. The video was very informative and clearly explained. A very inspiring project to copy. It is good of you to share how many times you tried other things that did not work. I appreciate the answers to questions at the end of the video. I wish you and your family many years of health and happiness in your pond.

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks for your comment, I very much appreciate that :)

[@annabellemang]

This swimming pond is amazing! Thank you for sharing what did not work, saving us from so much frustration.

[@mel8008]

I have wanted a natural pool for years now and have looked at a lot of videos on youtube, this has got to be one of the loveliest I've seen! Thank you for sharing so much information. One thing that put me off about natural pools is how dark most of them are, so the light colour of your one is very pleasing to look at. It's also pretty awesome that you did it all yourself!

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks a lot for your comment!

[@CooperJones777]

A two zone pond with shallow areas for the plants!? BRILLIANT! I'm going to make a pond at my new house, but for native fish.... and this looks like a perfect way to build a fish pond, too. Thanks for making this one year video!

[@MrPlito95]

Great job with the skimmer! I believe this is the first time I've seen anyone install something like that on a swimming pond.

[@klausnielsen1537]

A wonderful description of the life with your pond and the journey to get there. Thank you .

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks a lot!

[@bentoby-gs5oy]

Great job with the pond and thank you so much for the factual information. I especially appreciate the measurements of water temperature during the summer months.

[@tommy-ij9nd]

Nice job! I wish I lived somewhere where this would be practical. I live at 9000 ft elevation in the Colorado mountains with rocks and slopes. But thanks for letting me share in your wonderful project!

[@icculus7989]

Thank you for your collected experience and wisdom. It is most appreciated!

[@Julia-eq1bf]

Beautiful! Thanks for this detailed update video 🙏

[@silentsandwind]

You can use miniature japaniese forest to make your shade tree grow a lot faster. And when its big enough decide if you want to keep companions or not.

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks for the tip! But I do not want to occupy the space with trees for a few years (even if it`s just 15sqm). That`s why I planted an alder tree. It`s a pioneering tree that grows almost two meters a year, which is fast enough. But if I`d have a bit more space I´d do it similar to the method you described.

[@amandagilliam-p3p]

Fantastic and inspiring! I love swimming in natural pools - now I will consider making my own!

[@SamirVIE]

Großartig, wirklich super interessant! Bin schon gespannt auf Dein nächstes Projekt.

[@johnsmit5516]

Pond is looking amazing A great place to spend time with the family, hard work pays off

[@rdapigleo]

Best backyard pool ever Mate! 👍

[@dreamsofgreen]

What an inspiring project! I love that you stayed curious throughout the process, observing and adapting your approach as needed. We’re on 10 acres in a subtropical climate in Australia and I would love to create something like this one day. It’s an absolute credit to you. Thanks so much for sharing, this was an excellent video and a beautiful result. 👏👏👏

[@OliviANDixie]

It is encouraging to see you creating such a beautiful home. It makes me believe it is possible, and dreams are not doomed to remain as unrealized dreams. But instead, can really happen when a person does the research and work.

[@carolewarner101]

Wow, that was a lot of wheel barrows of soil removed...hard work! I can understand your pride in building it and appreciation for the joy of using it.

[@michaelcarman-yv9tm]

no excavator used. bravo. great

[@nancylucas4231]

Your property is beautiful. Your pond is done very, very well. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge!

[@yourmatechris]

What a great build

[@Trth1707]

What a wonderful achievement, beautiful.

[@derekross1234]

"It would have been full of stones within a week", that's 100% accurate! 😂

[@0lange]

So pretty, would love to see a full tour

[@Randomcomment7699]

Subscribed.. wooden wall.. omg .. I saw lot of documentaries on Venice first time I saw its implementation.. great idea

[@johnmichaels4330]

I know my saltwater pool has skimmers and a basket in them that makes it easier to clean them out. You just pull out the basket and empty it. I bought the ones with handles on them. Might help out.

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks for your comment. My skimmer has a basket inside of it, but most of the dirt swimms on the water surface, so it`s faster to just take it out by hand. I clean the basket every 2-3 days!

[@johnmichaels4330]

@@manuelangerer-permaculture oh nice. I have trees nearby and am emptying it every day. There is quite a bit of material

[@NinaJts]

This is so inspiring and I love how you narrate your videos. It is very calming, relaxed, clear and well explained. Great work, and thank you.

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks a lot for your kind words :)

[@50millionmillilitremansion]

Beautiful and most tranquil ❤ excellent to see hard work rewarded 🎉

[@brooksmiller5597]

Amazing work. Amazing video

[@loicleborgne8713]

Thank you for sharing all this interesting informations !

[@joshuatreepower]

Amazing work.. awesome to see your progress

[@offgridburbia]

Your pond is beautiful! Thanks for the update!

[@kaf2303]

Well done 👍

[@adelka5280]

❤ thank you so much for update and all your usefull content ❤

[@Joewho99]

Excellent detailed video thanks for posting .

[@DavidScott-mp1xc]

I must admit, I had my doubts.. amazing results!

[@botbadger]

Such a good follow up video!

[@sicks6six]

For anyone thinking of doing similar fit an ultraviolet lamp cleaning tube into your water recirculation system, very easy to fit and you will be amazed at how clean your water is, it kills 100% of all bacteria and will turn murky water into tap water, they are just an alloy or plastic tube with a light in it and as the water flows through the tube the light kills the bacteria making the water clear and safe to drink, and you don't need it on all the time, a few hours a week will suffice, I knew someone whose koi were getting a fungus growing on them, he tried everything but nothing worked until he fitted an ultraviolet light tube and his koi became 100% healthy and happy,

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

That`s interesting, I will look into that.

[@Post-Alone]

Wow amazing job!!

[@ikwento9405]

New fan here☺️ it so nice and thank you so much for the knowledge you share.

[@tedchoi243]

How wonderful!

[@AnnetteLovesFreedom]

Tooler pool, sowas will ich auch!!!! Liebe Gruesse aus Schottland nach Oesterreich!!!

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Dankeschön :)

[@dantheman9135]

ThankQ

[@DavesBonsai]

Amazing!!!! Inspired me for my soon to be pond on my new piece of land.

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Good luck! :)

[@my_freelance_life]

outstanding job!

[@moiplov]

Hello! Nice pond! It's probably not a good idea to use concrete as glue for the rocks in edge of the pond and anywhere on the water/air level because in your climate region the water could easily penetrate into micro pores between rocks and concrete, turn into ice (ice expands) and destroy structures you have built. It works perfectly where water still in liquid form in the winter time, for example - at the bottom of the pond. On the water/air level rocks laid without any glue as simple retaining walls are working good. Gabion structures or bags with sand also work well.

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thank you for your comment! Yes I thought about all these things! But I need a stiff edge here, it doesn`t work if there is something loose. We humans destroy something like that so fast. In the way I did it I might have to do a few hours of repair or redo the edge every 5-10 years, which is fine to me. It was a conscious decision!

[@fin962]

Brilliant! Funny I didn't really consider any of those questions. I just couldn't help wonder what you did as a job, must have been an engineer before or maybe still are? Or is KZbin now full time. You've given me a lot of inspiration to start recording some of my projects.

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks a lot! I have some engineering background, I worked as a planner in the construction business for a few years. That helps of course ;-) I still work part time at my fathers company!

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

You need a waterfall to push the water towards the skimmer, will move it always that direction. Or water pump of water to push the water towards the skimmer. Eventually look into a bog cleaner. It will pull water in from the bottom of the pond up through gravel and plants to clean your pond even more. You can make it the opposite side of your skimmer instead of a waterfall or pump to move water, and plant water plants, vegetables, whatever you want. Mine has this where it’s pumped out of the pond from below, to a 100 gallon water trough that then water falls the water back into the pond for a wonderful sound and to keep the water moving….up through slotted pvc pipes where the dirt is filtered through big rocks layering up to pea gravel at the very top where plants are planted. Like creeping Jenny, horse tail (bamboo like but it can’t become invasive or ruin the liner since it’s in a trough) , canna, and other wet feet plants. Since you don’t have fish you would need to fertilize the gravel occasionally till it gets started. Would serve a purpose and be beautiful. Btw in the grass stuff growing on the sides, I bet you do have mosquito larvae, they will hide and live among it.

[@Tamaresque]

I subscribed before I watched the video, as I'm also in a temperate climate, so I was shocked when I saw so much snow! It doesn't snow here, although the temperature does get below 0C, and we do have frosts for quite a few months of the year. The water temps are impressive. I'm hoping to make a smaller version, maybe 4m x 4m.

[@OG-Everthing]

Amazing work bro

[@mackigator]

Thank you for sharing. Beautiful pond.

[@bencuthbert8915]

Brilliant work! Hi from Australia 😃

[@mike_oe]

Nice work. Thanks for sharing!

[@estherstrong8028]

Thank you for the update!

[@titorojie3144]

Amazing 👏

[@Muri-n3o]

Beautiful ! Maybe few fish will eat the mosquitos ?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

We do not have a mosquito problem. But I got this comment a few times, so something isn`t clear in the video about this topic. However, fish would eat mosquitos and would be very effective.

[@katfoley890]

thank you so much for these videos, so helpful!

[@unboxingtaste8941]

Beautiful ❤ from India

[@lieveguastavino6356]

Thank you very much! It’s really useful!

[@baihua-launewbee]

Amazing! great work! however, I prefer a Bog filter haha.

[@Aisha_greeningaway]

Thanks for the update video. Wondering if you did anything specific to winterize the pond?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

I put some leaf netting over it in Autumn and disconnect the air compressor. I also cut back all the plants. That is all that is needed.

[@BobM.-to9ji]

Make the replacement piers from concrete….. if you choose of course.

[@jonathanelliott-bateman5448]

When are you going to build the sauna for winter swimming?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Good question! I don`t know yet, but it`s in my head :)

[@clemenules65]

Very nice pool and thanks for the details provided in the video. I have two questions: how many pumps have you got in total and , in your view, whats is the minimal amount of plants required to reduce algae growrh?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks! I have 5 pumps + 1 one for the skimmer. The plant area is about 40% of the complete pond surface. You need a lot of them!

[@stibl]

Damn, i also bought bentonite clay liner and im making a pond, im hoping it will work for me.

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

It works if you do it right (you need to have enough material on top of it (at least 50 cm, better 70cm or 100cm). The mat needs to be compressed as much as you can). In my case the sand and bricks were the problem, they drained so much of the water so that the bentonite clay liner worked only half as good as it should have. Good luck with your project!

[@goldielocks4442]

BEAUTIFUL

[@davecarter7733]

This is a fantastic idea and a credit to your efforts!! I am hoping to build something of a similar size🤞Can I ask, what thickness liner was used?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Sorry for the late reply, it was 1,0mm EPDM

[@Johannes711]

Thanks for thjs video, really nice! Question, how big procentual must the area for cleaning plants be compared to the swiming pool?

[@TheMchef]

It looks amazing! I am glad the effort paid off. Do you get frogs in the pond?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks! Not yet!

[@aliyagalim]

Amazing and thank you. What creates the bubbling effect of water? ❤

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Watch my pond build video, there is a good explanation of the system.

[@emmakershaw9236]

Hi thank you for a great video. How deep is your pond and how come you didn’t need to make a concrete wall for the swimming zone? Thank you

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

My pond is 1.4m deep, so I was able to design the shape of the pond in a way that eliminates the need for a concrete wall. If you go deeper, you need a bigger pond or a concrete wall!

[@emmakershaw9236]

@@manuelangerer-permaculture thank you so much for your reply. Do you have details on that as we would like to be able to jump and dive ( we have a 12year old!) and I think 1.4m is a bit shallow for that. But I like that you have not done concrete as that goes against the ‘natural’ aspect in my mind. Where are you, we are in the south of France and so I wonder whether the heat here would be a problem for algae?

[@SundryTalesOfConstance79WESTY]

Nooice! 😎 STOC

[@louislouw7548]

Thank you so much for sharing and congratulations on a really awesome pool ! What keeps the pond clean, just the air bubbles ? And if so, what is your energy consumption as I assume the compressor must be running 24 hours 7 days ? Kind regards

[@AlaMothaShana]

😍

[@knaupp]

Have you considered adding goldfish or another breed of fish to control algae growth? I have common goldfish in my backyard pond and they are quite effective at controlling algae. Thanks for your reply.

[@MrMmva]

Fish create more algea! The fish poop and die (rot) in the pool and that releases a lot of nutrients in the pool. The nutrients are turned into algea. For this system to work you want to deprive the water of all nutrients by removing floating debris by hand or a skimmer. All the other nutrients are used up by the plants and therefor there aren't any nutrients left for algea to feed on.

[@SolutOdka]

Thank you very much for sharing :) ! This is really nice. I was wondering, do you have a document to explain your air supply design ? (why are there pipes under the gravels at the back of the underwater wooden walls? what is the flow rate and pressure -and why- ? How many hours a day do you have the air compressors turned on ? things like that :)). Cheers !

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

I don`t have a document like this. I explain the design of the filtration system here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmHCnWasd9qGldEsi=B3UogGpRTvpVUlem&t=348 The air compressor runs all day, it has 60 watts of power, 4800l/hour of air and delivers 0,036Mpa of air pressure. (Hailea HAP-80)

[@SolutOdka]

@manuelangerer-permaculture thank you very much 😀!

[@tzenophile]

I love this pond! Very useful video, will dig my own swimming pond in a year or two. Quick question about your very nice passive solar greenhouse: did you consider making it sunken, say 1m below ground level, and if so why did you decide against it? Drainage? Cheers!

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks! It is sunken 0.5m into the ground which helps a lot with warmth in winter. But in my climate you do not want to go deeper (at least with the growing beds) because sunlight won`t reach the plants anymore from october to february. You can go deeper with the pathways, but in my case I do get drainage problems quickly. Hope this helps!

[@tzenophile]

@@manuelangerer-permaculture Right, those are both good points. Draining will be an issue for me too, when I build mine, but some sort of well or just a ditch beneath the pathway with a submersible pump should hopefully take care of excess water. As for light, perhaps an isolated light well outside the south windows with two layers of glass, one horizontal over the well and one window in the wall towards the greenhouse under ground level could work? Hmm, I hope you get the idea... They could even double as cold frames. I showed your video to my wife and she was really impressed by your garden solutions. Your lucky (or smart) to start this so young, we're 60 and just got the property 4 years ago, with so much left to do. A never ending mega project, but that is of course the idea.

[@noahlemahieu2779]

I’m curious if you have to make any special steps to prepare for winter? Or if the freeze just didn’t damaged any of your pumps?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

I disconnected the air compressor and took it inside. Right now there is some leaf netting on the pond to prevent the leaves from falling into the pond. But other than that there is nothing to do, which is so great about this bubble pump system, because there is no electricity near or below the water.

[@medcherif1124]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@user-yu2vy4es1k]

I am inspired. Great stuff. Looks like you have five air ports, can you share how many air compressors you are using as well as the CFM/wattage/amp? How much are you paying for electricity? I am guessing you are running 247.

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks! I have one air compressor: Halea HAP80. It has 60W and runs 24/7 from May to October. The electricity comes from a PV and the batteries.

[@wadeskeels1784]

whats the thickness/ spec for the liner? I am in the US and wonder what the largest size I can get here. Thanks! Great Swim Pond!!

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

1.0mm EPDM :)

[@josefchodounsky8173]

Hello Manuel. You have beautiful pond. Id love to have the same on our garden. But may I ask, how exactly do you prepare air compressors for winter? You just turn it off and that's it? Or you somehow move air compressor from its position and hide it in your home? I guess you have much harsh winters than we have in lowlands of river Elbe in Czechia. Thanks!

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks! I turn the air compressor of and take it inside. That`s all I do!

[@MartinStaník-l1h]

Hi, very nice pond. I am currently building a pond on a similar principle and I have question. What do you use to seal the small tubes that are connected to the air hose?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

I use silicone and hot glue!

[@akzi1976]

@@manuelangerer-permaculture Thank you :-)

[@hooptyfilm]

Can you ice skate ⛸️ during the winter? Hockey maybe ?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

It does not freeze enough for a long enough time :)

[@ivyandlight]

Great video! Thank you for sharing your beautiful pond. I've been wanting to build something similar on our property in New York. But we have so much wildlife on our land, that I worry it will become a bathing pool for the deer, rabbits, and bears, rather than a good place for swimming humans. Have you had any issues with wildlife taking over your pond?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks! Our property is completely fenced, so no wildlife except birds in here. You need to observe if it gets a problem, but of course they will at least come to drink. You might need to put up a fence around the pond!

[@followthewhiterabbt]

The skimmer could be graet to collect bugs for chickens i'd assume as well

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

YES

[@XavierPil]

How do you keep ducks away from

[@johngrime1828]

First of all, thank you for your wonderful videos! I have a quick question. The wooden deck on the surface of the pond has wooden suports that go into the water. Does this support stay above the plastic liner, or do they cut through them and go to the ground below?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks a lot! The posts are fixed to the wooden wall. The wall stands on a few layers of liner-scraps and some sand to distribute the weight on the liner. So there is nothing sticking though the liner!

[@girrig97]

will you add fish and small shrimp?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

No, because fish is bad for the water quality. Shrimp might work.

[@girrig97]

@@manuelangerer-permaculture depends on the fish. As we have found here in Aus most of our natives were fine but the carp made our rivers look terrible

[@killacrush3437]

You're very nice🏆🙏

[@drpk6514]

You are a smart person. Watch out of the wood you used. Some treated wood have horrible chemicals such as arsenic in them. For removing the surface garbage you could use a gold fish.

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Thanks for the tip with the goldfish. I did no use treated wood, and I would never use treated wood in a swimming pond. It`s natural untreated larch wood from a local mill.

[@guayosr22]

Do you think the techniques you used to keep the pond this clean would work if you were starting off an existing pond with lots of previous growth and much murkier water? Or was it necessary to start from scratch?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

It can work, but it`s much easier if you clean the old pond and start again.

[@SYSSYSname]

Did you add water in summer dry months as I guess daily evaporation is visible on edge of the pond?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Not this summer, it rained a lot! But I might need to if we would go through a dry period of more than 4 weeks without rain. I still need to figure out which water I want to use for that!

[@fishermans1friend]

Any thoughts about microplastics or rubber softener from the liner which ends up in the water? Have you researched this or did you choose a special non-toxic liner?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

This is the best liner in that regard that I could get. The manufacturer says that there is basically no leach of toxins or microplastic if the liner is not exposed to sunlight (which it isn`t).

[@fishermans1friend]

Thank you. And what kind of liner did you get? EPDM 1,5mm? My research sofar suggests that EPDM would be slightly better then PVC in regards to softeners and microplastic. Although the information on this is really scarce. And true, temperature and direct sunlight seem to be factors as well. Although it’s not clear as to which water temperature those liners would emit only small amounts of micro plastic in the water. I guess it’s a bit of a gamble and difficult to do everything right about this.

[@baxterboy23]

I could have told you 10 months before your son was born how much he would enjoy throwing rocks into the pond.. 😂😂👍🏻

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

Haha :D

[@frankg4938]

Safety with children around water. Do you have fences? Can your children swim?

[@lachlanirwin5550]

You probably have been asked this but couldn't see it in the comments. Why no fish? The fish help with cleaning?

[@manuelangerer-permaculture]

A few fish help with cleaning, but they also convert plants into nutrients, which favours algea growth. That`s why you need to be careful with fish in a pond like this. I might put two fish into it next year that help keep the pond even cleaner.

[@killacrush3437]

Will you put fish? Even gold fish