Tying it All Together! Massive Swim Pond Build

So, it's been 4 weeks of building our swim pond, and it's finally starting to take shape. So far, we've marked out and excavated the entire pond, installed a below liner sump pump, finished the subbase layer, laid down 10 mil geoexile, installed the heavyduty liner, and placed 50,000 lb of rock into the pond one by one using a massive 12ton excavator. And that's right, the excavator is still here. We've also installed the aqua blocks, filters, and all the hidden systems you'd never guess go into keeping a pond this size clean, clear, and actually swimmable. And guess what? Tiffany is back this week, and it's time to tie it all together and even start on the pool house. [music] There. [music] [music] Here we go. We've added this screen on top of the aqua blocks and pit viper and the vault because this is the plant area. So, there's going to be more river rock, more boulders all on top of these aqua blocks as well as plants planted inside of the river rock. Go. >> We're out of river rocks for the day. So now we're back to rocking. We're going to go for something like those little babies. I'm absolutely dying right now. Jasmine goes, "Are we strapping it?" [laughter] Tiffany goes, "No cowboy stuff." Jasine just wants to throw it in the pool. Honestly, these little rocks are probably going to look pretty funny on this big excavator, but the reality is even a rock like that is extremely extremely heavy. So, >> why everyone needs an a little bit though? Grabbing is hilarious. >> Wow. There she goes. [music] >> [music] >> because we did secure some of these rocks from our land here. They are covered in moss which makes the pond look like maybe it's been here for a couple decades. It's a little bit aged. Just as we were about to leave for the day, another load of material. And it's not just anything. It is the rip wrap or the gabon or the gibon. And that material, I can't wait to show you what we're going to do with because it is a particular material that we absolutely need for our pool. All right, everyone. We locked out. It's Gabian. This stone can come two colors. It can come black, which is not so pretty in a pond, but it'll do. Or it can be granite. And guess what we got? And I had no idea we were getting it. I'm going to do my best to show you, but as you can see here in the sun, it's got a really nice sparkle to it. It's going to look very good. Which means that when we are designing the rest of the pond tomorrow, knowing what type of gabon gabian gabian we have is going to make a huge difference because this is so pretty. We can use it as almost like a centerpiece in certain areas. So that's going to add a lot of definition and character to the pond which I'm very excited about. >> [music] >> Good morning. We are hand bombing rip wrap out of the bucket. I'm placing it in all of the open holes and crevices. And all of these stones are quite jaggedy, but it does look very nice when you fill these holes. Don't know what to do. Wow. >> [music] >> Lifting rocks is a humbling experience. Even something just the size of a soccer ball, it's pretty much my capacity. More materials arriving. Okay, now we are hiding the vaults. We're going to pull back the liner and they're going to go over to the aqua blocks and then we're going to rock all around it. That's the vault. That's the first rock. We just moved the safety rock that was over there. Has a new home. What I just learned from Tiffany is that for this entire wall all the way around the circumference of the pool, we are going to line it with boulders, rip wrap, and then we will afterwards place the river rock all throughout it. And that is what makes it look as good as it does. Those three types of rock pull it together. It's already looking so good. And all of these stones just look like they've always been here. I can't even believe it. in that pile of boulders. Look at that beautiful one. We're going to tackle it first. >> And you could almost like sort of swim up >> up here to the dock. >> Just a reminder everyone, working with these chains is very dangerous. They are very heavy and getting them caught would result in serious injury. There's a lot of physics and trial and error involved. Tiffany is a professional and knows exactly what she's doing and we're following her lead. So, it has to go directly around it with chains. >> Yeah. >> She also said she can strap a rock no matter what. >> Okay. Try and lift it. Dissecting the rock. I think we got it. Oh, you got it. Wow. Tiffany got it. Wild. We're just going to hang out. Make sure it doesn't fall. Okie dokie. Here goes the big rock. Jess is just inching her way towards the pool. Woo! She's dipping. This rock is making noises. >> This big rock needs foam. Absolutely. [music] >> [music] >> Daddy, I jumped like a horror movie. >> Did you? >> Yeah. >> Can confirm chains? They are a little scary. When Tiffany said to me as we were placing it, >> never ever ever stick your fingers under the chain. >> I didn't even touch the boulder. I took a note. Honestly, by the thought of your fingers in there. Wait, they have to go in a certain way. Oh, you never want to use these again. [laughter] >> I wanted to see if I could accurately get them in the bucket, too. >> But I get it. [music] What's that? [music] >> [music] [music] >> Well, I finally got a shift in the excavator. It's only been a few days. Had to beg Jasmine to let me in. Well, actually, I had to sneak in and then I had to beg her to let me stay in there. We found the perfect little cutie to go in the last hole on this side. Stop down. I said it was bus size plus. [laughter] Wow. Somehow Jazz is back in the excavator. Not sure how that happened. Look at this wall. This is looking so good. You'd have no idea there's aqua blocks behind this wall right now. These all the little holes and crevices are being built out. Truly looks like it's been here forever. I'm convinced. Phenomenal. time for everyone. Oh, >> Izzy. It's a bit hot. Bella and Izzy, 13 and 12 years old. They are some senior senior ladies and they've been with us through it all. Every build, every acre cleared, everywhere we travel, they come. >> Every crazy idea we've ever had. A lot of people can't believe that they're 12 and 13. I sometimes can't believe it. Puppies. They've been through a lot, but I have to say they're looking better than ever, and they are so happy and healthy, and that's all that we want for them always. And so, of course, that means getting out for nice walks. Snuggling on the couch is always a priority. And of course, what they eat for dinner and breakfast every single day. We've gone deep on dog food. so much that we started making our own dog food. And let me tell you, it's a science. It's very difficult and that's why you leave it to the professionals. And then there's the fridge space, the prep, the mess, turning your kitchen into a science experiment. And life is already busy enough. And that's why we love Sundays. It's human grade. It's meat, organs, and superfoods. There's no synthetic junk. It's air dried. So the bag can sit on the shelf. It's shelf stable. It doesn't need to be refrigerated. What makes me easy? >> It's easy. And if you turn the bag over and look at the ingredients, >> I love reading this. Turkey, turkey heart, turkey liver, egg yolk, millet, pumpkin, kale, ground bone, fish oil. The list goes on and on. All whole feeds feeds. Whole foods ingredients. All whole foods ingredients. >> It's just really nice to be able to read the bag. It's very refreshing to know what we're feeding our dogs. >> Bella's getting impatient, but dog food has honestly come such a far way. I wish this existed when they were wee little puppies, but I am happy. I'm doing everything I can at their age now. And Bella has to tell you, Sundays is offering you 30% off your first order if you go to sundays fordogs.com/banwives30 and use code vanwives30. Okay, pour me up. Amazing. Shepherd's pie for us. We have a big list from Tiffany to get done this weekend. She's gone home now. It's Friday. So, enjoy your weekend if you want to hear it. So, we need to go find steps. We need five 8 in in height rocks. That will be steps so we can get in from the shallow end. We need a bunch of plumbing stuff. We need to figure out a shed the size where we're going to get it because that's going to be the pump house and the pool room. And then we also need to form up a concrete pad that's big enough for the shed plus all of the pumps, UV filters, filters, and everything. So, got to get rebar, rebar, wood, ties, forms, you name it. We need to clean up this entire area because it's a tornado zone. We need to finish the aqua blocks. We need to take out the water from the deep end and fix the liner cuz we put a little tiny hole in it. And now we have instructions on how to do that. And then lastly, we need to make sure our top of burm is 100% perfect, all compacted because it's been being driven on and compacted lately. So, we got to pull back the liner, build it all up, and now that our skimmers are in place, we need to have our water level come 4 in to the skimmer. So that way skimmers works like the water is going to go in the skimmers into the plumbing into the filters back out to the pump house back into the earth pool. And what we're going to start with first because it's 2:00 we're going to do the rip wrap in the vaults and then finish off this aqua blocks. >> I should also just throw this out there about an hour ago. Tiffany did say that we could potentially be swimming next week. >> That's crazy. That would be okay. It's a lot of work. We'll see what we can do. But so everything is like sandwiched together with big rocks, rip wrap, and river rock. That's what I've learned here. So we need to make sure this vault is safe and secure, but water can still run through it as these have slats. And then that's the pit viper, which then goes to the pump heads. So, we need to put all of our rip wrap because it allows more water to get through up to here and then we can back fill with river rock. [music] >> [music] >> You're all wondering how hot it is in here. So hot. Why it's actually hot is the black liner obviously and then these stones, they literally just radiate heat right at your face. But that's how this pool is going to be nice and [music] warm >> before fall. before fall. [music] Try to scare. [music] We need to put a rock in this spot and in this spot, but not here cuz there's a skimmer. [music] >> [music] >> Uh-oh. Now we take the strap out. Yep. >> Good. What are we doing next on our list? >> Let's tackle the top of Burm. If you've been watching every episode on our natural swim pool pond build, you'll know what we're doing here cuz we've done it 1 million times. That's how precise it needs to be, everyone. So, the top of Burm is the ledge of the pool. That needs to be the same all the way around and it is. However, what we need to do now is because obviously the earth has settled, we've been moving on it and everything, we've placed our skimmers in last week and these skimmers work like a normal pool skimmer would work. The water goes in through the plumbing through the filtration system and back out. So, there's the skimmer, everyone. And you can see this is the plumbing. There it is. >> Yeah. So, this part seems to be fine, but this part seems like a little low here. >> Okay. >> This is great. >> Nice. Yeah. You can hear the solids wants to come in. Okay, now go all the way around. >> Beauty. >> So from skimmer number one to actually skimmer number two, we need to build up. So just this area. >> One half. >> One half. Pretty good. Pretty good for the first timers. Now that we have the level, I'm going to jump in the excavator. Crystal's going to go around and we're going to make this pool perfect. Whatever you do, don't go anywhere near the liner. I'll move the dirt. [music] This is already looking so good. I love my laser so much. It makes anything that we are going to ever do going forward so much easier. Right now, we just built up that entire 5ft [clears throat] area in just a few minutes knowing that it's level and the perfect elevation with this is a breeze. I should also mention we are using top soil which is nice and soft. There's no sticks and no rocks and it is just nice compared to what we have been using. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Yes, my bucket has been compacting it, but there's nothing better than 12,000 lb driving over it. We just need to be very, very careful as the liner is very, very close. So Chris is in the excavator now. Yeah, this looks good. Obviously, we'll like carve it out still, but >> No, no, no. Use the stabil. >> OH, YOU DON'T want I'm normally just an operator, you know. It's just a little high everywhere, but Tiffany said being a little high is the best. Whoa, that's bang on. We did it. >> Yep. Doesn't take long. The right soil. >> Easy, actually. >> Yeah. >> Compact so nice. >> Love top soil. I also love that other stuff. >> Don't love sand. Don't know why they were bringing us sand, but >> yeah, it's our own. >> Not really. >> From another neck of some other woods where we used to live. We called it Phil. With the top of Burm at the correct elevation, we are now going to sprinkle some of our beautiful top soil all along here because you can see it's kind of like a perfect little slope. And so we don't need to bring in any more material other than what we've got right now. This will be the finishing layer for this side. And then we'll slowly work ourselves way around the pond and get all of the outside of the pond ready for some decorating that cuz like the ground needs to come way up here. Then we're going to plant beautiful garden. Are you going to do more or what's the plan? It looks really good. >> Yeah, I'm uh just looking for my own 12 ton >> Facebook marketplace. >> I actually thought about it. I want one so bad. >> They're cheaper than that one. >> Like I want one so bad. It's been a completely different experience having a machine this size. The other day when we had a whole bunch of material delivered, boulders and rocks and everything, we were looking at each other like, "What do we do?" Like that's not a good spot to put it. And this machine, the way it takes care of a pile of material in one push or a few scoops. Oh boy, we made a hole in our pool. See, we have a hole. We did that last week because you actually burn all of these seams. That way your foot doesn't get caught underneath and it's weird. Ready? How do you get not to curl? It just like curls right away. I can get the welding gloves. Burn it. I mean, I feel it on your hand. >> I put my finger in. >> I don't got it. >> Let's just wait. This is very important. >> Okay. I feel I don't feel confident in our choices right now. [music] 12x 15 concrete pad going in. Heat. All the top soil has been removed and now we're going to build up our base. That way our pool shed, so fun, is sitting elevated and water will drain off of it. So, we're just grabbing some nice fill materials in the big excavator. >> [music] [music] >> This is the height we want it. So, I'm going to go around with my laser and make sure every spot matches this spot. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Now I know why I always jump in in the machine. Perking is hard work. We have a nice nice base for our concrete pad. The reason we also needed to build it up this much, not only for drainage, you see how the Earth pool is at a higher elevation. Well, all the way around like we've been talking about a million times, sorry, is going to be built up. So, this had to be even higher. That way, water doesn't run into it. So, we're accounting for every single elevation. And thank gosh, we have that stabil. It is seriously the tool of the week every single week, I gotta say. Wow. Professional raker comes in, eh? Holy Also have a new appreciation for all the raking you do. We're doing 12 by 15. And the shed is only 8 by 10, but the pool shed is going to be for a lot of different things. In the shed, we're gonna have ring toss on ring toss the game. We're gonna have floaties, you know, all that type of stuff that makes a pool so much fun. So, that's going to be stored inside. And then off the back of it, we have an extra four or five ft, which is going we're going to build a leanto off the shed under the leanto. And it's okay to stay outside. It's going to be the filters, the pumps, and the UV filter. And then that way you can't see any of that stuff when you're swimming or you're in the house. I'm going to form up our concrete pad. Sound good? And then we'll secure them all and then we'll uh then we'll square it up after. >> [screaming] >> Nice knife. >> Thanks. cutting real good. Next up, we need gravel for our base. Our gravel right now is halfway in the back 40. We're going to jump in on the dump truck and get a load. [music] I'm stuck. Woo! >> [music] [music] >> We were just looking at the gravel in the dump truck, thinking we need way more. And it's so funny how this massive pile looks so little in the dump truck. This is actually quite a bit of gravel. We're probably going to do a little over half the pad, which is great. Might need a little extra. Also, kudos to the driver and the director. Not one pebble outside of the wood here. >> [music] [music] >> rebar. Baby, it's official. We have completed our list. We're ready for tiff tomorrow. PJ wants a sibling. >> This is exciting. It is. >> Derek sent us plumbing supplies. >> Tiffany brought the goods. >> Yeah. >> Stairs. >> Whoa. We have a massive void in our pool over here with no stones. And guess what arrived today? Our stairs. We have five stairs that we handpicked just a few days ago and they're here now. And now we're need we need to figure out the perfect placement for them. And they are nice. They look so good. Even better now that they're on site. We've got a mix of granite and limestone. Going to go for the biggest one first. >> [music] >> stair number one is going in. [music] Looking pretty good to the eye here. All right. Obviously, these are steps, so they need to be level. So, we're using the rigid foam board to make it level, which is also going to help not puncture the liner. Gives it extra stuff. Perfection. Good work, Tiff. No better way to start a Monday morning. First step is done. Four more to go. What we're going to do is we're going to lay the river rock back here as high as that step. So, like 8 in. in a little bit and then we can place the next rock on top. First two steps are in. They look phenomenal. Love >> [music] [music] >> Wow. [music] Are beyond beautiful. I would say that is an 11 out of 10 job. gorge. >> And now, do we get to put like uh stuff around it? >> Yeah. >> Can't wait. It's going to look so good. Remember when we were struggling to do our patchwork on our liner? Well, >> heat gun it is. So much better. The welding glove. I love it. What? I like stepping on it. Hey guys, guess what? We finally did the thing you've all been telling us to do for so long. And we got low sulfur dyed diesel for our machines. So guess what? We don't have to go to the gas station anymore. We don't got to get jerry cans. We've got a fill up right here on our 65 acres for all the machines. And today I'm going to be using it for the very first time and filling up this beast. Just kidding. I'm not filling it up. [gasps and laughter] It's going back home soon. So, our time is almost done with the X. And so, for that reason, I'm just going to give her a little drink. And then, uh, this is going to be Clementine's supply. And I know you saw us install our yellow diesel tank last year, but that required that we go to the gas station and fill it up. This is delivery, and it's way cheaper than the gas station. Put this in [clears throat] here. Okay, let's check the tight. I'd hand pump this thing any day of the week if it meant I didn't have to drive to the gas station with my jerry cans. That will do for now. Ready to rock. [music] We'll be back with another rock. >> Beautiful. Right. >> We can continue fill it with river rock and then put something else on top >> like another like another flat step. >> Another flat step. It doesn't have to be like >> a flat step. It can be anything. >> Yeah. >> I think I would put another rock. >> Good. Wow. >> We're doing the rocks all around our stairs now. And we just found a big one from our land. Born here. Born erased. That nice rock. It's going right here when you first walk in. [music] Only get one chance, one life, only one story to write. Let it shine. [music] I can see a future so bright. [music] If I just take my light and let it shine, [music] there we go. Wow, look at those rocks. Fluffy. >> Uhoh. Can we get it out? Stop. We're free. The next local is going in. that out on the back. Well, I'm very happy that we saved all of our mossy rocks at the end cuz well, they peek out of the water so we'll always see them. >> [music] >> We have three excavators on site today. Uno dozel [laughter] just said a funny joke. That's a tiff 40. Do you get it? Like the excavator, you know, like JD 60g. Funny when she said it. Wow. You all remember the vault right here? We'll take a good look at it. >> You can hardly see it already >> because you're about to never see it. Well, the liner. So, we've just stacked all of these rocks here. And yeah, it's about to disappear. >> Yeah, we started with this eggy one and here so that way all the rip wrap can sit nicely in there. And then remember, there's going to be water. So, we don't have the water yet, you know. Wow, what a dozer. >> It's getting more beautiful every second. Wow. Pretty >> cool, huh? Yeah, >> finishing touches. >> The most annoying to do, but they are the best part. >> Yeah, it's looking insane, actually. It's the most amazing thing I've ever seen. >> And you guys did it >> with you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Well, you >> our pond would have looked like a kindergarten's writing without you. [laughter] >> Kindergarten work we would have had. So, now we have a beautiful pond. Thanks, Tiffany. >> It would have been very >> Everyone say, "Yay, Tiffany," in the comments. Round of applause. >> Yeah. Thanks, Tiffany. >> No. Now you guys all get to look at a gorgeous pond. Not kindergarten chicken trash. [laughter] >> It's so nice. Yeah. Yeah.