Couple Quoted $200K to Build Natural Swimming Pond on 65-Acre Property Do It Themselves with 8 Water Trucks and $52K (Exclusive)

In a unique transformation of their 65-acre property in Canada, social media personalities Crystal Drinkwalter and Jazmyn Canning, known collectively as @vanwives, have turned their backyard into a stunning natural swimming pond. Instead of opting for a conventional swimming pool, the couple embarked on an ambitious two-month DIY project to create a freshwater oasis that mirrors the beauty of nature.

The couple’s vision materialised over the summer of 2023, culminating in a pond shaped like an avocado, spanning approximately 50 by 35 feet. The project came with a hefty price tag of £42,000, but Drinkwalter, 32, and Canning, 33, confidently claim the effort was worthwhile, citing the immense joy and relaxation their creation brings: “It certainly isn’t necessarily the cheaper option, but for us, the experience feels well worth it,” they shared in an interview.

Driver by a fascination with natural swimming ponds, Drinkwalter and Canning aimed to install a swimming experience that was devoid of harsh chemicals. They fell in love with the concept of a self-sustaining ecosystem, where swimming in clean, fresh water would leave them rejuvenated, rather than reeking of chlorine.

However, the couple soon realised that constructing such a pond was far more complicated than merely digging a hole and filling it with water. With the assistance of Derek from Quiet Nature, who possesses 25 years of experience in the field, they designed the pond. The couple’s determination to undertake the construction themselves showcased their commitment to seeing their vision through.

To keep costs reasonable, the couple took on the physical labour themselves, which drastically reduced the expense compared to a professionally built pond that could reach up to £160,000 depending on the design and site conditions. Their project’s most notable feature was the monumental amount of boulders they worked with—approximately 100,000 lbs. The task involved moving heavy rocks, some weighing as much as 3.8 tons, which required meticulous handling.

“The art of placing each boulder was crucial,” the couple noted. “We needed to ensure the pond appeared natural and inviting. Notably, we created areas for jumping and sunbathing, essential elements for any enjoyable swimming spot.”

However, before the couple could swim in their newly constructed haven, they faced additional challenges, including a labour-intensive cleaning process. Following a rainstorm that left the site muddy, they dedicated countless hours to removing muck, clay, and sediments, ensuring the water in their pond would be crystal clear.

Once the site was prepped, filling the pond with water proved to be another massive undertaking. The couple required around 120,000 litres of water, which was delivered over eight trips by water truck, at an additional cost of roughly £1,000. As they watched the water finally fill the hole they had painstakingly crafted, it marked a significant milestone in their project.

Not to be overlooked, the filtration system represented another major investment. Necessary components like skimmers, filters, and a UV system added to their expenses, yet Drinkwalter and Canning agreed that maintaining clean water was paramount, particularly with both children and pets roaming the property. Their ongoing maintenance routine includes regular backwashing of filters and operating a robotic vacuum made to keep the pond free of debris.

With the pond now complete, it has flourished as a habitat for various wildlife. The couple has already welcomed three resident frogs, affectionately named Sara, Sally and Sandra. They are hopeful that the pond will freeze over in winter, providing opportunities for skating, a feature not typical of traditional pools that must be drained seasonally.

Reflecting on their journey, both Drinkwalter and Canning expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of embarking on a similar project in the future. They noted a desire to create a walk-in beach area to facilitate easier access for children and pets, although they acknowledged the concerns around costs.

“Transforming from a sterile lawn to our enchanting natural pond has been one of the most rewarding experiences. It feels as though this space was always meant to be here,” they concluded. For now, they are relishing the serenity of their creation, a tranquil blend of swimming, wildlife, and peaceful moments by the water.