In Covington, Tennessee, Micky Thornton has transformed his backyard into a remarkable aquatic oasis over a span of nearly three decades. What began as a childhood dream has culminated in a stunning 500,000-gallon swimming pool, complete with waterfalls, rock formations, and ample space for gatherings. This unique attraction has become a cherished location for family and friends, as well as the wider community, hosting events ranging from birthday celebrations to over 400 baptisms.
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Thornton, a retired scuba instructor, conceived this grand vision during his youth. He desired a swimming environment that would allow swimmers to explore freely rather than feel enclosed. Moving to Covington in 1992 provided him with the space needed to turn this ambitious dream into reality. The construction work kicked off on Labour Day in 1993, with Thornton keen on making the most of his time to bring his vision to life. Reflecting on this decision in a 2017 interview, he expressed a sense of urgency, stating, “I was 39 years old then, and I thought if I ever am going to do anything like that I better get started working on it.”
The journey was marked by numerous phases and adaptations. The initial excavation of the pool reached depths exceeding 20 feet, and a polyethylene mat was installed as a foundation. Subsequent improvements arrived in 1998 and 1999, introducing both waterfalls and intricate rockwork. Further renovations in 2013 enhanced the pool’s features, contributing to its impressive stature.
The scale of the pool is reflected in the substantial materials used in its construction: approximately 320 cubic yards of gunite—a mixture of sand and cement—alongside 40,000 pounds of steel rebar. With a combination of varying depths designed to accommodate swimming and diving, along with rock-lined waterfalls, the project truly exemplifies Thornton’s ambitious vision.
Maintaining the quality of half a million gallons of water poses its own challenges. Thornton devised a bespoke filtration, pumping, and waterfall system to manage the water conditions. Discussing the ongoing expenses, he mentioned that chlorine remains the most significant regular cost, requiring an estimate of about 100 pounds of tablets each week. The monthly electricity bill to keep everything operational amounts to roughly £200 throughout the year.
Over time, the pool has evolved into a vibrant hub for celebration and connection. It has welcomed diverse guests for birthday parties, weddings, team events, and family reunions. Among the notable visitors were members of the Japanese National baseball team, whose unexpected arrival surprised Mrs Thornton. “I thought there are nine guys on the field, probably a total of 25 people. Wrong. There were 50,” she recalled with amusement.
Moreover, the pool has become a significant site for local churches, where more than 400 individuals have been baptised in its waters—a testament to the lasting impact Thornton’s creation has had on the community. “Which is something I think is kind of neat,” Jane Thornton shared about this unique aspect of their pool’s legacy.
Reflecting on the decades of effort invested in building and enhancing this pool, Micky Thornton feels a deep satisfaction in what he has accomplished. In a recent interview, he reaffirmed his lasting commitment to maintaining the pool: “From the little dream as a kid till now, almost 60 years later, this is where we’re at. As long as I’m here… I’ll be taking care of it as long as I can. My 500,000-gallon backyard pool is the coolest thing I ever made.”
Thornton’s story serves not only as inspiration for dreamers but also as a reminder of the power of perseverance. Through determination, vision, and hard work, he has created an extraordinary space that fosters joy, community, and cherished memories—a true homage to a childhood aspiration that has brought happiness to many.
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