In a quiet town in Covington, Tennessee, Micky Thornton embarked on a remarkable 29-year journey to create one of the largest homemade backyard pools in the world. His 500,000-gallon aquatic masterpiece is the result of dedication, creativity, and a dream that refused to fade. In an interview with the YouTube channel Coolest Thing, Thornton shares the inspiring story of his colossal backyard pool, detailing the challenges, innovations, and joys of his epic project.
A Dream Takes Shape
Thornton’s dream of a massive backyard pool began nearly three decades ago. Inspired by his love for swimming and a desire to create a unique family retreat, he started building in 1993. The initial phase involved digging a large hole and lining it with a polyethylene mat, which was later replaced by a rubber liner and ultimately a spray-on concrete finish. This evolution reflects Thornton’s commitment to improving and expanding his dream pool over the years.
The Magnitude of the Project
Measuring approximately 95 feet across at its widest points, Thornton’s pool is a sprawling aquatic wonderland. The pool features a sandy shallow area created with 18 pickup loads of sand and a deep end that allows for high dives and flips. One of the pool’s standout features is a captivating waterfall where visitors can sit behind, look through, or let the water cascade onto them, adding to the natural, scenic beauty of the setting.
Innovative Filtration System
Thornton’s ingenuity shines in his custom-designed filtration system. He consulted with pool builders but ultimately decided to devise his own system. The filtration system includes a massive underground pit filled with well strainer casing and sand, allowing gravity to push water through slowly, resulting in clean, filtered water. Thornton’s innovative approach ensures the pool remains pristine despite its enormous size.
Overcoming Challenges
Building a 500,000-gallon pool came with significant challenges. One of the most daunting was filling the pool, which takes three months of continuous pumping from a well Thornton dug specifically for this purpose. The well produces about seven to eight gallons of water per minute, highlighting the immense scale of the project and the logistical hurdles Thornton had to overcome.
A Labor of Love
Thornton’s backyard pool is more than just a personal achievement; it’s a labor of love shared with family and friends. His wife, Jane, contributed to the pool’s aesthetic by handling the horticulture and insisting on its strategic placement away from the house. The pool has become a communal space, hosting events ranging from birthday parties to weddings, and even baptisms, with over 400 people baptized in its waters.
Financial Investment
The financial investment in such a massive project is substantial. Thornton estimates that maintaining the pool costs about $200 a month in electricity and involves using 100 pounds of chlorine tablets each week. Despite the ongoing costs, Thornton’s passion for his pool remains unwavering, as he continues to invest time and resources into maintaining and enhancing it.
Community and Family Enjoyment
The pool has brought immense joy to Thornton’s family and the local community. His grandchildren enjoy using the pool’s various features, including a rope swing anchored to a telephone pole, which has been a source of fun for over 22 years. Thornton’s children grew up swimming in the pool, and it continues to be a central part of family gatherings and community events.
A Testament to Dedication
Thornton’s backyard pool stands as a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, creativity, and perseverance. From a childhood dream to a 500,000-gallon reality, Thornton’s journey is an inspiring example of pursuing one’s passions and creating something truly extraordinary. As he reflects on his journey, Thornton proudly declares, “My 500,000-gallon backyard pool is the coolest thing I ever made.”
“A Paradise For Kids”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “That’s a paradise for kids. His kids and grandkids are lucky little fellas!”
One commenter said: “he built it for everyone to enjoy and that man has a heart of gold because of that. not just for him and his family but for everyone to use. takes a special person to want to do that.”
Another person added: “That sand filter is really ingenious using the hydrostatic pressure of all the water above it. This guy is a true renaissance thinker. Respect”
A Source of Joy and Inspiration
Micky Thornton’s 29-year endeavor to build a massive backyard pool is a story of vision, hard work, and a love for creating something unique. His pool is not just a testament to his dedication but also a source of joy and inspiration for his family and community. Thornton’s story reminds us that with persistence and creativity, even the grandest dreams can become a reality.
Environmental Considerations
What are your thoughts? What motivates individuals like Micky Thornton to embark on such long-term and ambitious personal projects? How can large-scale personal projects like Thornton’s pool impact local communities and inspire others? What are the environmental considerations of maintaining a massive backyard pool, and how can they be addressed sustainably?
See the full video on Coolest Thing’s YouTube channel for more details here.
