Most homeowners spend tens of thousands of dollars installing a swimming pool. Garrett Newman spent about $4,500 digging a massive hole in his front yard—and then let the Texas sky do the rest. What started as a practical excavation project during the construction of his home in 2015 turned into something far more remarkable: an 80-foot-wide swimming pond that filled itself with rainwater at no additional cost.
Today, that accidental water feature has become the centerpiece of family life for Newman, his wife Sara, and their eight children. It’s a place where kids catch frogs, spot turtles, float on rafts, and escape the scorching Texas heat—all without the chemical smells and daily upkeep that come with a traditional pool.
The Pond Started as Something Completely Different
The story of this remarkable front yard pond begins not with a dream of a swimming hole, but with a practical need. In 2015, Garrett Newman was building a house on an 11-acre property in Texas and found himself needing dirt for construction work around the site. He started digging a large hole in the front yard to source the soil he needed.
At the time, Sara says she doesn’t think her husband was imagining a swimming spot. “I don’t think [Garrett] was thinking of a swimming hole at the time,” she explained. The excavation was purely functional—until the hole became too big to ignore. Once the digging was underway, Newman made a spontaneous decision: why not turn this massive hole into something useful?
The Massive Pond Took Just Two Days to Dig
When Newman finally committed to the idea, the excavation moved quickly. The digging took just two days, but the result was impressive. The hole stretched 80 feet by 80 feet and reached a depth of 18 feet. That’s roughly the size of a small backyard and deep enough to submerge a two-story building.
The cost for the entire excavation? Approximately **$4,500**. For context, professional natural swimming ponds from commercial builders can start at $85,000 and easily exceed $200,000. Commercial pond excavation costs typically run significantly higher depending on size and soil conditions. Newman’s project was dirt-cheap by comparison—literally.
He Didn’t Spend More Money to Fill It
This is where the story takes its most surprising turn. After the excavation was complete, Newman didn’t call a water truck or hook up a hose. He simply waited for rain.
Over the course of about a month, rainfall gradually filled the massive hole. The cost to fill the pond filled with rainwater: zero dollars. The contrast is striking—$4,500 to dig, $0 to fill. That’s an investment that would be hard to beat for any family looking for a swimming spot.
Once the 80-foot pond was full, Newman took the next logical step: he stocked it with fish. “He and his boys went fishing and then brought them home and put them in the pond,” Sara explained.
The Pond Became a Swimming Hole for the Family
The pond existed for years before Sara came into the picture, but it took on new life when Garrett and Sara married and blended their families. Sara brought five children from a previous marriage; Garrett had three. Suddenly, the front yard was home to eight kids, and the pond became their natural gathering spot.
“We love going out and floating in the water on a hot Texas day,” Sara said. “Our kids love that they can catch fish and frogs and see turtles while they float on a raft.”
What started as an excavation project became a living ecosystem and a source of daily adventure. The kids spend time swimming, fishing, floating, and exploring the pond’s wildlife. It’s part natural swimming pond, part backyard safari.
A Family of 10 Uses the Pond Instead of a Traditional Pool
For a household with eight children, a traditional pool might seem like a necessity. But the Newmans have chosen their front yard swimming hole instead—and they don’t regret it.
“A pool is a big undertaking and cost. We do have eight kids together, so I know it would be used,” Sara acknowledged. “However, for us it’s not a necessity at the moment.”
The family’s preference for the pond isn’t just about money. It’s about lifestyle. “When you grow up in the country, a little [mud] and pond water isn’t gross,” Sara said with a laugh. The casual, outdoorsy vibe suits their rural Texas life perfectly.
They Even Added a Sandy Beach Area
The Newmans haven’t just left the pond as a muddy hole. Over time, they’ve made improvements to make it more enjoyable for the family. A sandy beach area was added for the kids, making entry and exit easier and giving the pond a more intentional, recreational feel.
The pond has also become a social hub. About a month ago, the family hosted a pond party, with friends bringing their floats and spending the entire day in the water. What started as a solo excavation project is now a gathering place for the whole community.
The Pond Requires Less Maintenance Than a Traditional Pool
One of the most appealing aspects of the Newman family’s front yard swimming pond is the maintenance—or lack thereof. Unlike traditional pools, which demand daily chemical checks and constant concern about algae, the pond requires relatively little attention.
“It doesn’t require chemical checks or constant concern about the water turning green,” Sara noted. The family periodically cleans around the pond, mows the nearby areas, and occasionally adds blue coloring when they want a bluer appearance.
It’s important to note that the pond isn’t completely maintenance-free. The family still puts in effort to keep the area looking good, but the workload is significantly less than what a traditional pool demands.
Why the Unusual Front Yard Pond Works for This Family
The Newman family’s story is a reminder that sometimes the best things come from unexpected places. An 11-acre property in rural Texas, a practical need for construction dirt, and a spontaneous decision created something far more valuable than anyone anticipated.
The pond fits the family’s country lifestyle perfectly. It’s casual, natural, and welcoming—much like the family themselves. It doesn’t require the formality or expense of a traditional pool. It’s just there, filled by rain and stocked with fish, waiting for someone to grab a float and jump in.
There’s something deeply appealing about the simplicity of it all. No contractors, no permits, no chemical deliveries—just a hole in the ground, some rain, and a family ready to enjoy it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the 80-foot pond cost to dig?
Garrett Newman spent approximately $4,500 to dig the 80-foot by 80-foot pond on his Texas property.
How was the pond filled?
The pond was filled naturally by rainfall over the course of about a month after the excavation was completed.
How deep is the pond?
The pond reaches approximately 18 feet deep at its maximum depth.
How long did it take to fill with rainwater?
It took roughly one month of rainfall to fill the pond completely.
Why did the family choose a pond instead of a pool?
The family prefers the pond for its simplicity, lower maintenance, and laid-back country lifestyle. With eight children, they acknowledge a pool would be used, but they don’t feel it’s necessary at the moment.
Can a front yard pond be used for swimming?
Yes, the Newman family uses their 80-foot pond for swimming, floating, fishing, and relaxing on hot Texas days.
What does the family use the pond for?
The family uses the pond for swimming, floating on rafts, catching fish and frogs, spotting turtles, and hosting gatherings with friends.
Conclusion
What began as a hole dug for dirt during a home-building project became something far more meaningful: a swimming, fishing, and gathering place for a family of ten. The 80-foot pond cost $4,500 to dig and nothing to fill—and today, it’s where eight kids catch frogs, float on rafts, and make memories.
“For now, we’re happy as a clam just swimming in our front yard,” Sara said. And honestly, with a setup like this, who can blame them?