A father who set up a 12-foot swimming pool in his backyard and added a water slide has become an internet sensation. Liam Tandy gained widespread popularity on TikTok for sharing videos of his son enjoying the slide and pool in their Wythenshawe residence in Manchester. The 40-year-old humorously attributed his impulsive decision to install the pool to his ADHD.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Liam mentioned, “When I returned from my vacation, I couldn’t bear to part with the poolside fun.” With temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius this week, Liam and his family have been relishing the opportunity to cool off and have fun in the water, bringing joy to his children.
Recounting the genesis of the idea, Liam shared, “Upon moving into a new house with a garden, I immediately envisioned having a personal pool. I started researching online even before my holiday ended.” He transformed a significant portion of his backyard to accommodate the pool, costing around £1,000, along with a second-hand slide from eBay. Leveraging his mechanical skills, Liam even constructed a platform on the garage roof for an additional slide.
Addressing safety concerns, Liam assured, “I’ve taken precautions by installing easy access and netting around the area, and my neighbors are supportive. As long as my kids are happy, I am content.” He maintains the pool water with a filter and chlorine, albeit jokingly avoiding discussing the associated costs.
Reflecting on unexpected attention, Liam shared an incident where a TikTok user staying nearby captured a video of the pool from her Airbnb, inadvertently leading to its viral spread. Despite anticipating a visit from the council due to the pool being a temporary structure, Liam remains prepared to dismantle it swiftly.
Amidst the first significant heatwave of the year coinciding with the May half term, Liam’s children and their friends eagerly gather around the pool for enjoyment. Expressing his parental dedication, Liam emphasized the fleeting nature of childhood and his commitment to creating lasting memories for his kids. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received, underscoring the importance of recognizing and appreciating fathers’ efforts in nurturing their children.