Hybrid Swimming & Recreational Pools
Custom hybrid pools designed and built for Lexington & Central Kentucky homes, by one local team.
Hybrid Natural PoolsThe Natural Beauty of Hybrid Swimming PoolsHybrid swimming pools are designed to replicate the serene beauty of nature.See the details 
Hybrid Natural PoolsAffordable Elegance Compared to Gunite PoolsOne of the most significant advantages of hybrid swimming pools is their affordability.See the details 
One teamdesign to buildThe Perfect Blend of Natural Beauty and Modern Comfort
Experience the best of both worlds with a Hybrid Swimming Pool – an innovative design that combines the aesthetic charm of a recreational swim pond with the functionality of a traditional chlorinated pool. These pools are the ultimate choice for homeowners seeking a harmonious balance between natural elegance and modern convenience.
Everything You Should Know About Hybrid Natural Pools
The details we walk through with homeowners at every consultation, so you can make the right choice for your yard.
01The Natural Beauty of Hybrid Swimming Pools
Hybrid swimming pools are designed to replicate the serene beauty of nature. Imagine a pool surrounded by lush greenery, natural rock formations, and cascading waterfalls. The addition of streams and flowing water creates a tranquil ambiance that transforms your backyard into a private oasis. With the use of natural materials and customizable features, these pools seamlessly blend into their surroundings, offering an unmatched aesthetic appeal.
Custom Features for Your Dream Pool
At H2O Designs, we understand that every homeowner has unique preferences. That’s why we offer flexible design options to ensure your pool is a perfect reflection of your vision. Enhance your hybrid swimming pool with:
Jump Rocks: Add an adventurous touch with strategically placed rocks for diving and jumping.
Slides: Incorporate fun and excitement with a natural rock slide.
Waterfalls: Elevate the visual and auditory appeal of your pool with cascading waterfalls.
Streams: Create a dynamic water feature that flows through your pool area, enhancing its natural charm.
Each feature is thoughtfully designed to integrate seamlessly into the natural rock swimming area, providing both functionality and beauty.
02Affordable Elegance Compared to Gunite Pools
One of the most significant advantages of hybrid swimming pools is their affordability. While Gunite pools are known for their durability and customization, they often come with a higher price tag. Hybrid swimming pools, on the other hand, offer a cost-effective alternative without compromising on quality or aesthetic appeal. Their flexible design and natural materials make them an attractive choice for homeowners looking to maximize their investment.
Planning Your Hybrid Pool: What We Look At
Here is what we plan before building a natural or hybrid swim pool.
Swim area & size
How you will use it decides the size and depth, from a cool-off plunge to laps.
Filtration
Natural filtration uses plants, gravel and biological filters. We size it to the volume of water and how many people swim.
Look & feel
Natural stone edges or a more formal finish, with planting areas that frame the water.
Site & access
Slope, sun, trees and equipment access all shape where it goes and how it is built.
From first visit to finished hybrid pool
- 1Consultation
We walk your yard and talk about how you want to swim, relax and entertain.
- 2Custom design
We design the swim area, the filtration and the landscape around it.
- 3Expert build
Our Aquascape certified crew builds it with natural, ecosystem-style filtration.
- 4Dive in
Swim in clear water with fewer chemicals, surrounded by plants and stone.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
Jeff converted my old pond to a pondless waterfall. It is gorgeous and I love the sound. The H2O crew was efficient and neat. If you want to add a water feature to your yard give Jeff a call.
Wide selection, friendly staff, well priced! Very happy with our new koi fish and recent service in Richmond to our pond! Will definitely be back! Thanks H2O Designs!
In middle of project with Jeff and his team. Greta design work and able to see out vision. They are dedicated to working all day to get project finished on time. Attention to detail is remarkable. Job site is cleaned up daily. So impressed with everything..great experience!
Caring for Your Hybrid Pool in Central Kentucky
Natural pools need less chemical care, but they still need seasonal attention.
- Spring
- A cleanout and filter check before swim season.
- Swim season
- Skim debris, keep the filters clean and top off the water.
- Plants
- Trim aquatic plants so they filter well without taking over.
- Fall & winter
- Netting and a winter plan protect the water and the equipment.
Recent hybrid pools around Central Kentucky
Pairs perfectly with your hybrid pool
From the H2O blog
Helpful articles & answers
Straight answers from our team about ponds, outdoor living and more.
Hybrid Natural Pool Questions, Answered
Every tile is a real H2O Designs project. Tap one to read the answer.
A Hybrid Natural Pool is a custom swimming pool that uses minimal chemicals by incorporating a separate, planted biological filtration zone (bio-filter). It offers the aesthetic of a natural pond with the clean water and convenience of a traditional pool, making it a unique solution for Central Kentucky homeowners.
The pool’s circulation system moves water through the planted Bio-Filter Zone, where natural plants and beneficial bacteria consume algae-fueling nutrients. This biological process handles the majority of the purification, allowing for a drastic reduction in chlorine or other chemical use.
A Hybrid Pool offers the best of both worlds: it can be heated, it uses structural materials (like gunite) that are easier to clean, and it allows for more traditional pool features. It provides the natural aesthetic with a reduced dependence on the full biological balance of a pure swim pond.
Yes. The structural nature of the Hybrid Pool allows for the seamless integration of traditional features like heating systems, automated covers, in-pool lighting, and standard pool finishes. This provides comfort and functionality while maintaining the low-chemical filtration.
The Bio-Filter Zone is a dedicated, separate area filled with aquatic plants and gravel that serves as the pool's natural "kidney." It actively consumes excess nutrients from the water, acting as the primary line of defense against algae growth.
Maintenance is simpler than a conventional pool because the bio-filter significantly reduces the need for constant chemical balancing. Routine care focuses on cleaning the structural pool basin and trimming the plant life in the filter zone annually.
Aesthetic features include custom natural stone edging to bridge the pool to the bio-filter, integrated natural rock waterfalls (Water Features), unique pool finishes, and surroundingLandscape Lighting to showcase the cohesiveOutdoor Living Spaces design.
Yes. The structural components of a Hybrid Pool are built to withstand freeze-thaw cycles, and the minimal chemical requirements and natural aesthetics are perfectly suited for the Central Kentucky environment and the region's focus on integrated, sustainable outdoor living.
Why Choose H2O Designs for Your Hybrid Swimming Pool?
Based in Nicholasville, KY, H2O Designs specializes in creating stunning outdoor living spaces for Lexington and Central Kentucky residents. With years of expertise and a commitment to excellence, we ensure every pool we build is a masterpiece tailored to your needs. Our team works closely with you to design and construct a hybrid swimming pool that complements your home and lifestyle.
Transform Your Backyard Today
Ready to turn your backyard into a natural paradise? Contact H2O Designs today to learn more about our hybrid swimming pools and start designing your dream pool. Whether you're in Lexington, Nicholasville, or the surrounding Central Kentucky area, our team is here to bring your vision to life.
Discover the perfect blend of nature and luxury with a hybrid swimming pool – where beauty meets functionality.
Aquascape certified
Trained in the ecosystem methods that keep natural water clear and healthy.
Over 20 years of water
Decades of building ponds and water features across Central Kentucky.
Whole-yard design
Decking, patios, shade and landscaping planned with the pool as one space.
Care after the build
Seasonal maintenance and supplies from the team that built it.
Let's Plan Your Hybrid Pool Together
Sit down with our design team, at your home or at our store, to talk through ideas, materials and budget. No pressure, just a plan you can feel good about.
- We walk your space and listen first
- Material and layout ideas for your yard
- Clear next steps and financing options
Nicholasville, KYSee hybrid pool ideas in person
Our store and design center has full-size outdoor living displays, plus the largest selection of pond and water garden supplies in Central Kentucky. Come touch the materials, get ideas and talk with our team.
Hybrid Natural Pools Across Central Kentucky
From our home base in Nicholasville, we design and build hybrid pools for homeowners throughout Lexington and the surrounding Central Kentucky communities, including:
- Lexington
- Nicholasville
- Georgetown
- Versailles
- Richmond
- Danville
- Somerset
- Surrounding areas
Don't see your town? Give us a call at (859) 305-7049. If you're in Central Kentucky, there's a good chance we serve your area.