Semi-Inground (Stealth) Pool Options
Custom semi-inground pools designed and built for Lexington & Central Kentucky homes, by one local team.
Semi-Inground PoolsH2O DesignsAt H2O Designs, we take a comprehensive approach to outdoor living design.See the details
Semi-Inground PoolsTrusted Installation by Aurora PoolsTo ensure the highest quality installation, we partner with Aurora Pools, a trusted name in professional pool installation in Central…See the details
Semi-Inground PoolsDesigning Beyond the PoolAt H2O Designs, we are passionate about creating outdoor living spaces that go beyond just the pool.See the details
One teamdesign to buildThe Perfect Blend of Affordability and Custom Design
If you have a sloped backyard, you might think a swimming pool isn’t an option for you. However, Semi-Inground (Stealth Pools) are the perfect solution for uneven terrains, combining the elegance of inground pools with the cost-effectiveness of above-ground options. At H2O Designs, we specialize in transforming sloped backyards into stunning outdoor living spaces by integrating Stealth Pools seamlessly into your landscape.
Everything You Should Know About Semi-Inground Pools
The details we walk through with homeowners at every consultation, so you can make the right choice for your yard.
01H2O Designs: Transforming Your Backyard Into a Sanctuary
At H2O Designs, we take a comprehensive approach to outdoor living design. When it comes to Stealth Pools, we don’t just install a pool; we craft a space that enhances your family’s lifestyle and maximizes the potential of your backyard. Our expert design team focuses on:
Customization: Understanding how your family will interact with the pool to create a design tailored to your needs.
Integration: Ensuring the pool fits seamlessly into your overall outdoor living area, complementing features such as patios, landscaping, and entertainment spaces.
Aesthetic Appeal: Designing a pool area that adds beauty and value to your home.
02Trusted Installation by Aurora Pools
To ensure the highest quality installation, we partner with Aurora Pools, a trusted name in professional pool installation in Central Kentucky. Aurora Pools brings decades of experience to every project, ensuring your Stealth Pool is installed with precision and care. This collaboration allows us to focus on the design and customization of your outdoor space while Aurora Pools handles the technical aspects of the pool installation.
03Designing Beyond the Pool
At H2O Designs, we are passionate about creating outdoor living spaces that go beyond just the pool. Our services are ideal for homeowners looking for:
A cohesive backyard design.
Custom patios, walkways, and landscaping to complement the pool.
Entertainment spaces that integrate seamlessly with the pool area.
If you’re simply looking for a pool and a standard concrete patio, we recommend contacting Aurora Pools directly. Their team specializes in straightforward pool installations, while we excel at crafting entire backyard transformations.
Planning Your Semi-inground Pool: What We Look At
A pool is a big investment. Here is what we plan before anything gets dug.
Pool type & size
Gunite, fiberglass, vinyl or semi-inground, plus shape and depth. We help you weigh cost, timeline and upkeep for each.
Site & access
Slope, soil, utilities and room for equipment to get into the yard all affect the plan and the price.
The space around it
Decking, shade, seating, an outdoor kitchen or fire feature and a pool house turn a pool into a backyard retreat.
Safety & rules
Fencing, gates and local permit requirements are part of the design from the start.
From first visit to finished semi-inground pool
- 1Consultation
We walk your yard and talk about how you want to swim, relax and entertain.
- 2Whole-yard design
We design the pool and everything around it: decking, shade, fire, kitchen and landscaping.
- 3Pool & build
Trusted pool partners install the pool while our crew builds the outdoor living around it.
- 4Dive in
Enjoy a finished backyard, not just a hole with water in it.

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 Semi-inground Pool in Central Kentucky
Every pool needs regular care, and the area around it does too.
- Water
- Test and balance the water regularly through the swim season.
- Equipment
- Clean filters and check pumps and heaters as the manufacturer recommends.
- Decking
- Sweep and rinse the pool deck, and top up paver joint sand as needed.
- Opening & closing
- Plan a spring opening and fall closing each year.
Recent semi-inground pools around Central Kentucky
Pairs perfectly with your semi-inground pool
From the H2O blog
Helpful articles & answers
Straight answers from our team about ponds, outdoor living and more.
Semi-Inground Pool Questions, Answered
Every tile is a real H2O Designs project. Tap one to read the answer.
A semi-inground pool is partially submerged, offering the custom look of an inground pool with installation flexibility. They are an ideal solution for sloped or uneven backyards common in the Lexington and Central Kentucky area.
We design the entire backyard as a cohesive unit, ensuring the pool seamlessly connects to surrounding features. This includes custom paver patios, decking, and outdoor entertainment zones, making the pool the centerpiece.
Semi-inground pools offer a far superior, customized aesthetic and can be integrated with high-end hardscaping and decking. They are more durable and provide a more permanent, high-value addition to your property.
Unlike a fully inground pool, the semi-inground process requires less extensive excavation and can be built to accommodate grade changes. This often results in a more cost-effective installation, especially on difficult lots.
Yes, as outdoor living specialists, we design and install the entire pool surround. We handle the custom hardscaping, which is crucial for creating a seamless and safe transition from the deck to the water's edge.
Aurora Pools, our trusted partner, handles the technical installation of the pool structure itself. H2O Designs focuses on the high-end design, custom hardscaping, and overall integration of the outdoor environment.
Absolutely. We integrate custom water features, like small cascades or bubbling elements, and high-quality LED landscape lighting into the surrounding landscape. These elements enhance the pool's aesthetic day and night.
The process begins with an on-site consultation to assess your property, discuss your vision, and establish a budget. This collaborative meeting ensures the final pool design is perfectly tailored to your backyard and lifestyle.
Why Choose a Semi-Inground Pool for a Sloped Backyard?
Stealth Pools are designed to adapt to challenging topography, making them an ideal choice for sloped backyards. These pools can be partially buried into the ground, providing a natural look that blends with your surroundings while optimizing space and usability. Whether you want to create a multi-level outdoor area or a seamless transition from your patio to the pool, a semi-inground pool offers flexibility and aesthetic appeal.
Start Your Backyard Transformation Today
Whether you’re dreaming of a serene retreat or an entertainment hub for friends and family, H2O Designs can bring your vision to life. Let us help you turn your sloped backyard into a functional, beautiful outdoor oasis with a Semi-Inground Stealth Pool as the centerpiece.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward creating the outdoor living space of your dreams in Lexington and Central Kentucky.
Whole-yard design
We design the pool area as one space, from the decking and patio to shade, fire and landscaping.
Trusted pool partners
We work with established pool installers so each pool type is built by specialists.
Hardscape experts
ICPI certified paver installers for pool decks, patios and walkways.
One local team
One point of contact from design through the finished backyard.
Let's Plan Your Semi-inground 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 semi-inground 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.
Semi-Inground Pools Across Central Kentucky
From our home base in Nicholasville, we design and build semi-inground 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.




























