Natural Swimming & Recreational Ponds
Custom swim ponds designed and built for Lexington & Central Kentucky homes, by one local team.
Natural Swim PondsChemical-Free, Naturally Filtered WaterOur natural swimming ponds harness the power of biological filtration systems, which rely on beneficial bacteria and aquatic plants to…See the details 
Natural Swim PondsFlexible Designs Tailored to Your LifestyleWhether you dream of a sleek, formal design or a more naturalistic pond surrounded by boulders, waterfalls, and lush greenery, H2O Designs…See the details 
One teamdesign to buildNatural Swim Ponds without the Harsh Chemicals
Imagine swimming in crystal-clear water surrounded by the serene beauty of nature, free from harsh chemicals and the strong odors of traditional pools. At H2O Designs, we specialize in crafting natural swimming and recreational ponds that offer a refreshing and eco-friendly alternative to conventional swimming pools. Using advanced natural filtration systems, we create a pristine aquatic environment that is safe, sustainable, and stunningly beautiful.
Everything You Should Know About Natural Swim Ponds
The details we walk through with homeowners at every consultation, so you can make the right choice for your yard.
01Chemical-Free, Naturally Filtered Water
Our natural swimming ponds harness the power of biological filtration systems, which rely on beneficial bacteria and aquatic plants to purify the water. This process mimics how nature keeps lakes and streams clean, ensuring your pool is:
Free from Chlorine and Harsh Chemicals
Gentle on Skin and Eyes
Environmentally Friendly
This innovative filtration method creates a balanced ecosystem where you can swim, relax, and enjoy the water worry-free. H2O Designs has been perfecting and installing these filtration systems for over 20 years, making us a trusted leader in this field throughout Lexington and Central Kentucky.
02Flexible Designs Tailored to Your Lifestyle
Whether you dream of a sleek, formal design or a more naturalistic pond surrounded by boulders, waterfalls, and lush greenery, H2O Designs can bring your vision to life. Our experienced team works closely with you to craft a design that complements your landscape and reflects your unique style.
Formal Designs: Clean lines, modern aesthetics, and elegant features create a sophisticated swimming experience.
Naturalistic Designs: Incorporate elements like cascading waterfalls, natural boulders, and aquatic plants for an authentic and serene look.
Hybrid Designs: Combine the best of both worlds with customized features that blend seamlessly with your property.
Planning Your Swim Pond: 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 swim pond
- 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 Swim Pond 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 swim ponds around Central Kentucky
Pairs perfectly with your swim pond
From the H2O blog
Helpful articles & answers
Straight answers from our team about ponds, outdoor living and more.
Natural Swim Pond Questions, Answered
Every tile is a real H2O Designs project. Tap one to read the answer.
A natural swim pond is a chemical-free, self-cleaning ecosystem that uses plants and natural filtration (a regeneration zone) instead of chlorine. It offers a natural, soft-water swimming experience, blending seamlessly with the landscape, unlike a rigid, sterile swimming pool.
The pond uses a separate planted area, called a regeneration zone, that acts as a biological filter. Plants and beneficial microorganisms consume the excess nutrients (phosphates/nitrates) in the water, starving the algae and keeping the swimming zone pristine.
It is perfectly safe to swim with the plants; the swimming zone is often separate from the planted regeneration zone. Swim ponds are not typically designed for fish (like koi) because fish waste can overwhelm the natural filtration system, leading to chronic algae problems.
Maintenance is simpler than a pool, focusing on annual tasks like trimming the aquatic plants in the spring and removing excess leaves in the fall. Routine care involves monitoring water levels and occasionally removing sediment from the swimming zone.
As outdoor living specialists, H2O Designs integrates the swim pond as a cohesive water feature, designing the surrounding areas with natural stone patios, planting beds, decks, and custom lighting to create a true backyard sanctuary.
Custom features include natural rock waterfalls, shallow wading areas, sun decks built right into the edge, custom-built jetties or docks, and integrated LED lighting to enhance the natural beauty of the feature.
The initial construction cost of a custom natural swim pond is generally comparable to a custom gunite pool due to the size and integrated landscape features. However, the swim pond has a lower long-term cost due to eliminating chemicals and reducing utility consumption.
The construction process for a custom swim pond is comparable to a custom pool, depending on size and complexity. It involves excavation, structural engineering, liner installation, rockwork, and allowing time for the critical regeneration zone to be planted.
Why Choose H2O Designs?
Located in Nicholasville, KY, H2O Designs proudly serves homeowners across Lexington and Central Kentucky. We are committed to delivering excellence in every project, backed by decades of expertise and a passion for eco-friendly solutions.
Over 20 years of experience installing advanced recreational pond systems
High-quality materials and trusted products from Aquascape, the leader in pond technology
Custom designs that enhance your outdoor living space and add lasting value to your property
Transform Your Backyard into a Natural Oasis
Let H2O Designs help you create the ultimate retreat with a natural swimming or recreational pond. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can bring the beauty of nature into your backyard. Our team is ready to turn your outdoor dreams into reality.
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 Swim Pond 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 swim pond 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.
Natural Swim Ponds Across Central Kentucky
From our home base in Nicholasville, we design and build swim ponds 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.