Dive Into Summer: The Airbnb-Style Pool Rental Trend That's Making a Splash

 Dive Into Summer: The Airbnb-Style Pool Rental Trend That's Making a Splash

**Whether you want a private swim for $45 an hour or a side hustle earning thousands, the "sharing economy" has your backyard oasis covered.**

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## Introduction: Who's Pool Is That?

A scorching day in the South—or anywhere, really—is infinitely more bearable with a cool dip. But not everyone has a pool, and not everyone wants the hassle of maintaining one. Enter the latest trend in the sharing economy: rental swimming pools .

Platforms like Swimply are transforming private backyards into bookable oases, allowing homeowners to monetize their often-underused assets and giving renters a private, crowd-free alternative to public pools . It's part of a larger cultural shift where sharing personal property, from cars to guest rooms, has become normalized and frictionless.

"I think it's part of the culture now, right?" said Meghan Clopton, a mother who rented a pool for her child's birthday party . "Just, like, take over someone else's house or pool for the day or the weekend" .

## The "Swimply" Model: How It Works

Think of it as the Airbnb of backyards. Swimply, a peer-to-peer marketplace founded in 2019, connects pool owners with people looking for a private swim. It operates across all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Australia . The concept is simple: you list your pool with clear photos, set your price per hour, and choose your availability. Renters search, book, and pay upfront .

While Airbnb and other home rental platforms offer pools, they often require renting the entire house for a minimum of a few days—a significant commitment if you just want a dip . Swimply focuses on the pool itself, allowing for bookings as short as a couple of hours .

This local, on-demand access is a key difference. Unlike traditional vacation rentals that attract out-of-towners, Swimply guests are mostly locals looking for a "staycation," family gathering, or even a solo spa day . It's a highly flexible model, offering hosts the ability to control what kind of bookings they accept, from quiet swims to puppy pool parties .

## The Host Side: Turning Your Backyard into Cash

For homeowners, the appeal is clear: extra income. The platform was designed to help owners offset the often high cost of pool maintenance . "When you own a pool, every time you turn around something happens and it's $1,000," said Jasmine Lawson, a Birmingham host .

Hosts can make anywhere from $25 to $100 per hour, with the average landing around $45. Many hosts are earning about $1,000 a month, but some have turned their pools into a lucrative business . For example, top Los Angeles hosts have seen six-figure earnings, with one pool, the "Disney+ Dive-In Theater," grossing nearly $300,000 . One couple in Los Angeles even made enough to build a man cave, crediting their Swimply income for the new addition .

Some hosts, like Lawson, have become experts in hospitality. Her Birmingham pool, which features an 8-foot-deep pool, hot tub, and an air-conditioned party room, hosts over 1,000 guests a year . "It's wild, and it grows every single year," she said . The key to success, many hosts find, is offering a top-notch experience, which often drives them to seek professional, reliable pool care rather than DIY fixes .

## The Renter Side: A Private Oasis for Every Occasion

For the average American, renting a pool opens up a world of possibilities that would otherwise be out of reach. Clopton, for instance, paid $381 for a three-hour party for up to 30 guests . While that may seem steep, consider the alternatives.

Building a pool is a major investment; Clopton received quotes ranging from $60,000 to $110,000 . Renting offers a way to enjoy a private pool experience without the massive upfront cost. It's also a great way to have a fun, private gathering without the crowds at a public pool .

Hosts often offer a range of amenities to elevate the experience, including floats, grills, and even spa-like features like hot tubs . Because of this, many renters have become regulars. "We did a full birthday party there, and that was tons of fun," Clopton said . She has even considered building her own pool and listing it on Swimply. "It's absolutely a great business plan and I would not say no," she said .

## The Risks and the Legal Landscape

The rise of pool rentals has raised important legal and safety questions. A key concern is liability: who is responsible if someone gets hurt? Pools, after all, can be dangerous, especially for young swimmers .

Swimply provides hosts with up to **$1 million in liability protection** for bookings made through its platform, similar to Airbnb's policy for home rentals . However, legal experts note the question of responsibility is still being litigated. Because there is no "traditional employer," it's unclear whether liability falls on the host or the platform .

This legal uncertainty is playing out in courts and legislatures across the country. For example, the Minnesota Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case about whether Swimply pools should be considered public facilities and therefore subject to government licensing and inspections . Some state and local governments have even attempted to restrict or regulate the practice . Additionally, some pool maintenance companies have dropped hosts as clients, fearing they could be held liable if a guest had a bad reaction to pool chemicals .

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is renting out my pool legal?

A: It's a growing trend, but regulations vary. Some cities have banned or restricted short-term rentals like this, while others like Mecklenburg County have rolled back restrictions . You should check local laws and HOA rules before listing your pool.

### Q: How much does it cost to rent a pool on Swimply?

A: Prices vary depending on the location, season, and amenities, but most hosts charge between $25 and $100 per hour, with the average around $45 .

### Q: How much money can I make renting out my pool?

A: Most hosts earn about $1,000 a month by renting out their pool a few days a week. However, top hosts, especially in high-demand areas like Los Angeles, have made over $30,000 in a year or even earned six-figure totals .

### Q: What is Swimply?

A: Swimply is the leading online marketplace that connects pool owners (hosts) with people looking to rent a private pool by the hour. It also offers other spaces like hot tubs, sports courts, and even homes .

### Q: How does Swimply handle liability?

A: Swimply provides hosts with up to $1 million in liability coverage for injuries that occur during a booking . They also offer up to $10,000 in protection for property damage by guests .

### Q: Is it safe?

A: Platforms like Swimply have safety measures like host and guest verification, reviews, and liability protection. Hosts also typically give guests a walkthrough of the property and safety rules before their booking begins .

## Conclusion: The Future of Leisure is Shared

The pool rental trend shows how the sharing economy continues to evolve, turning private assets into accessible amenities for the community.

It’s a win-win: homeowners earn extra income to offset pool costs, and renters get a private, flexible space for recreation and relaxation . While legal and safety challenges remain, the model has proven to be resilient, even growing during economic downturns as people look for affordable ways to enjoy their leisure time . As platforms like Swimply expand their offerings to include everything from hot tubs to sports courts, it's clear that the demand for shared private spaces is here to stay .

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## Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. We recommend consulting with a qualified professional for specific guidance regarding your situation.