Swimply, the “Airbnb of swimming pools, ”Seems to have its moment in the sun. The Pools-by-the-Hour app has been growing in popularity during the pandemic, and it is now Expansion into new markets. Here’s what you need to know about renting a private pool or renting your own pool (if you have one).
How Swimply works
Available in the US, Canada, and Australia, Swimply is very similar to Airbnb: Private homeowners rent their pools at varying hourly rates based on the amenities they offer, usually between $ 35- $ 250 per hourfor a maximum of 15 guests at a time (you can search for pools Here).
Swimmers can use Swimply’s app or website to find pools nearby and filter those search results based on the type of amenities they want – a heated pool, diving board, extra hot tub, grill – as well as information about pool dimensions and water depth .
What is offered is different. Some pools are rated as “party friendly” and allow loud music and alcohol, while others have restrictions on how many guests, young children, or whether you can use their property’s bathroom (that’s a deal breaker for me) I would like to read the rules before booking.
The offer also affects the price. Since there are more pools in Los Angeles than in New York, the amenities are greater than what New York offers for the same price. For example, a “pool” in New York is listed at 12 feet by 10 feet (and only 5 feet in depth) and is charged by the owner for $ 100 per hour, while in Los Angeles three times that pool is typically $ 45 each Hour are available.
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What about renting out your pool?
True, there are some impressive stories about Pool owners earn $ 50,000 a year During the pandemic, you should ease your expectations and understand the upfront costs before renting out your pool (especially due to the easing of pandemic restrictions on public swimming pools). The truth is that income will vary based on location, time of year, and the amenities you offer.
Swimply’s website claims that pool owners can make $ 10,000 a month, but that would certainly be in the upper price bracket as it assumes you would make around $ 330 every day for a given month. Unless your property also has world-class amenities like a mini golf course, BBQ, hot tub, or bowling alley, expect less. Also, the $ 10,000 figure doesn’t seem to take into account or account for the 15% decrease in your income from Swimply occasional discounts imposed by the companythat some pool owners have complained about.
However, if you already have a pool that is barely used, rental fees can be a nice bonus to your income and help cover the annual running costs for your pool, which averages between $ 3,000 and $ 5,000. according to Home Advisor.
Renters may need additional insurance
Swimply requires swimmers to sign a waiver, but it may not cover all liability loopholes. according to CNBC (The company is currently working on an internal homeowner insurance policy).
You should therefore check your home insurance with your freight forwarder and ensure that in addition to property damage, medical payments and accidental damage are included in the policy. Obviously, additional insurance means higher premiums, which you should consider as a cost before deciding whether this is a worthwhile endeavor.
As you are turning your private home into a semi-commercial space, be sure to check your local and state laws and see what requirements or restrictions exist. As CNBC points out, additional safety equipment and signage may be required. Also note that Swimply requires pools to be health and safety checked to maintain quality control.
