
Got a pool that’s sitting unused most days? In 2025, you can turn it into a cash machine with Swimply, the “Airbnb for pools,” where homeowners rent out their private pools by the hour. This side hustle is low-effort and can generate passive income, with hosts earning $500–$10,000/month depending on location, amenities, and bookings. No major investment needed—just a pool and a smartphone. Here’s how to rent out your pool with Swimply and start earning passive income today.
Step 1: Understand Swimply
Swimply connects pool owners with guests seeking private swimming spaces for recreation, parties, or even therapy sessions. You set hourly rates ($25–$100), rules, and availability, and Swimply handles bookings via its app, taking a 15% cut plus transaction fees. Hosts keep 85% of earnings, paid via Stripe after each booking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pool
Your pool doesn’t need to be Olympic-sized, but it should be safe and appealing:
- Safety: Ensure clean water, a secure fence, and no hazards (e.g., loose tiles). Test chemicals daily—maintenance costs $3,000–$5,000/year but can be offset by rentals.
- Amenities: Offer basics like towels, trash cans, and seating. Extras like a grill, hot tub, or bathroom (optional) justify higher rates. Portable restrooms can be coordinated via Swimply’s Host Care Team if needed.
- Insurance: Swimply provides up to $1 million in liability coverage and $10,000 in property damage protection per booking, but check your homeowner’s insurance for gaps, as some policies exclude commercial use.
Step 3: Create Your Swimply Listing
Listing is free and quick:
- Sign Up: Join via swimply.com or the app with a Microsoft account.
- List Your Pool: Upload 5–10 high-quality photos showcasing the pool, seating, or extras. Write a description (e.g., “Spacious backyard pool perfect for family fun”).
- Set Pricing: Charge $30–$60/hour based on location and amenities; start lower ($25–$40) to attract bookings. Set guest caps (e.g., 5–10 people) and add fees for extras ($5–$10/person).
- Rules: Specify cleanup, guest limits, and hours (e.g., 9 AM–7 PM).
Setup takes 1–2 hours.
Step 4: Market Your Pool
Swimply’s platform drives most bookings, but you can boost visibility:
- Optimize Listing: Use keywords like “private pool rental” or “family-friendly” in your title and description.
- Social Media: Share your listing in local community groups on Facebook or X.
- Local Outreach: Post flyers at community centers or pet stores (design free with Canva).
Step 5: Manage Bookings
Swimply minimizes host effort:
- Bookings: Approve requests manually or set auto-approvals via the app. Chat with guests for special requests.
- Maintenance: Guests clean up; you skim leaves and check chemicals daily (30 minutes). A pool service ($100/month) can automate this.
- Interaction: Provide gate access instructions; minimal contact is fine, though greeting guests can boost reviews.
Step 6: Scale Your Income
Maximize profits with tweaks:
- Raise Rates: Increase to $50–$80/hour after 10–15 bookings or 5-star reviews.
- Add Amenities: Include a hot tub or grill for $5–$20/hour extra.
- List More Spaces: Swimply now supports yards, courts, or gyms, expanding your offerings.
Challenges to Consider
- Competition: Demand may dip as more hosts join. Stay competitive with amenities and reviews.
- Regulations: Check local laws—some areas restrict pool rentals or require public pool standards.
- Effort: Maintenance and guest management aren’t fully passive, requiring 5–14 hours/week.
Your First Move
Inspect your pool today for safety, then list it on Swimply with five photos and a $30/hour rate. Share in a local Facebook group. Swimply’s a unique way to monetize your pool with minimal upfront costs. What’s your pool’s best feature?