Service Lets You Rent a Stranger’s Swimming Pool for an Afternoon

Summer fun often include lounging by a serene pool, but public pools are often anything but. You’re surrounded by people, splashing, chatter, and hopefully not urine. Just because your backyard doesn’t have pool doesn’t mean you have to let go of the dream of relaxing by one. Maybe, rent a swimming pool? Introducing: Swimply.  

Swimply: Airbnb But For Pools! 

Swimply is like an Airbnb service that allows property owners to rent out their swimming pools by the hour to anyone craving a peaceful swim. The site was created when its founder wondered how he could put his hardly-used backyard pool to good use.                

Hourly rates are higher than the cost of a day pass at a local public pool, and most places have a one-hour minimum policy in place. Whatever you’re looking for, you can easily find a pool that meets your needs. The Los Angeles area alone has listings of pools ranging in price of $25 to $150 an hour. [1] The more expensive pools can include additional luxuries like:  

• hot tubs  
• saltwater pools  
• grills  
• fire pits  
• pool table and/or ping pong table  
• dining areas  
• refrigerator access  
• overnight pool house rental  
• towels      
• toys      
• lounge chairs 

You always can share the space—and the cost—with some friends. The hosts will post the maximum guests they’ll allow to their pool. 

Where is Swimply Available? 

Swimply’s service is based in New York and runs in many states across the U.S. This includes:  

• California  
• Texas  
• Florida  
• Arizona  
• Georgia  
• Connecticut  
• Illinois  
• Michigan  
• Maryland  
• Massachusetts  
• New Mexico  
• North Hampshire  
• New Jersey  
• Oregon  
• North Carolina  
• South Carolina  
• Vermont  
• Virginia [2] 

The website is conducive to quick searches for available pools based on location.   

Here’s How Swimply Works  

Immediately on Swimply’s website is a search bar to find a pool near you. Once you find a place and are approved, you will only be charged once you confirm the purchase. Swimplychat is a feature that allows potential buyers and owners to communicate and coordinate to ensure they are the right fit for each other. The chat function ensures data privacy and user protections. Once the buyer confirms, they will receive any information they need, including the address, how to enter and exit, and other tidbits, like the Wi-Fi password and how to access the bathroom if there would be one available. [3] 

Hosts and guests can review each other after every booking to help instruct future hosts and guests. 

For property owners who don’t use their pool every day and would like some supplementary income, it’s easy to make an account on Swimply and list the pool. Owners are able to screen potential guests and accept only those they feel comfortable working with. Guest profiles and the Swimplychat feature helps hosts make the decision. 

Read: How To Build The Coolest Looking ‘Pallet Swimming Pool’ Ever, Using Only 40 Pallets!

Pool Safety Tips During the Coronavirus Pandemic 

Before you book a pool with Swimply, ask the host what measures are in place to protect the guests from potentially contracting the coronavirus from previous guests, for example, limiting the number of people allowed in at a time and disinfecting lawn chairs and pool toys between use. Chlorine and other pool chemicals should be able to deactivate any germs, according to the CDC. The same cannot be said for saltwater pools, however, so ensure the host has some other measure in place if that is the kind of water used. 

If you plan to visits a public pool or beach, the same measures of protection against the virus still stand: 

• Keep a distance of at least six feet from others whenever possible. 
• Wear a mask that covers your mouth and your nose. This stops the spreading of the disease from those who are asymptomatic. (Do not, however, wear a mask while in the water since it could become wet and become a drowning hazard. Wear it while on dry land only and focus on trying keep a distance from others while swimming.) Also bring an extra mask in case yours gets wet. 
• Don’t share food, toys, or equipment with people who don’t live with you. [4]  
• Wash your hands frequently with soap or at least hand sanitizer. Don’t ignore this rule because you’ve been in the water. Ensure your hands are disinfected, especially before you eat or touch your face or after you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose. 
• Keep your group to a maximum of 10 people. If you’re invited to a party with more people, it’s recommended you decline, even if it’s at a beach. 

Stay home if: 

• you are feeling sick  
• have come into contact with a person who’s sick 
• are older and therefore at risk 
• have a chronic illness that puts you at high risk 

If you come to the beach or pool to find it very crowded, it’s best to turn around and go home. Large crowds heighten the chance of catching the virus and potentially spreading it to older and immunocompromised loved ones. [5] We can have the summer fun we crave but it’s important we stay safe as well.