In today’s sharing economy, people rent homes, cars, and even office spaces. But have you ever thought about renting a private swimming pool by the hour? That is exactly what Swimply offers.
Often called the “Airbnb for pools,” Swimply allows pool owners to rent out their private pools, while guests can book them for parties, family time, or relaxing swims. But is Swimply really worth it? Is it safe? And can hosts make good money?
What is Swimply?
Swimply is an online marketplace launched in 2018 by Bunim Laskin. The platform connects pool owners with people looking to rent private pools by the hour.
Instead of going to a crowded public pool, users can book a private backyard pool for:
- Family swimming
- Birthday parties
- Relaxation
- Small events
- Photoshoots
- Pool workouts
Swimply now operates in the United States, Canada, and Australia, with over 15,000 listings.
How Does Swimply Work?
The process is simple.
For Guests
- Visit Swimply Website
- Search pools near your location
- Select date and time
- Check amenities
- Book instantly or request booking
Amenities may include:
- Heated pool
- Hot tub
- BBQ area
- Restroom
- Shower
- Lounge chairs
- Party area
For Hosts
Pool owners can list their pool and set:
- Hourly price
- Maximum guests
- Pool rules
- Available timings
- Extra services
Hosts earn money whenever someone books.
Swimply Features
1. Private Pool Experience
The biggest advantage is privacy. You get the whole pool for yourself or your group.
Unlike public pools, no strangers are around.
2. Easy Booking
The interface is simple and beginner-friendly. Many users say booking takes only a few minutes.
3. Multiple Amenities
Some luxury listings include:
- Jacuzzi
- Waterfall
- Luxury backyard
- Sports courts
- Party lights
4. Flexible Pricing
Prices vary by location and luxury level.
Typical range:
- Budget pools: $25–$50/hour
- Premium pools: $80–$300+/hour
Swimply Pricing
Pricing depends on:
- Location
- Pool size
- Amenities
- Demand
- Time of year
Extra charges may include:
- Cleaning fee
- Service fee
- Additional guests
- Heating fee
Always check total cost before booking.
Can You Make Money as a Host?
Yes, many hosts earn extra income.
According to reports, some hosts use Swimply to cover:
- Pool maintenance
- Electricity
- Chemicals
- Mortgage expenses
Some successful hosts make hundreds or even thousands per month.
Example earnings:
- 2 bookings/week at $60/hr for 3 hours
= $1,440/month
This can be attractive for homeowners with unused pools.
Pros of Swimply
✅ Unique business model
✅ Private swimming experience
✅ Easy booking system
✅ Good side income for hosts
✅ Large number of listings
✅ Luxury options available
Many users report excellent experiences with clean and well-maintained pools.
Cons of Swimply
Like any marketplace, Swimply has downsides.
❌ Some hosts cancel bookings
❌ Customer support complaints
❌ Service fees can feel high
❌ Pool quality varies
❌ Safety depends on host maintenance
Some users reported cancellations or inaccurate listings. Others mentioned support delays.
Is Swimply Safe?
Swimply offers certain safety protections, but users should still be careful.
Before booking:
- Read reviews carefully
- Check recent photos
- Verify amenities
- Ask host questions
- Understand cancellation policy
For hosts, insurance and liability are important concerns.
Many experienced hosts recommend checking with your personal insurance provider before listing your pool.
Real User Reviews
Customer feedback is mostly positive.
Trustpilot Rating: ~4.6/5 stars from 5,000+ reviews.
Common positive feedback:
- Clean pools
- Friendly hosts
- Great for family time
- Easy booking
Common negative feedback:
- Last-minute cancellations
- Refund issues
- Listing mismatches
Overall sentiment is good, but not perfect.
Who Should Use Swimply?
Swimply is ideal for:
✔ Families
✔ Couples
✔ Small parties
✔ Weekend relaxation
✔ Pool workouts
✔ Hosts wanting side income
It may not be ideal if you:
- Need guaranteed commercial-grade facilities
- Dislike cancellation risks
- Want zero service fees
Final Verdict: Is Swimply Worth It?
Yes — Swimply is worth trying for most users.
Swimply offers a creative and convenient way to enjoy private pools without owning one. For guests, it provides privacy and comfort. For hosts, it can create extra income from unused space.
However, because it is a peer-to-peer platform (similar to Airbnb), experiences depend heavily on the host.
Rating: 4.4/5 ⭐
Our Score Breakdown
- Ease of Use: 4.8/5
- Pricing: 4.2/5
- Safety: 4.0/5
- Host Earnings: 4.6/5
- Customer Support: 3.9/5
Final Recommendation
If you want a private pool experience or want to monetize your pool, Swimply is definitely worth checking out.
