The “Swimply” App: Like Airbnb, But for Renting Swimming Pools

On the hottest summer days, few of us would decline the chance to use someone else's swimming pool, even if just for a few hours. Who needs crowded beaches or public pools when you can have a private oasis just for you?

Thanks to a platform for pool sharing called Swimply, you can rent access to a private backyard pool by the hour. Dubbed the “first-ever online marketplace for pool sharing,” Swimply was created by Bunim Laskin, an entrepreneur from New Jersey. Laskin launched the app with a pilot program in the summer of 2018 to “democratize the pool experience so everyone can enjoy a quick escape from reality.”

Homeowners can register to list their underutilized pools on Swimply to earn some extra income (all hosts receive a $1 million insurance policy), while those without pools can explore over 25,000 listings across all 50 states. Rentals are also available in Canada and Australia.

How Swimply Functions

Each pool owner establishes an hourly rate based on factors like pool size, availability, and amenities such as bathroom access, barbecue facilities, and pool toys—but on average, rentals are around $45 per hour. For instance, you can rent a spacious, palm-lined pool (with a playground included) for $85 an hour during your next family trip to Miami. Or if you find yourself at your parents' home without a pool in Los Angeles over the holidays, you can embrace your inner celebrity by hosting a 1960s-themed pool party for $100 an hour.

It's up to the owners to decide whether they will be present while you enjoy their pool, resulting in varying levels of privacy for each rental.

Regarding sanitation, Swimply’s COVID safety protocols require hosts to leave a 30-minute gap between bookings for cleaning and sanitizing. Moreover, every pool is inspected by a local service for hygiene and safety before it can be listed on the app.

Swimply Review: What It’s Like to Rent a Pool

It sounds great in theory, but what’s the reality of renting a pool through Swimply? During a recent trip to Napa, Dinogo’s senior SEO manager, Jessie Beck, tested the platform by renting a private pool for her group of 10. “Overall, the app was seamless and user-friendly,” she shares. “We initially booked for five people, but when more friends wanted to join, updating the reservation in the app to include (and pay for) the extra guests was no hassle. Our pool cost $60 per hour for five, with an additional $10 per person, per hour after that. At about $33 per person, it was comparable to (or even cheaper than) a day pass at nearby hotel pools.”

“The host was very responsive in our communications before the rental, especially regarding our question about bringing along our friend’s 9-month-old baby. The baby was allowed on the property, but not in the pool, which is fairly common due to liability and sanitation concerns. If you’re bringing children who want to swim, be sure to check if the pool is labeled as kid-friendly in the description before booking. (While you can filter your search for ADA-accessible or pet-friendly pools, there isn’t currently a kid-friendly option.)

“Much like Airbnb, the experience can differ from one property to another. We were fortunate to have a welcoming host, a clean pool, and a private bathroom available during our stay—even though our host and her children were home, we felt we had the space to ourselves. However, it could feel awkward if you were in the host’s way or had to traverse their kitchen in a wet swimsuit to use the restroom.”

“Overall, I would definitely use the platform again and recommend it to friends. However, similar to Airbnb, it’s essential to review the listing and read through the reviews to ensure it meets your group’s needs before making a reservation.”

This article was initially published in 2019 and was updated on August 8, 2022, with further details.