How Can I Rent Out My Backyard Swimming Pool?

You can rent out your backyard swimming pool. In fact, thousands of people do this every week, and it's way easier than you'd expect.

Most pools sit empty and eat up your budget for chemicals, cleaning, and repairs. Renting it flips that script. Your pool makes you money, instead of just costing you money.

Learn how pool owners across America, Canada, and Australia make money renting out their backyard swimming pools.

How Renting Out Your Pool Actually Works

Think of it like Airbnb, but for pools. You list your pool, guests book by the hour, and you get paid straight to your account.

People are after private, relaxing swims. Public pools are packed and noisy, and hotels make you pay a ton just for crowded access. Your backyard is totally different. It's private, flexible, and perfect for anything from family swims to pet playdates.

List your pool with details and photos
Pick your hourly rate and guest limit
List any extras: hot tub, grill, games, speakers
Block out dates when you want the pool for yourself

Hosts in popular areas charge $45 to $90 an hour. Most bookings last a couple of hours with small groups. More amenities means you can charge more.

This works because it solves two major problems. Guests get an affordable private swim. You make real money from your pool instead of watching it sit empty.

Top Benefits of Pool Rentals

The best part? Income covers pricey chemicals, cleaning, repairs, and still leaves you with extra. We're talking about legit side money that arrives every time someone books.

One host had 9,000 guests since 2020. His pool paid for itself and then some. He even gets around 26 bookings per week at summer peak. That money can cover vacations, help with tuition, or just let you splurge without guilt.

Your pool becomes a real hub for the community. Families find safe places to swim. Pet lovers get a spot for their dogs. Groups find private, affordable event spaces.

The set-up and effort? Honestly light. Clean before bookings, get amenities ready, and let guests enjoy themselves. Most hosts don't even hang around while guests are there. You just chill and get paid automatically.

You're totally in control at all times because you can:

Set your own guest limits
Specify adult-only or family swims in your rules
Block off weekends or evenings for yourself
Allow pets or not
Decide whether guests can use your washroom (although pools with bathroom access get much more bookings)

You run your pool your way and you can adjust the rules at any time.

How to List Your Pool on Swimply and Start Earning

Swimply is the top spot for pool rentals. They’ve helped 15,000 hosts in hundreds of cities rent out their pools to over 4 million guests. Setting up takes five minutes max.

Create a host profile: Add a clear photo and short bio. Guests book more when it feels personal.
List your pool: Describe it in detail—is it in-ground, above-ground, chlorine, saltwater? List amenities and restroom access. Post 10 photos if you can. Show off the pool and cool extra features.
Set a guest limit: Pick the right size for families or bigger groups. You can change this later.
Choose your rates: Start lower to get bookings, then bump up as reviews roll in. Check what others charge nearby, and price any special features like heaters or hot tubs.
Pick a cancellation policy: Flexible policies get you more bookings. "Cancel Anytime" is most popular and boosts your earnings.
Connect Stripe for payouts: Secure, direct deposit to your account. You'll get your money 48 hours after each booking, usually within a week.

Swimply takes a platform fee but you keep 70-85% of what guests pay. The fee covers payment processing, support, marketing, and includes:

Up to $1 million in liability coverage
$10,000 in damage protection each booking

Once you're live, people in your area find your listing and either send booking requests or book instantly if you allow it. Totally up to you.

Tips to Attract Happy Guests (and More Bookings!)

Want to fill your calendar with five-star guests? Keep your pool sparkling, amenities stocked, and don’t forget the details. Little things make your space stand out in a crowded market.

Skim the pool, wipe chairs, and check restrooms before every guest arrives.
Get bonus points if you prep add-ons like a grill, hot tub, or floats in advance.

Spelling out house rules ahead of time saves everyone from awkward surprises. Make sure guests know if you don’t want alcohol, have a noise cutoff time, or if pets are allowed. Remind them when they arrive so everyone's clear.

Heated pools, great sound, key floaties, or shaded seating stand out and can justify a higher rate.
Some hosts charge for these, some include them. Pick your style, but always mention any extras.
If you’re cool with pets, highlight that. Pet-friendly pools are in high demand and guests pay extra.

Give guests space; they’re after privacy, not a chaperone. Stay available if they need you, but let them do their thing.

Safety is key. Keep pool chemicals out of reach, set up a first aid kit, and make sure fences and gates are secure. Heating your pool to at least 85°F (30°C) also keeps guests super happy.

Booking Management and Payment Details

Swimply lets you pick between instant booking or request-based. Instant means guests book your pool right away. Request-based lets you review and approve first. Most hosts start with request-based until they’re comfortable.

When a request pops up, check guest details and messages. Approve or decline fast (guests appreciate a prompt reply.)
Once you accept, guests pay and your address is shared. Quick and secure.

Swimply automatically gives you a 30-minute buffer to clean and reset between guests. Adjust it if you need more time.

Keep all conversations inside Swimply’s site or app. Never swap your phone number or take off-platform payments. This keeps you and your guests protected, and you keep access to the protection guarantee.

If a guest wants to stay longer or add people, send a change request through the platform. They’ll pay the difference and everything is official.
Don’t ever take cash or direct payments outside the site.

Play with your prices and spread the word. Hosts get up to 45% more bookings by sharing their listing on places like Facebook Marketplace and Google Places. Use Swimply’s marketing tools, like postcards and social media tips, to pack your schedule.

Transform Your Pool from a Money Pit to a Money Maker

It’s simple: list your pool on Swimply, pick your time slots and prices, and start accepting bookings. Listing is totally free and you pocket most of every reservation.

The money adds up fast. Many hosts cover maintenance, pay down bills, and stash away enough for fun extras or family treats. Your pool’s there anyway, so you might as well let it work for you!

If you’re ready to start, pop over to Swimply's Become a Host page and get your listing up. It takes minutes and you could land your first booking by the weekend. Don’t let your pool stay empty another day and make it your new side hustle!