Imagine having access to a luxurious private swimming pool without owning one. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, family gathering, romantic date, fitness session, or simply looking for a relaxing afternoon away from crowded public pools, Swimply promises to make it possible.
Often referred to as the “Airbnb for pools,” Swimply has transformed the way people access private recreational spaces. The platform allows homeowners to rent out their swimming pools, hot tubs, sports courts, and outdoor spaces by the hour, creating a unique sharing-economy experience for both hosts and guests.
But is Swimply actually worth using? Is it safe? How much does it cost? What are the pros and cons? And can homeowners really make significant income by renting out their pools?
In this detailed Swimply review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the platform, including features, pricing, benefits, drawbacks, user experiences, safety considerations, and whether it’s the right choice for your needs.
What Is Swimply?
Swimply is an online marketplace that connects pool owners with people looking to rent private pools and outdoor spaces on an hourly basis.
Founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Bunim Laskin, Swimply started with a simple idea: many homeowners have pools that sit unused for most of the day, while others would gladly pay for private access to those spaces.
Today, Swimply operates across the United States, Canada, and Australia, offering thousands of listings that include:
- Private swimming pools
- Heated pools
- Saltwater pools
- Hot tubs
- Tennis courts
- Pickleball courts
- Basketball courts
- Backyards
- Event spaces
- Entire homes for hourly use
The platform has become increasingly popular among families, fitness enthusiasts, party planners, and homeowners looking to generate extra income.
How Does Swimply Work?
For Guests
Using Swimply as a guest is straightforward.
Step 1: Search
Users enter their location and browse available listings nearby.
Filters include:
- Pool type
- Heated pools
- Hot tubs
- Pet-friendly pools
- Indoor pools
- Event-friendly locations
- Number of guests allowed
- Price range
Step 2: Review Listings
Each listing typically includes:
- Professional photos
- Host descriptions
- Amenities
- Rules
- Pricing
- Reviews
- Guest capacity
Step 3: Book a Reservation
Guests select:
- Date
- Time
- Number of guests
- Optional amenities
Payment is processed directly through the platform.
Step 4: Enjoy the Experience
Guests receive directions and access instructions from the host and enjoy the rented space during their reservation period.
For Hosts
Homeowners can monetize their pools and outdoor spaces by creating listings.
Hosts provide:
- Photos
- Availability schedules
- Pricing
- Pool details
- Guest limits
- Rules
After approval, guests can begin booking their property.
Hosts receive payments through Swimply after completed reservations.
Swimply Features
1. Private Pool Access
One of Swimply’s biggest advantages is privacy.
Unlike crowded public pools:
- No large crowds
- No waiting
- No membership requirements
- No sharing with strangers
Guests essentially have their own private resort experience.
2. Hourly Rentals
Traditional vacation rentals often require overnight stays.
Swimply offers hourly access, making it affordable for:
- Afternoon swims
- Family outings
- Pool parties
- Fitness sessions
- Small celebrations
This flexibility is a major reason for its popularity.
3. Wide Range of Amenities
Many listings include premium amenities such as:
- Hot tubs
- Waterfalls
- BBQ grills
- Outdoor kitchens
- Fire pits
- Lounge areas
- Pool toys
- Outdoor showers
- Wi-Fi
- Sound systems
Some luxury listings feel like private resorts.
4. Mobile App Convenience
The Swimply app allows users to:
- Search listings
- Book instantly
- Communicate with hosts
- Manage reservations
- Process payments
The user interface is simple and beginner-friendly.
5. Guest Reviews
Reviews help guests make informed decisions.
You can evaluate:
- Cleanliness
- Host responsiveness
- Accuracy of listings
- Privacy
- Overall experience
This review system helps maintain quality standards.
Swimply Pricing
One of the most common questions is:
How Much Does Swimply Cost?
Pricing varies based on:
- Location
- Amenities
- Pool size
- Demand
- Season
Typical prices range from:
Budget Pools
$20–$40 per hour
Mid-Range Pools
$40–$80 per hour
Luxury Pools
$100–$300+ per hour
Premium properties with resort-style amenities can command significantly higher rates.
Additional fees may apply for:
- Extra guests
- Events
- Pet access
- Heated pools
- Cleaning services
Swimply User Experience
Booking Process
Most users report that booking is simple and intuitive.
The platform provides:
- Clear calendars
- Transparent pricing
- Easy communication
- Secure payment processing
Many first-time users complete bookings in just a few minutes.
Arrival Experience
Experiences vary depending on the host.
Many hosts provide:
- Contactless entry
- Keypad access
- Separate gates
- Private entrances
Some guests never meet the host in person.
Pool Quality
One major advantage is variety.
You can find:
- Resort-style pools
- Family-friendly pools
- Lap pools
- Luxury estates
- Indoor pools
Many users report that listings often match or exceed expectations.
Pros of Swimply
1. Private Swimming Experience
Privacy is arguably the platform’s biggest selling point.
Families enjoy:
- No crowds
- No noisy strangers
- Safer environment for children
2. Affordable Luxury
Many users gain access to beautiful pools at a fraction of resort prices.
Instead of booking a hotel room, you can rent a luxury pool for a few hours.
3. Great for Events
Swimply works well for:
- Birthday parties
- Baby showers
- Family reunions
- Graduation celebrations
- Corporate gatherings
4. Easy to Use
The platform requires minimal technical knowledge.
Both guests and hosts can quickly navigate the app.
5. Income Opportunity for Homeowners
Pool owners can offset maintenance costs and generate side income.
Some hosts earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month.
Cons of Swimply
Despite its advantages, Swimply isn’t perfect.
1. Host Cancellations
Some users report last-minute cancellations.
This can disrupt plans, especially for events.
2. Availability Issues
Popular listings often book quickly during:
- Summer months
- Holidays
- Weekends
Last-minute reservations can be challenging.
3. Variable Quality
Because listings are individually managed, experiences can differ.
Some pools are immaculate while others may not meet expectations.
4. Local Regulations
Certain municipalities have questioned or regulated private pool rentals.
Hosts should verify local rules before listing properties.
5. Liability Concerns
Pool ownership always carries risk.
Hosts should understand insurance requirements and platform protections before participating.
Swimply for Families
Families are among Swimply’s largest customer groups.
Benefits include:
- Safe private environment
- No crowded public pools
- Flexible scheduling
- Kid-friendly amenities
Many parents appreciate the ability to supervise children without large crowds.
Swimply for Pool Parties
Hosting a pool party becomes much easier with Swimply.
Popular events include:
- Birthday celebrations
- Graduation parties
- Summer gatherings
- Family reunions
Many listings accommodate large groups and offer entertainment amenities.
Swimply for Fitness and Exercise
Not every Swimply guest is looking for a party.
Many users rent pools for:
- Lap swimming
- Water therapy
- Aquatic workouts
- Swim lessons
Private access makes focused training easier.
Swimply for Pet Owners
Some hosts allow dogs.
These listings are popular among pet owners who want:
- Safe swimming environments
- Exercise opportunities
- Private recreation spaces
Pet-friendly filters make searching easier.
Can You Make Money Hosting on Swimply?
Many homeowners join Swimply primarily for income.
Potential earnings depend on:
- Location
- Pool quality
- Demand
- Pricing
For example:
Small Residential Pool
$300–$800 per month
High-Demand Pool
$1,000–$3,000+ per month
Luxury Property
Several thousand dollars monthly during peak seasons
Results vary significantly by market.
Swimply Safety
For Guests
Guests should:
- Read reviews carefully
- Follow pool rules
- Supervise children
- Verify amenities before arrival
Choosing highly-rated listings reduces risk.
For Hosts
Hosts should:
- Maintain pools properly
- Understand insurance requirements
- Follow local regulations
- Set clear guest rules
Safety preparation is essential for a successful hosting experience.
Swimply Customer Reviews
Customer feedback is generally positive.
Common compliments include:
Positive Reviews
- Easy booking process
- Clean facilities
- Friendly hosts
- Excellent privacy
- Unique experiences
Many guests report returning to the same pools multiple times.
Negative Reviews
Some complaints mention:
- Booking cancellations
- Communication delays
- Inconsistent listing quality
- Support concerns
As with most peer-to-peer platforms, experiences depend heavily on individual hosts.
Swimply vs Public Pools
| Feature | Swimply | Public Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Excellent | Limited |
| Crowds | Minimal | High |
| Cost | Moderate | Low |
| Amenities | Premium | Basic |
| Flexibility | High | Moderate |
| Cleanliness | Varies | Standard |
Swimply clearly wins for privacy and premium experiences.
Swimply vs Airbnb
While both platforms involve shared assets, they serve different purposes.
Swimply
- Hourly rentals
- Focus on pools and recreation
- Lower commitment
- Event-friendly
Airbnb
- Overnight stays
- Entire accommodations
- Travel-focused
Swimply fills a niche that Airbnb doesn’t directly address.
Who Should Use Swimply?
Swimply is ideal for:
Families
Seeking private swimming experiences.
Event Hosts
Looking for unique venues.
Fitness Enthusiasts
Wanting private pools for training.
Couples
Seeking a relaxing getaway.
Pet Owners
Searching for dog-friendly pools.
Who Should Avoid Swimply?
Swimply may not be ideal if:
- You need guaranteed public lifeguards.
- You require extensive on-site services.
- You dislike peer-to-peer marketplaces.
- You need long-term accommodations.
Is Swimply Legit?
Yes.
Swimply is a legitimate marketplace operating across multiple countries with thousands of active listings and millions of bookings.
The company has grown substantially since its launch and continues expanding into new recreational categories.
However, like Airbnb, Turo, and similar platforms, user experiences depend heavily on individual hosts and listings.
Reading reviews carefully remains essential.
Final Verdict: Is Swimply Worth It?
After evaluating features, user experiences, pricing, and overall value, Swimply earns a strong recommendation for most users seeking private recreational spaces.
Rating: 4.5/5
What We Like
✔ Private pool access
✔ Easy booking process
✔ Wide range of amenities
✔ Affordable luxury experiences
✔ Income opportunities for homeowners
✔ Great for parties and family gatherings
What Could Improve
✘ Occasional cancellations
✘ Listing quality varies
✘ Some customer support concerns
✘ Regulatory uncertainty in some areas
Swimply successfully solves a problem that many people didn’t realize existed: providing convenient, affordable access to private pools and recreational spaces without the expense of ownership.
If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy a private backyard pool for a few hours without buying one, Swimply may be exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you’re planning a celebration, enjoying family time, exercising, or simply escaping the summer heat, the platform offers a unique and increasingly popular alternative to traditional swimming options.
