Is Renting Out Your Pool a Smart Side Hustle? Pros, Cons, and Best Platforms
- Real Estate Investment View
- Jun 18
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 22
If you’re a homeowner with a backyard pool, you could be sitting on an unexpected income opportunity—one that could help pay for repairs, cover your mortgage, or generate extra revenue. Renting out your pool by the hour has become one of the fastest-growing side hustles this year, thanks to platforms like Swimple and Swimply. However, is this type of side hustle worth it?
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the pros, cons, top platforms, and safety considerations so you can determine if pool sharing is the right fit for you.
Key Takeaways:
Pool sharing can be a profitable side hustle, with some homeowners earning $1,000 to $5,000 per month during peak seasons. Platforms like Swimple and Swimply make it easy to list your pool and manage bookings, providing a flexible way to monetize an underused asset.
There are real risks and responsibilities involved, including liability for guest injuries, increased maintenance needs, and potential legal restrictions based on local HOA or zoning rules. Understanding these factors is essential before listing your pool.
Platform choice matters, with Swimply offering more nationwide coverage and stronger insurance protections, while Swimple provides a more flexible fee structure and is expanding in less saturated markets.
Legal, safety, and insurance preparation is vital. Homeowners should follow local safety codes, verify their personal insurance coverage, and use platform-provided protections as a supplement—not a substitute—for their own policies.
Pool Sharing: What is It?
“Pool sharing” is a term that refers to homeowners renting out their private pools to guests on an hourly basis through peer-to-peer platforms. It works like Airbnb but for your backyard pool.
Guests book time slots for everything from lap swimming to family gatherings and birthday parties. Platforms like Swimple and Swimply handle the bookings, payments, and even offer insurance coverage to help keep you protected as the host.
The Leading Benefits of Renting Out Your Pool
Renting out your pool can be a simple and straightforward way to generate extra income without much effort. Many homeowners are discovering that their backyard pools can bring in a solid income, even more so during late spring and throughout the summer. With the rising popularity of rental platforms, it’s easier than ever to get started.
Here’s why so many pool owners are giving pool sharing a try:
Set your own availability—you decide when your pool is open.
The possibility to earn $1,000–$5,000 a month during peak season.
Turn an underused space into a revenue generator.
No ongoing time commitment like delivery or rideshare work.
High demand in warmer states like Arizona, California, Texas, and Florida.
Option to upsell extras (hot tub, grill, pool toys)
Things to Consider: Potential Risks and Downsides
While renting out your pool can be lucrative, it also comes with responsibilities and potential risks. Homeowners need to be aware of the risks associated with having guests on their property. These can include everything from extra maintenance and possible damage to legal concerns.
Let’s take a closer look at factors and potential issues to consider.
Liability: Accidents can and do happen. Some insurance providers may not cover commercial pool use.
Increased maintenance: More usage means more water treatments, cleaning, and chemical expenses.
Nuisance issues and noise complaints: The risks for possible noise complaints from neighbors are higher in quieter neighborhoods or ones with strict HOAs.
Wear and tear: Decks, furniture, and landscaping might degrade faster.
Zoning restrictions: Some counties or cities have ordinances against short-term rentals, even if they’re pools.
The Best Pool Sharing Platforms This Year
If you’re interested in renting out your pool this summer, choosing the right platform is essential. It’s always a good idea to do your research and compare and contrast each available platform so you can determine which is the best option for you.
Below, we’ve broken down the top pool sharing platforms for you.
Swimply is the most popular, widely used and recognized pool sharing platform in America. It allows homeowners to list their pools for hourly rental and helps manage booking, payments, and insurance.
Primary Features:
Nationwide availability with strong brand recognition
Host fees of around 15% per booking
Liability insurance coverage up to $1M for hosts
Guest screening tools that approve or deny bookings based on guest profiles
Payout speed where hosts are paid within the first 24 to 48 hours after each rental
Mobile app that’s fully featured and easy to use for hosts and guests
Ideal for: Those looking for a platform with a larger user base, strong support, and built-in protections. It’s especially useful in suburban and urban areas with higher demands.
Swimple
Swimple is an emerging and fast-growing pool rental platform in select markets. While it has less users than Swimply, it offers a more flexible fee structure and is expanding fast.
Key Features:
Growing regional presence, even more so in mid-sized cities
Host fees that are often lower, around 10 to 15%
Insurance that differs by location but includes some liability coverage
Guest tools, like basic screening with manual approval options
Payout speed of up to 3 business days after booking
Mobile app with a simpler interface that’s always improving
Perfect for: Those looking for slightly higher take-home pay per booking or homeowners in less saturated markets. It’s worth comparing to Swimply based on your expected usage and location.
Legal, Safety, and Insurance Considerations
Before listing your pool for rent, it’s crucial to understand and familiarize yourself with the safety, legal, and insurance factors involved. These all vary by location and can affect your protection as a homeowner.
We’ve broken down each consideration factor below to help you prepare.
Local Laws and Zoning Regulations
Not all counties or cities allow short-term pool rentals. Some areas treat them as commercial activity, which could be restricted under residential zoning laws. Be sure to contact your local planning or zoning department. Always check to see if you need a permit or business license, and review any community or HOA rules that may prohibit rentals.
Required Safety Measures
Most states have strict safety codes for residential pools, and they're even more essential when hosting paying guests. Even if your state doesn’t require all of the following safety measures, adding them to your backyard pool helps reduce liability and enhances your pool’s appeal to guests.
Common Safety Requirements:
Self-latching or self-closing gates
Barriers or fencing at least 4 feet high
Anti-slip surfaces and property drainage
Signage warning guests of rules and pool depth
Alarms on doors and windows leading to the pool
Homeowners Insurance Limitations
Your regular homeowners’ insurance might not cover you if someone pays for your pool. Many policies charge higher premiums for high-risk amenities or exclude commercial activity. What can you do? Call your insurance provider and ask about coverage for third-party guests or short-term rentals.
You can also look into umbrella liability insurance to extend your protection. You should always keep records of all communications and records in the event of a claim. Never assume you’re completely covered unless you have confirmed this with your insurer.
Platform Insurance (Swimply and Swimple)
Swimply and Swimple offer some form of built-in protection for hosts, but it’s essential to know and understand the limits of each platform. Swimply’s insurance is a strong safety net but should be used alongside your own coverage—never as a replacement. Swimple provides basic protection but places more responsibility on the host to ensure compliance and secure personal coverage.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each platform’s insurance coverage:
Swimply’s Coverage:
Up to $1M in liability insurance per incident
Optional property damage protection
Coverage applies only when bookings are made through the platform
Hosts must follow all safety requirements to be eligible
Swimple’s Coverage:
Liability insurance available in select states
Exact coverage limits and terms vary by location
Does not always include property damage protection
Hosts should verify coverage during the onboarding process
Maximizing Success: Quick Tips
Once listed, how you manage your pool can make all the difference in bookings and reviews you receive. Simple and straightforward steps can help build trust with guests.
If you want to stand out even more, try following these quick tips:
Keep your pool and the surrounding areas guest-ready and clean
Offer amenities like speakers, towels, chairs, or a grill
Price higher on holidays and weekends
Set clear house rules and limit guest count
Be responsive—guests appreciate fast and friendly communication
Ask for reviews after every visit to boost your listing
Financial and Tax Considerations
Renting out your pool can be a real revenue generator, but it also comes with financial responsibilities. Earnings from pool rentals are considered taxable and may require careful recordkeeping. It's vital to understand how to report this income and what costs might qualify as deductions.
Here's what you need to know:
Track all earnings through the platform dashboard
Set aside 20–30% for taxes if you exceed $600 per year
You could be eligible for deductions (pool maintenance, cleaning supplies, outdoor furniture)
Use tools like TurboTax for gig workers or QuickBooks Self-Employed to stay organized
Conclusion
So, is renting out your pool worth it? For many homeowners, it is. Why? Because renting out your pool can be a flexible, low-effort way to earn income from something you already own. While there are insurance and legal concerns to manage, the right preparation and platform can make it well worth your time. If you’re comfortable hosting guests and your location allows it, this side hustle can make your pool more than just a luxury—it can help pay your bills!
Are you ready to get started? Visit Swimply or Swimple and list your pool to discover what your backyard could earn!
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