Too Hot? New Apps Let Users Rent Private Swimming Pools by the Hour
[July 23, 2021: Josh Shavit]
Scorching temps. Baking cars. Thermostats straining under the load trying to maintain 78 degrees at home. Why not go for a dip and cool down? Don't have a pool at home? Allow Swimply and Swimmy to lend you a hand.
Swimply
Swimply is a Los Angeles headquartered company that presently operates in the US, Canada and Australia. Swimply provides detailed listings and photos private swimming pools already signed up as hosts in the United States—renting at anywhere from $40 per hour to $100 per hour. For reference, on July 23, 2021 we found 230 pools available to rent within the city of Los Angeles.
“Enjoy the luxury of the private swimming pool experience without the burden of owning one,” says the app description on Google Play. “Whether for a quick getaway from the office or fun in the sun get-together with friends and family, or just some well-deserved R&R and exercise ... you can make it happen with Swimply.”
The listings extol the virtues of each swimming pool and its particular accoutrements: jacuzzi, heated, easy car parking, built-in BBQ, diving boards, slides, outdoor fireplace, landscape lighting, landscaping, mini-fridge, tables and seating. Some owners specify “families only” or “two-hour minimum.”
The startup already has more than 13,000 pools listed across the U.S. and receives nearly 100 requests a day from people who want to offer their pools on the platform, according to company spokesperson Andrea Toch.
As if swimming pools weren’t enough, the same company, under the name Joyspace, has already started a waitlist for its next venture: renting out private spaces that include tennis courts, basketball courts, private gyms, “majestic” backyards, hot tubs and docked boats. The launch date for Joyspace is yet to be determined.
“What is Joyspace?” the company poses. “Joyspace is democratizing luxury by allowing owners of awesome spaces to share them by the hour with those who would like to enjoy them. It’s that simple. Yes, we know, it’s awesome.”
Swimmy
Like Airbnb, but for pools, Swimmy, connects swimmers and sunbathers with pool rentals in the area. Guests can enjoy a nice day at the pool while pool owners make extra cash to help fund their vacation or cover the costs of maintaining their pool.
Swimmy was founded in France in 2017 and reports that there are 150,000 app users who take their pick between some 3,500 private pools in Spain and France. Swimmy also operates in Italy, Germany and the United States. For reference, on July 23, 2021 we found 33 pools available to rent within the city of Los Angeles.
“While your kids are at camp or you are sitting beach side your pool could be making you some bucks,” says Swimmy spokesperson Isobella Harkrider. “Pool sharing appeals to local guests who are looking for a ‘mini vacation’ or an alternative for a birthday party, special event, girl’s day, playdate, graduation parties, and more. It’s like having a pool in your pocket.”
The average cost to rent a pool on Swimmy is $25 to $50 per person per session. The app charges a commission of 30.83% on the total amount paid to the pool host. The guest will cover 20% of the commission. The host will pay 17%.
Registration is free for pool owners and guests. For more information, visit www.swimmy.com or download the app to your mobile device. The app is available for download on both Android and Apple stores.
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