The sharing economy has revolutionized the way we access goods and services, from rides to accommodations. Now, it’s making waves in the world of leisure with the rise of private pool rentals. Platforms like Swimply are connecting pool owners with individuals looking to host events or enjoy a day by the water, creating new opportunities and challenges in the process.
In the heart of Alabama, Jasmine Lawson has turned her backyard oasis into a thriving business. Her Birmingham property, listed on Swimply, attracts over 1,000 guests a year offering a unique blend of relaxation and entertainment. The appeal is clear: for a fraction of the cost of building and maintaining a pool, guests can enjoy a fully equipped aquatic retreat complete with a hot tub, an 8-foot-deep pool and a collection of 50 pool floats including a beloved white, human-sized inflatable unicorn that sprays water from its horn.
From personal use to profitable venture
Lawson’s journey with Swimply began as a way to cover the end-of-life veterinary costs for her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. What started as a necessity has evolved into a significant income stream. “When you own a pool, every time you turn around something happens and it’s $1,000,” Lawson shared. The platform has provided her with a means to offset the substantial costs of pool maintenance and upgrades.
The concept of renting out private pools gained traction during the pandemic when travel restrictions and economic uncertainties drove people to seek local alternatives. Bunim Laskin founder and CEO of Swimply, launched the company in 2019 after paying a neighbor to use their pool for a family gathering. Today, Swimply boasts listings in 150 cities and has facilitated over 275,000 reservations this year marking a 50% increase from the previous year.
The legal landscape of pool rentals
As the popularity of pool rentals grows, so do the legal and safety considerations. Pools can be hazardous, particularly for young swimmers, raising questions about liability. Swimply addresses this concern by offering up to $1 million in liability coverage for hosts, similar to policies provided by other sharing economy platforms like Airbnb.
However, the legal framework surrounding pool rentals is still evolving. Courts and state governments are grappling with issues of liability and regulation. For instance, Minnesota’s Supreme Court recently agreed to hear a case determining whether pools listed on Swimply should be considered public facilities, potentially subjecting them to government licensing and inspections. This debate mirrors the early challenges faced by ridesharing apps, which initially encountered bans and regulatory hurdles in various cities.
Lindsey Cameron an assistant professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania highlights the complexity of assigning responsibility in the sharing economy. “Because there is not an employer, as one typically thinks of, that you can say, ‘You have responsibility for the products that you are putting out into the world,'” she explained. This ambiguity extends to pool rentals, where the lines between host and platform responsibility can blur.
The impact on local businesses and communities
The rise of pool rentals has not gone unnoticed by local businesses. Lawson recounted how her pool maintenance company dropped her as a client due to concerns about liability. Now, she manages the pool herself, ensuring its pristine condition for guests. “It’s been crystal clear,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and safety measures.
Despite the challenges, the demand for pool rentals continues to grow. Lawson’s calendar is filled with bookings, including an all-day Fourth of July birthday party. The trend has also inspired others, like Meghan Clopton who rented Lawson’s pool for her child’s birthday party. After seeing the value and enjoyment it provided, Clopton began exploring the idea of building her own pool and potentially listing it on Swimply in the future.
“It’s absolutely a great business plan and I would not say no,” Clopton remarked, highlighting the appeal of turning a personal asset into a profitable venture. As the sharing economy continues to expand, private pool rentals are poised to become a staple of summer celebrations, offering a unique blend of convenience, affordability, and enjoyment for both hosts and guests.
