A Backyard Gold Rush
Homeowners are increasingly turning their private pools into revenue streams, fueling a surge in the “sharing economy” for recreation. Platforms like Swimply now operate in 150 cities, recording over 275,000 reservations this year. What began as a niche interest has transformed into a high-volume model that invites intense regulatory scrutiny over public health standards and liability.
The Mechanics of Peer-to-Peer Swimming
The model functions much like Airbnb, but with a suburban twist. Founded in 2019, Swimply was designed to help owners offset the steep costs of pool maintenance, according to Swimply founder and CEO Bunim Laskin. For Birmingham, Alabama resident Jasmine Lawson, the platform offers a reliable income stream by hosting events ranging from graduations and birthday parties to book clubs. Guests pay an hourly fee, often gaining access to amenities beyond the water, including air-conditioned indoor rooms, private bathrooms, and pool floats.
The Legal Shadow Over Liability
Opening a private backyard to strangers brings complex risks. Swimply offers up to $1 million in liability coverage for its hosts, mirroring insurance models used by other short-term rental giants. Despite these protections, the legal reality is murky. Lindsey Cameron, assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, notes that courts are currently navigating the complexities of the gig economy, specifically regarding who bears responsibility when no traditional employer-employee relationship exists.
The professional maintenance sector is already reacting. Some service companies have begun dropping clients who rent out their pools, citing fears over potential liability linked to accidental injuries or improper chemical exposure.
Battles Over Public Facility Status
The definition of a “public facility” is currently being tested in state courts. In Minnesota, the state Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case determining whether pools listed on private rental platforms should be subject to government licensing and health inspections. Saša Pekeč, a professor of business administration at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, views these disputes as echoes of the early regulatory hurdles faced by ridesharing services. If municipalities decide that guest traffic levels exceed the intended use of a residential property, they may move to impose strict zoning requirements or outright bans.
The Economics of the Local Staycation
Growth in this sector is driven by local demand, distinct from the travel-heavy focus of traditional hospitality platforms. The trend accelerated during the pandemic as households sought alternatives to restricted travel. For many, the rental model is a pragmatic financial choice. With new pool construction costs ranging from $60,000 to $110,000, renters see hourly fees as a sustainable way to access aquatic amenities without the long-term financial burden of property ownership.
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