As summer temperatures soar, a new trend in the sharing economy is gaining traction: the rental of private swimming pools. This practice is becoming increasingly popular, with individuals renting out their pools for parties and recreational use.
Rising Popularity of Pool Rentals
In Vestavia Hills, Alabama, Meghan Clopton hosted a birthday celebration for her child using a rented pool, sparking curiosity among her guests about the property. The Cloptons opted for Swimply, a platform connecting pool owners with potential renters, and paid $381 for a three-hour booking that allowed up to 30 attendees.
Pool owner Jasmine Lawson, situated in Birmingham, Alabama, has effectively turned her property into a community resource, hosting over 1,000 guests annually for various events, including parties and photo shoots. With a hot tub, an expansive pool, and 50 unique floats to choose from, she provides a well-equipped venue for summer gatherings.
Lawson initially started renting her pool to help cover veterinary expenses for her dog but has shifted her focus to generating supplemental income. She mentioned the income is crucial for maintaining the pool, which incurs significant upkeep costs, often exceeding $1,000 at a time.
Swimply’s founder and CEO, Bunim Laskin, revealed that the business model is thriving, particularly in urban areas through staycations. The platform has listings in 150 cities, with reservations up approximately 50% year-over-year, demonstrating the growing appeal of this service during challenging economic times.
While renting a pool is convenient, it brings up important liability issues, particularly concerning guest safety. Swimply offers up to $1 million in liability coverage for hosts, mirroring policies seen with other sharing economy platforms. Nonetheless, legal conversations are ongoing about various aspects of liability in shared spaces, drawing comparisons to rideshare and other gig economy entities.
Regulatory frameworks are still evolving. For instance, the Minnesota Supreme Court is deliberating whether Swimply pools should be classified as public facilities subject to inspection and licensing requirements. This factor raises concerns among pool owners about increased liability and regulations.
As more people contemplate experiences like Clopton’s, the rental pool market may continue to expand, offering a refreshing solution for hot summer days while navigating the complexities of shared economy regulations.
Why It Matters
The rise of pool rentals represents a shift in how private assets can contribute to community recreation. It reflects broader trends in the sharing economy, where individuals look to maximize the utility of their property while offering affordable leisure options to neighbors. As regulations catch up, the future of this trend will be shaped by both consumer interest and legal frameworks.