In Birmingham, Alabama, the Endless Summer Oasis pool has become a popular destination. Owned by Jasmine Lawson, the pool sees over 1,000 visitors each season.
Meghan Clopton celebrated her child’s birthday by renting this pool through Swimply, an app facilitating short-term pool rentals. She invited numerous guests and enjoyed features like water guns and inflatables. Clopton explained, “It’s part of the culture now to take over someone else’s space for a fee.” Her husband, Taylor Clopton, confirmed this trend.
Swimply operates similarly to Airbnb, catering to private spaces like pools and sports courts. This model aligns with the sharing economy, allowing items like cars and guest rooms to be rented out. For Clopton’s party, she paid $381 for three hours with 30 guests.
Jasmine Lawson started renting her pool to cover veterinary expenses and now uses the earnings for pool maintenance. Her guests enjoy amenities such as an air-conditioned party room, a private bathroom, and a selection of 50 pool floats. Lawson also provides guided tours whenever a new group arrives.
Guests on Swimply can filter listings by privacy preferences. Lawson appreciates how renting her pool aids her finances, highlighting, “When you own a pool, unexpected costs arise frequently, often reaching $1,000.”
“We really became big for the first time during the pandemic,” said Bunim Laskin, CEO of Swimply. “Travel was impossible, and people needed a way to supplement their income.”
Swimply started in 2019, reaching 275,000 reservations in 150 cities this year, growing 50% from last year. While Airbnb showcases long-distance options, Swimply pools cater to local guests.
Regarding safety and liability, Swimply covers hosts up to $1 million in liability insurance. Lindsey Cameron from the University of Pennsylvania mentions how courts are pondering these liability issues. Minnesota’s Supreme Court will decide if Swimply pools need public facility regulations.
Duke University’s Saša Pekeč likened this situation to ridesharing apps facing early bans due to unresolved regulations. Lawson noted her pool maintenance company suspended service due to liability concerns over pool chemicals.
Despite hosting multiple bookings, Lawson has encountered minimal issues, occasionally offering a Band-Aid. Yet, her pool remains popular, including an all-day Fourth of July booking.
Inspired by her experience, Meghan Clopton considered building a pool. Facing potential costs between $60,000 and $110,000, she remains renting while contemplating listing a future pool on Swimply.