I’ve written before about how there seems to be an app for anything you can think of. Well, you can add another one to that list.
Swimply is an online marketplace for pool-sharing—yes, pool-sharing—that connects people looking for a place to swim with the owners of private pools. Non-pool owners get affordable access to an otherwise inaccessible luxury, and pool owners get to generate income or money for maintenance costs with an underutilized pool (while helping out the community at the same time). From my position, it seems like a win-win for everyone.
Here’s how it works:
- Pool owners simply lists their pools, customizes their accounts and decide when exactly it’s available for rent
- Non-pool owners read about pools in their area, read previous reviews, and book through Swimply!
Right now, there are listings in 13 U.S. states plus two in Australia. Prices vary, but after a quick search it looks like the going rate is about $50/hour. However, I’ve seen pools for $30/hour and others for $200/hour, and prices can vary depending on whether it’s a weekday or weekend.
I wish that Swimply had been around when I was growing up, because we didn’t have a pool and there was nothing I loved more than swimming in one on a hot summer day. However, now that I’m a parent, I can’t blame my mom for being adamant about not having one. In fact, I wouldn’t want to have one until Jack is old enough to swim on his own, and even then it’s just too much responsibility and too costly. Swimply, then, is a great option. They don’t have a pool in my town so for now I will just have to pool-hop.
Have you used Swimply? Would you?
