Swimply is reinventing how people enjoy private spaces—by the hour. Launched in 2019 with an initial focus on backyard pools, the platform has since expanded across the US, Canada, and Australia, offering not only pools but also hot tubs, sports courts, and full-home rentals Instagram+14Wikipedia+14Startup Savant+14.
🚀 What Is Swimply?
- Marketplace Snapshot
Users browse vetted listings—pools, courts, spas—by locale, check availability, and book directly via the app or website .
Listings clearly state amenities, guest limits, and pricing, with many offering “Instant Book” options Startup Savant+3Swimply+3Popsugar+3. - Growth & Investment
After raising an initial seed round (~$1.2 M), Swimply exploded during the pandemic, posting 4,000% revenue growth in 2020 Instagram+9Wikipedia+9Facebook+9.
In 2021, it secured a $10 M Series A, led by Norwest Venture Partners ensemble.vc+3Wikipedia+3Startup Savant+3.
Today, the company has raised over $40 M, employs 30+ staff, and is extending its footprint to new “passion spaces” Wikipedia+4ensemble.vc+4ensemble.vc+4.
💡 How It Works
- Hosts list their underused space, set rates, rules, and amenities (e.g., pets, restrooms, hot tubs).
- Guests book by the hour, paying via Swimply. Host and guest fees apply.
- Swimply provides coverage—a $1 M host guarantee plus $10 K property protection in the U.S. The Sun+5Startup Savant+5Swimply+5Instagram+15Wikipedia+15Business Insider+15.
- Post-visit reviews build trust if users respect the space and follow guidelines .
📝 Real-World Use Cases
- Solo relaxation or “coolcations”: One user booked a Palm‑Beach–style pool, complete with waterfall and champagne, for an afternoon escape Popsugar+1Business Insider+1.
- Family time & parties: Listings showcase floaties, basketball courts, and BBQ areas—perfect for gatherings Swimply.
- Work‑from‑pool experiences: Travelers and remote workers have used pools and cabanas for meetings, calling Swimply a creative alternative workspace .
⚠️ Safety & Scam Concerns
- Fraudulent listings: In May 2024, a homeowner in California discovered strangers renting his pool through a fake Swimply listing—suggesting weaknesses in property verification The Sun+1New York Post+1.
- Unauthorized use: A similar incident in Canada involved an ex-tenant listing a property without permission, resulting in a family swimming in a stranger’s pool New York Post.
- Risk management: While Swimply asserts it uses identity and fraud detection tools and swiftly removes scam listings, these incidents highlight potential liability gaps Instagram+15The Sun+15ensemble.vc+15.
✅ Pros & Cons
| ✅ Advantages | ⚠️ Challenges & Risks |
|---|---|
| Earn passive income on underused property | Liability if unauthorized listings occur |
| Affordable, private pool access (≈ US $20+/hr) | Quality control — varying guest experiences |
| Variety—pools, courts, hot tubs, venues | Hosts responsible for safety inspections and maintenance |
🌟 The Future of Swimply
- Expanded “passion spaces”: Moving into complete-home rentals and spaces like music studios or event yards The SunFacebook+9Swimply+9Wikipedia+9Wikipediaensemble.vc.
- Stronger verification: To restore trust, improving host authenticity and security measures is key.
- Global scaling: After success in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, Swimply aims for new markets worldwide.
🔚 Conclusion
Swimply has pioneered a unique slice of the sharing economy—offering affordable, private, on-demand enjoyment of pools and recreational spaces. Its rapid growth is a testament to strong demand. However, to ensure long-term credibility and safety, prioritizing verification and fraud prevention is essential.
- For homeowners: Ideal for side income—but safeguard your listing with secure verification and clear policies.
- For guests: Enjoy exclusive amenities, but book from hosts with strong reviews and clear rules.
- For investors: Swimply opens doors to the broader “passion space” economy—if it can build a secure, trusted infrastructure.
