From Money Pit to Profit: Swimply Canada for Pool Owners

Look, I know this isn’t the usual kind of thing I post here. Normally, my posts focus on stretching a dollar in Canada—whether it’s cheap eats, cashback hacks, or free adventures that don’t cost a dime. But today, we’re going off‑script to discuss something that’s neither free nor cheap, and definitely not typical: owning a pool. If you’ve got one, you already know it’s a money pit. Chemicals, cleaning, heating, and insurance add up faster than a grocery bill at Loblaws. My neighbour once joked that his pool costs more to maintain than his car, and, at least, the car gets him to work. The pool just sits there, looking pretty, while quietly draining his wallet like a leaky faucet.

But here’s the twist: what if you could flip that liability into a seasonal side hustle? Enter Swimply, the app that lets you rent out your pool by the hour. Yes, you can literally get paid while other people do cannonballs in your backyard.

Someone's backyard pool. Sadly, not mine.

What Is Swimply?

Swimply is often called the “Airbnb for pools.” You list your backyard pool, hot tub, or even a sauna, set an hourly rate, upload photos, and let guests book time. Swimply handles payments through Stripe and provides liability coverage (up to $1 million).

In Canada, Swimply is available in major cities and suburban areas. Listings typically range from $30–$75 per hour, with heated pools, hot tubs, or extras like BBQs and private bathrooms pulling in more. You can browse examples right on Swimply’s pool listings page or check out popular pools in Toronto.

Why Swimply Can Work for Canadians

Owning a pool in Canada is expensive. Renting it out through Swimply helps offset those costs, turning something that usually drains your wallet into something that actually pays for itself. The best part is you’re in charge. You decide when your pool is available, so if Sundays are reserved for family swims, you just block it off. Swimply’s calendar system makes it easy to set your own hours, blackout dates, or even last‑minute changes. And because Canadian summers are short but intense, demand is high. Families, small parties, and even fitness groups are willing to pay for private pool time rather than fight for space at a crowded public pool. Think about those July weekends when the public pool line stretches longer than the one at Tim Hortons—people will happily pay for privacy.

Swimply also provides liability coverage, though Reddit hosts often warn to double‑check with your own insurer. One thread on r/pools had people listing concerns: bathrooms, glass bottles, noise, even “what if guests don’t leave?” It’s worth reading those before diving in.

The Downsides (Because Nothing’s Perfect)

Swimply is seasonal unless you’ve got an indoor or heated pool. By October, most pools in Canada are shut down or frozen solid. Heated pools or hot tubs can stretch the season, but for most, you’ll be watching snow pile up instead of bookings.

More swimmers also mean more upkeep. Filters clog faster, pumps run harder, and you’ll spend more time testing water quality. Reddit hosts mention needing to shock their pool more often after heavy use.

Privacy is another trade‑off. You’re inviting strangers into your backyard. Some people are fine with that, others find it awkward. Swimply lets you set rules—like no parties or loud music, but you’ll still need to be comfortable with people you don’t know using your space.

Insurance is tricky. Swimply provides liability coverage, but as one r/Swimply user pointed out, Swimply is “self‑insured” and may only compensate after a legal judgment. That’s why you should call your own provider before listing. And finally, it’s not passive income. You’ll be managing bookings, cleaning before and after guests, and keeping the pool in top shape. Think of it more like running a small seasonal business than collecting passive income.

What you don't want your pool to look like.

How Much Could You Actually Make?

If you’re a casual host, maybe you let a couple of families splash around twice a week at $40 an hour for three hours each. That works out to about $900 a month in the summer.

If you’re ambitious and go all in, five bookings a week at $60 an hour for four hours each adds up to around $4,500 a month. Most Canadians will land somewhere in between—a few hundred bucks here, maybe a couple grand if you’re in a busy city. It’s not life‑changing, but it’s the difference between groaning about your pool draining you and bragging that your backyard literally paid for your trip to Banff.

Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Sign Up and What to Expect

• Create your account: Sign up on Swimply, verify your profile, and upload a clear headshot.

• Confirm your location: Enter your Canadian address and make sure the map pin is accurate.

• Add your pool listing: Include type (in‑ground, above‑ground, heated), size, depth, and amenities.

• Upload 8–12 photos: Wide pool shots, seating areas, bathroom (if offered), and privacy features.

• Write a description: Be conversational and honest—highlight privacy, ideal group size, and extras.

• Set house rules: No glass, max guests, no parties, children supervised, bathroom access policy.

• Price your listing: Start weekdays at $35–$50/hour, weekends $55–$85/hour. Add‑ons like hot tubs or BBQs can be extra.

• Configure availability: Block off family time, set daily booking windows, and add buffers.

• Booking settings: Minimum 2–3 hours, max guests (e.g., 8), and manual approval until you’re comfortable.

• Verification & payouts: Complete ID verification and link your Canadian bank account.

• Insurance check: Call your home insurer to confirm coverage.

• Safety checklist: Fencing, signage, first‑aid kit, water quality logs.

• Go live: Respond quickly to booking requests and send a friendly intro message.

• Day‑of hosting: Skim, test chemicals, greet guests, restate rules, and give them space.

• Post‑booking: Clean, balance water, log readings, and leave reviews.

An example of Swimply's platform.

Final Splash

For Canadian pool owners, Swimply is a clever way to stretch a dollar by monetizing something that usually costs more than it gives back. It’s not a year‑round business, but during the summer months, it can be a meaningful side hustle. So next time you’re skimming leaves out of the water, imagine doing it with the satisfaction of knowing your pool is paying for itself. That’s the kind of splash every Canadian pool owner deserves.