Thoughts about swimply?

[Anonymous]

I was invited to basically share the cost of renting residential pools through swimply at various locations throughout the summer. Gut reaction: nope. I have access to 2 pools in my community, but guests are limited to 2. Also, the idea of bringing my children to a stranger's house to swim, change clothes and use a bathroom doesn't sit well with me. My friends all think it is a great idea and are taken aback by my hesitation. My first thought went to cameras on the premises, both known and, potentially, hidden. I'm curious about how others view swimply, both from a renter's perspective and as a host. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Take off the tin foil hat. Cameras are in hotels air bnbs etc…

[Anonymous]

We did it several times during covid when we needed to get out of the house, but didn't feel comfortable at our neighborhood pool (before we knew that outdoors was mostly safe.) I think I would feel weird hosting a party there since you have such little control over the grounds, etc, but it would be fun for an afternoon play date.

[Anonymous]

If I didn’t have access to a pool, I’d use it. But I prefer public community pools and have been using them for a long time before we got into our neighborhood pool.

My concern with private house pools is water quality and if things like filters, chlorine levels, electric connections are functioning properly and are well maintained. There is virtually no oversight, no water quality testing, and you have no idea how many people were renting there before you.

[Anonymous]

Its probably fine but I also would feel weird about it. The whole idea of people monetizing their personal pool is really odd to me.

[Anonymous]

Surprised this is still a thing. Imagine living next door or adjacent to a home with homeowners and a pool. Now imagine your neighbor is instead running a commercial enterprise, in your residential neighborhood, in that pool. It's outside. More noise every weekend and/or not it's rented out. Degrades your enjoyment of your property. No thanks.

[Anonymous]

The question of liability arises for the pool owner.

[Anonymous]

I would not do this either. I wouldn't love feeling like a "guest" at someone else's private residence even if I am paying to be there. The matter of changing rooms, restrooms, etc. is a factor too but the main thing for me is that I don't think I would be able to enjoy it as much as I would at a public pool, private pool, hotel, etc.

Obviously I don't know where you live or what your finances are like but I would look at Adelphi Pool as an alternative to something like this. It's a private pool with good hours, active members, swim team for older kids, lessons for little kids, fun events for families of all ages, and does not come with any stuffy vibes that you may find at other private clubs. It's about $1200 for the first year and goes down by a few hundred dollars for returning members.

It does seem to be very family-oriented but I know of several couples without kids who have joined. You can bring your own food and drink. No glass and be respectful are kinda the only rules.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous]I was invited to basically share the cost of renting residential pools through swimply at various locations throughout the summer. Gut reaction: nope. I have access to 2 pools in my community, but guests are limited to 2. Also, the idea of bringing my children to a stranger's house to swim, change clothes and use a bathroom doesn't sit well with me. My friends all think it is a great idea and are taken aback by my hesitation. My first thought went to cameras on the premises, both known and, potentially, hidden. I'm curious about how others view swimply, both from a renter's perspective and as a host. Thanks.[/quote]

I have a backyard pool and the only people who swim in my pool are invited and do not pay
It sounds like a sleazy way by cheap people to make money. Creepy and I would stay away.

[Anonymous]

We did it once for a family birthday during Covid.

It was a lovely and deep small pool that was just right for the 4 kids we had. It had a powered water slide that we used for part of the visit. Could have had it on the full time if we wanted, but we only needed a few turns.

I think there was a portable changing tent outside. We were allowed to come inside to use the house powder room but only one kid did. We arrived already changed and left damp with cover ups on.

It was a fun pool experience. I've considered doing it again but haven't. It was a good value as a treat for 6 people at about $150 for 2 hours.

I believe the homeowner was a young single man who was paying his mortgage this way. Seemed like a win for him. In fact, he may have purchased a hard to sell property at a good value. The house was smallish, ugly, and faced a busy road but had this really nice pool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Surprised this is still a thing. Imagine living next door or adjacent to a home with homeowners and a pool. Now imagine your neighbor is instead running a commercial enterprise, in your residential neighborhood, in that pool. It's outside. More noise every weekend and/or not it's rented out. Degrades your enjoyment of your property. No thanks.

This. To me this would be as bad as neighbors turning their home into an AirBnb. Ugh. A plus for neighborhoods with HOAs and/or local covenants etc. that don't permit such things.

[Anonymous]

It's 90 degrees and 50% humidity. I'm looking up swimply right now!