Swimply houses have changed how people think about pool ownership and rental income in America. These special homes with amazing pools are not just places to live anymore. Instead, they’ve become money-making machines that let homeowners share their backyard paradise with others. The swimply house concept has grown super popular in cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Phoenix, where people want private pool experiences without buying their own property. Now, let’s dive into what makes these properties so special and why they’re worth millions.
What Is a Swimply House?
A swimply house is basically a private home with a pool that owners rent out by the hour through the Swimply app. Think of it like Airbnb, but just for pools and backyards. These houses usually have amazing outdoor spaces with heated pools, hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, and fun extras like pool floats or games. The whole idea started because not everyone can afford their own pool, but they still want that luxury experience for parties, photoshoots, or just a fun day with friends.
Most swimply houses earn between $5,000 to $15,000 per month, depending on their location and features. Some top properties in California and Florida make even more. The platform connects homeowners who have pools with people who want to use them for a few hours. It’s a win-win situation that’s created a whole new type of real estate investment.
The Rise of Swimply Properties
Back in 2018, a guy named Bunim Laskin created Swimply after he couldn’t find an affordable pool to use during summer. His idea took off fast. By 2021, the company had thousands of pools listed across America. Now, they’re in hundreds of cities, and some homeowners have actually bought houses specifically to list them on Swimply.
The pandemic made things even bigger. When public pools closed and people couldn’t travel, they started looking for private outdoor spaces. Swimply gave them exactly that. Families could celebrate birthdays, couples could have romantic dates, and photographers could shoot content – all in beautiful backyard settings.
Where Are Swimply Houses Located?
Los Angeles has become the swimply house capital of America. The city’s warm weather and entertainment culture make it perfect for pool rentals. Areas like Studio City, Sherman Oaks, and Encino have tons of these properties. Phoenix and Las Vegas also have strong markets because of their year-round sunshine.
Florida is another hotspot, especially in Tampa, Orlando, and Miami. These cities attract tourists who want pool experiences without staying at crowded hotel pools. Even some northern states like New York and New Jersey have swimply houses, though they’re obviously seasonal.
The best locations share some common traits. They’re usually in suburban neighborhoods with nice homes and good privacy. They need to be close enough to cities for renters to reach easily, but far enough away to feel like a real escape. Most successful swimply houses sit in areas where home values range from $500,000 to $3 million.
Features of a Typical Swimply House
A great swimply house needs more than just a basic pool. The most popular ones have heated pools that work year-round. They often include hot tubs or spas, outdoor showers, and covered areas for shade. Lighting is super important too – underwater LED lights and string lights create that Instagram-worthy vibe that renters love.
The pool itself usually measures at least 15 by 30 feet, though bigger is better. Depth matters for different activities – shallow areas for kids and deeper sections for diving or swimming laps. Some houses have special features like waterfalls, grottos, or swim-up bars that justify higher rental rates.
Outside the pool, these houses typically offer outdoor furniture, BBQ grills, and sound systems. Many owners provide pool floats, games, and toys as part of the rental. Bathrooms with outdoor access are essential so guests don’t need to go inside the house. Some properties even have full outdoor kitchens with refrigerators and prep areas.
The architecture and design style varies by location. In Southern California, you’ll find lots of Spanish-style homes with tile work and stucco walls. Mid-century modern designs are popular too, with clean lines and lots of glass. Florida swimply houses often have tropical themes with palm trees and tiki decorations. The key is creating a space that looks amazing in photos because that’s how most people choose their rental.
House Design and Architectural Style
The typical swimply house in Los Angeles spans about 2,500 to 4,000 square feet of living space, but the real focus is on the outdoor area. Lot sizes usually range from 8,000 to 15,000 square feet, giving plenty of room for large pools and entertainment spaces. Privacy is huge – tall fences, hedges, or walls keep neighbors from seeing in and guests feeling comfortable.
Many successful swimply properties feature open floor plans that connect indoor and outdoor spaces through large sliding glass doors. This creates a resort-like feeling and lets renters access indoor bathrooms or kitchens if needed. However, smart owners keep most rooms locked off to protect their personal spaces and belongings.
The outdoor design focuses on maximizing usable space. Concrete or stone decking surrounds the pool with enough room for lounge chairs and tables. Covered patios or pergolas provide shade during hot afternoons. Landscaping includes mature trees and plants that add beauty without dropping too many leaves in the pool.
Lighting design makes or breaks a swimply house’s appeal. During daytime, natural light and sunshine are great. But evening rentals need good artificial lighting – path lights for safety, accent lights on trees or walls for atmosphere, and colored pool lights for fun. Many owners install smart lighting systems they can control from their phones.
Investment Potential of Swimply Houses
Buying a swimply house as an investment has become a real strategy for some people. The math works like this: if you spend $800,000 on a house and earn $10,000 monthly from Swimply rentals, you’re looking at $120,000 annual revenue before expenses. After maintenance, cleaning, utilities, and insurance, owners typically net around 60-70% of that income.
The biggest costs include pool maintenance (chemicals, cleaning, repairs), which runs about $200-400 monthly. Insurance is tricky because standard homeowners policies don’t cover commercial rentals. Swimply offers liability coverage up to $2 million per booking, but owners often buy additional policies costing $2,000-5,000 yearly. Water and electricity bills go up significantly, especially if you heat the pool.
Smart investors look for properties that work well as both regular homes and rental spaces. That way, if Swimply income drops or regulations change, they still have a nice place to live or sell. Location matters more than almost anything else – a mediocre pool in a great location beats an amazing pool in a bad location every time.
Regulations and Challenges
Not every city loves swimply houses. Some neighborhoods have passed rules against hourly pool rentals, calling them commercial businesses that don’t belong in residential areas. Neighbors sometimes complain about noise, parking, or strangers coming and going. Before buying a property for Swimply, people need to check local zoning laws and HOA rules.
Los Angeles has relatively friendly regulations compared to some cities. As long as rentals stay under certain hours and don’t disturb neighbors, they’re usually okay. But places like New York City have stricter rules. Some HOAs completely ban commercial activities, making swimply houses impossible in those communities.
Managing a swimply house takes real work. Owners need to clean between every rental, test pool chemistry regularly, and handle booking questions quickly. Many hire property managers or cleaning services, which cuts into profits but saves time and hassle. The most successful hosts treat it like a real business, not a passive income stream.
The Future of Swimply Real Estate
The swimply house market keeps growing. More people are learning about it, and more homeowners are signing up. Some real estate developers have even started building homes specifically designed for Swimply rentals, with extra-large pools and entertainment-focused outdoor spaces.
Technology improvements make things easier too. Better booking systems, automated pool maintenance, and smart home features let owners manage properties remotely. Some hosts run multiple swimply houses as their full-time business.
However, questions remain about long-term sustainability. Will cities crack down with more regulations? Will the market get oversaturated? Will renters get bored and move on to the next trend? Nobody knows for sure, but for now, swimply houses represent an interesting intersection of real estate investment and the sharing economy.
What Makes a Swimply House Worth Millions?
When a swimply house hits the $2-3 million range, it’s offering something special. These top-tier properties have resort-quality pools with premium finishes like glass tile or pebble surfaces. They might include multiple pools, elaborate water features, or huge entertainment areas with full outdoor kitchens and bars.
Location drives much of the value. A swimply house in Beverly Hills or Malibu commands premium prices because of the prestigious address and nearby attractions. Views matter too – properties overlooking canyons, oceans, or city lights justify higher prices and rental rates.
The house itself contributes value beyond just the pool area. High-end finishes, modern updates, and desirable floor plans make the property attractive to both renters and potential buyers. Smart owners who invest in quality maintenance and upgrades see better returns than those who let things slide.
Tips for Potential Swimply House Owners
Anyone thinking about buying a swimply house should start by using Swimply as a renter first. This shows what features people really want and how the platform works. Look at top-performing pools in your target area and study their photos, pricing, and amenities.
Run the numbers carefully before buying. Calculate realistic rental income based on local competition and seasonality. Factor in all costs including mortgage, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and cleaning. Make sure the property works financially even without Swimply income, just in case.
Choose a house that stands out somehow. Maybe it has an unusually large pool, a unique design theme, or special features like a diving board or lazy river. Competition has increased, so generic pools struggle to book at high rates. The properties that really succeed offer experiences people can’t get elsewhere.
Think about the long game too. Will this property hold value if you need to sell? Is the neighborhood improving or declining? Can the pool and outdoor space serve your family’s needs if rental income doesn’t pan out? The best swimply house investments work on multiple levels, not just as rental properties.
Conclusion
Swimply houses have created a whole new category of real estate that blends residential living with commercial opportunities. These properties, worth anywhere from $500,000 to over $2 million, offer homeowners a chance to generate serious income while enjoying a luxury amenity. The concept has proven it’s more than a fad, evolving into a legitimate investment strategy for people who understand the market.
Success with a swimply house requires the right property in the right location, plus the willingness to manage it like a business. Those who do it well can earn enough to cover their mortgage and then some, while others struggle if they pick the wrong house or don’t put in the effort. As the market matures, expect to see more specialized properties, better technology, and clearer regulations shaping the industry.
For anyone dreaming of owning a swimply house, the opportunity is still there. Just remember that behind every successful rental property is an owner who did their homework, invested wisely, and treats their guests right.