With summer in full swing, it’s no surprise that folks are looking for ways to cool off—and maybe make a little extra cash in the process. One trend that’s been making waves (pun intended) is homeowners renting out their backyard pools by the hour. Sites like Swimply make it easy: list your pool, set your price, and watch the bookings roll in.
Sounds like a no-brainer, right? I mean, if you’re not using the pool 24/7, why not make a few bucks off it?
Well, I hate to be the party pooper here, but as your local insurance agent—and someone who’s been in this industry for over 20 years—I’ve got to give it to you straight: this is not a risk worth taking.
Your Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover Business Use
The biggest misconception I see is people assuming their homeowners insurance will cover any accidents that happen on their property, no matter the situation. But here’s the thing: once you start charging money for people to use your pool, you’re running a business. And standard homeowners policies have very clear exclusions for business activities.
If someone gets hurt while swimming in your pool—even if it’s just a slip on the pool deck—you could be looking at a costly lawsuit. And if your insurance company finds out it happened during a paid rental? There’s a good chance they’ll deny the claim entirely.
That means you could be held personally responsible for medical bills, legal fees, and damages. Not to mention the potential for your policy to be canceled altogether.
Insurance Companies Don’t Love High-Risk Surprises
Insurance carriers like predictability and low risk. Strangers coming to your home, using your property, and engaging in potentially dangerous activities? That’s pretty much the opposite of what they want to see.
Even if you’re renting out a separate property, like a vacation home or Airbnb, hourly pool rentals add another layer of liability that most carriers aren’t comfortable with. It’s not just about coverage—it’s about how your insurance company views your overall risk profile.
What Should You Do Instead?
If you’re seriously considering renting out your pool—or any part of your property—for income, here are a few things to do first:
- Call your insurance agent (that’s me!) – Let’s talk about what your policy actually covers and whether there are options for properly insuring this kind of activity.
- Consider commercial liability insurance – This may provide coverage for business-related risks, but it comes at a higher premium and with more scrutiny.
- Think long-term – Is the short-term cash worth the potential long-term headache?
A Friendly Word of Caution
Look, I get it. I’ve got four kids, I know how expensive summer can get—and the idea of turning your backyard into a side hustle is tempting. But as someone who’s spent two decades helping families protect what matters most, I’m here to say: don’t risk your financial future for a quick summer payout.
If you’ve got questions or want to review your current coverage, give us a call or stop by the office here in Greece, NY. We’re here to help you make smart, safe decisions for your home and your family.
Stay safe this summer—and keep the cannonballs in the family pool!
