As housing costs bite in Los Angeles, some homeowners are renting out swimming pools by the hour on Swimply—and a handful of standout listings are reportedly earning well into the six figures.
Summer in Los Angeles has a way of exposing what people are really paying for. While many Angelenos wrestle with high housing costs and tight budgets, a growing number of homeowners have found a surprising answer sitting quietly in their backyard: a pool, booked by the hour.
On platforms like Swimply. hosts in the LA area say they’re pulling in serious money. with top earners reportedly clearing well into the six figures. The appeal is simple—neighbors and visitors want a private summer experience. and pool owners are turning an underused amenity into a steady source of extra income.
One Hollywood Hills listing has become a kind of local legend on the app. The “Orange Pool” has netted its owners more than $250,000 since joining Swimply. Hosted by Natalie and Alex Bykov. it has reportedly earned $264. 772 so far. and the pool is known for TV appearances on “Good Day LA” and FOX 11.
Not far behind. “Dino’s Hollywood Hills Oasis. ” hosted by Dino Baglioni. has brought in $276. 295. with its “epic views and relaxed vibe” serving as the draw. For hosts chasing maximum wow-factor, even the theme matters. The “Disney+ Dive-In Theater” pool—hosted by Amit Janweja and themed around “Camp Rock. ” with additional features including that it has even been featured by Disney+—has reportedly led the pack with $299. 395 in earnings.
These listings aren’t positioned as full-time businesses for most hosts. The pitch is more practical: a smart side hustle that uses a backyard asset that’s already there. Pool owners set their own rates, typically $50–$150+ per hour depending on the property and amenities. Bookings are handled through the app. payments are processed by the platform. and Swimply provides some insurance coverage. which the hosts describe as making the process relatively hands-off once the listing is set up.
Owners also tend to add the details that make the difference between “a place to swim” and “the perfect summer backdrop.” The app allows hosts to offer lounge chairs, grills, themed setups, and even options to bring a dog—extras that help justify the hourly price.
But success isn’t automatic. The source makes clear that not every pool becomes a six-figure earner. Outcomes can depend on location, photos, reviews, and how well hosts market their space. Still, for those with beautiful, well-maintained pools in desirable neighborhoods, the income potential can be significant.
There’s also interest from people who don’t technically own the pool. Renting is an option on Swimply, but only with explicit written landlord approval. Swimply co-founder Bunim Laskin said that if the Swimply host is a renter. they would need proof of permission—such as a signed note or email—and that the company would double-check with the homeowner in those cases.
The idea isn’t brand new. In 2022. CNBC highlighted how Swimply hosts across the USA were already turning their pools into money-making machines. with some hosts reportedly making more in a single summer than they did at their full-time jobs. Jim Battan of West Linn. Oregon. told CNBC that he has “love[d] to say that [the pool] has paid for itself and more.” He added that he built a man cave and credits his Swimply pool as part of making that possible.
Battan, though, also warned that running the pool isn’t just posting a listing and waiting for the money. He said that unless someone is retired or doesn’t have a day job. it takes a lot of time to learn about pool chemistry and management. He specifically cautioned that it’s not good enough to rely on a once-a-week service. and that he looks at his pool chemicals “probably five to 10 times a day.”.
There’s an upfront reality too. Battan said the cost to build his in-ground pool was $110,000. Even so. the trend appears to be thriving in Southern California in 2026. with demand remaining strong from families. friend groups. influencers looking for that perfect summer backdrop. and small corporate gatherings that want affordable private outdoor spaces.
What makes the setup stick in LA is the mismatch between the season’s expectations and what many people can afford. With year-round near-perfect weather and growing demand for private summer getaways away from the masses. the backyard pool has become more than a luxury for some. For certain homeowners. it’s becoming one of the most profitable parts of their property—turning a household amenity into something closer to a business. even if it started as a side hustle.
Swimply Los Angeles backyard pools pool rentals side hustle housing costs six-figure earnings Swimply hosts
So basically we’re renting out our pools like Airbnbs now? Wild.
Not gonna lie, if I had a pool I’d do this too. LA rent is insane. But $250k sounds like some exaggerated app math… unless the pool is like a whole resort?
Wait, so they’re making six figures but only in summer? Sounds like fraud though, because nobody can charge that much hourly… unless it’s for rich people filming stuff? Like I saw something about Disney+ being involved and that’s what made it go viral, not the pool.
I read this and all I could think is safety. Who’s checking if the pool is up to code if some random person books by the hour? Also people already complain about water usage in California, now we got backyard pools making money… great. And the “Orange Pool” name sounds fake like it’s not even orange lol. They probably got TV appearances which is why they’re cashing out, not “theme” or whatever.