ellaslist Reviews: Swimply, The Airbnb Of Pools

For pool lovers who don't own a pool, Swimply is for you. 

We know Sydney can get HOT in summer, and not all of us can afford the upkeep of a pool or have the energy it takes to keep one swim-ready. So what's a sweaty family to do? 

Swimply, known as the Airbnb of pools, is the answer for you, and the good news is pool bookings are now available in Australia! 

One of our ellaslist team reviewed the Swimply experience with her three enthusiastic young sons, and we can confirm that it is a private and well-organised cool-off session for the whole family.

How Does Swimply Work? 

It's known as the Airbnb of pools for a reason. Like the popular house-sharing app, you can use Swimply via their website or the Swimply app.

A pool owner lists their pool on Swimply's website with images, details, pricing, and house rules. 

Prospective swimmers can view all the details, as well as previous reviews, and submit a request for the date and hours they would like to use the pool. In general, rates vary depending on the day of the week and whether it is a weekend or a weekday, but they begin at around $20 per hour.

Hosts have to approve your booking, so there can be a waiting time. However, pools with a little stopwatch symbol next to them can be booked instantly, meaning a same-day dip could be on the cards. 

We love the number of options a swimmer can choose from when booking, making it perfect for families of all different tastes. The site has outdoor, indoor, fresh water and saltwater pools, as well as heated and non-heated. 

Some good news for the littlies (and the not-so-littlies or little at heart), some pool areas come with extra amenities such as BBQs, floating pool toys, hammocks, waterslides, spas, deck chairs and basketball courts.
 

What happens during a Swimply swimming experience? 

Kirsten booked a swim for her 3 boys earlier this week, and here's what she had to say about the experience. 

"Once my booking had been confirmed online, I received more information on how to access the pool. Our note said to collect the key in an envelope at the front door." 

"We booked a great set-up. There was a toilet located near the pool for guest use. Plus, the boys were very impressed with the outdoor TV in the pool's undercover patio. The chairs and lounge chairs were perfect for me to sit in and keep an eye on the boys."
 

"The pool we tried worked well for the sharing concept, with pool access down the side of the house. Perfect for entering and exiting in privacy. A win for both renter and host."

"I spoke briefly with the owner near the end of our swim, who explained that she was often home during the Swimply bookings but pulled down the blinds for privacy for both her and the guests."

"I received automated text messages from Swimply when our booking time was almost up and another when it finished. Super useful when you're having so much fun splashing around you forget to watch the clock."

Our final verdict

Dive on in and hire a pool with Swimply this summer for a splashtastic good time the whole family will love.

Many pools take bookings of up to ten people (the number of people per booking will be included on the pool listing), so it's a great place to have a Christmas BBQ and a swim catch-up with friends and family.

Finally, we understand that there are risks that come with swimming in any body of water, and Swimply is aware of these risks as well. Any concerns about trust and safety are comprehensively addressed on the webpage here.

Enjoying a much cooler summer with your friends and family in a pool? Sounds like a win to us. 

Find out more about Swimply.

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