This as-told-to essay draws from a discussion with Rick Neuhoff, 65, a Portland, Oregon homeowner who lists his indoor pool on the Swimply platform. The account has been adjusted for brevity and clarity.

Prior to the height of the pandemic, I handled marketing services for law firms. The crisis essentially ended that work, as attorneys avoided growth plans while courts remained shuttered.

I found myself confined at home with limited options.

For a period I delivered meals through DoorDash. During one shift my wife joined me, and we noticed via our security camera that a package had arrived. We expected medication but instead found a Swimply welcome kit containing a beach ball and details about renting private pools.

We installed the pool originally so my wife could maintain regular exercise at home after her diabetes diagnosis made daily activity important.

Public records in Portland made our indoor pool visible, prompting Swimply to leave the introductory materials. I convinced my wife to try the platform, and we have not looked back since.

We set the rental rate at $75 per hour

I spent less than a year on deliveries before testing Swimply. Within two days the earnings exceeded a full week of driving income.

Over several months revenue grew steadily from a few hundred dollars weekly to more than $1,000 per week. We have maintained the $75 hourly rate for roughly four years.

Peak months have produced $12,000 to $15,000 in gross revenue, though slower periods occur as well.

Morning weekday slots remain the quietest, with overall weekday traffic lower than weekends, leading us to offer a $60 hourly discount then. Most weekdays bring one or two bookings after school or work hours.

Creating memorable gatherings brings real satisfaction

At the outset we worried about strangers entering our home. We soon began locking the pool house door after occasional uninvited entries in search of restrooms.

The laughter and energy heard through the walls remain uplifting even on difficult days.

Events hosted include film and photo productions, holiday celebrations, anniversaries, and sessions with swim instructors seeking space for lessons. We briefly accommodated a scuba program while equipment issues were resolved elsewhere, allowing classes to continue despite our shallower depth.

Corporate gatherings have taken place outdoors in warmer months on the rear lawn, while the enclosed courtyard and pool house support up to 60 guests with a DJ during colder weather.

Business rises when outdoor facilities close for the season. Few indoor pools exist locally, and ours offers the most space for larger events.

Further upgrades are planned, though the pool house retains a casual appearance. The pool itself and overall setting have reached the level our budget allows.

Swimply provided income when my original business disappeared due to COVID. I adapted my work approach after spotting this opportunity.

Earnings approach but do not fully match prior law firm marketing income, yet the reduced stress level makes the change worthwhile.