News Summary
Starting July 1, North Carolina homeowners will be able to rent their backyard pools without needing a public permit, thanks to a new state law. This initiative aims to boost the sharing economy by enabling homeowners to earn additional income during peak summer months. Safety measures, such as pool water testing and clear signage, must be upheld by the homeowners. The Swimply app has become a popular platform for facilitating these rentals, although it comes with specific requirements and concerns about privacy and safety among users.
Charlotte, North Carolina — Starting July 1, residents of North Carolina will be permitted to rent out their backyard swimming pools, following the introduction of a new state law designed to enhance the sharing economy. Under this regulation, homeowners can list their pools for rent on various sharing platforms without the need for a public swimming pool permit, allowing them to capitalize on an asset they already own.
The law aims to facilitate homeowners who are looking to generate additional income, particularly during the peak summer months when pool access is in high demand. For instance, rental prices in Charlotte average between $50 and $60 per hour, and homeowners can potentially earn substantial revenue. A local pool owner reported earning approximately $1,000 within just two months of listing their pool.
However, while homeowners can rent out their pools, they are required to adhere to specific safety standards to ensure a safe experience for renters. According to guidelines established by Mecklenburg County officials, these safety measures include:
- Regular testing and maintenance of pool water quality.
- Clear and visible signage in and around the pool area.
- Availability of safety equipment, such as life rings and reaching poles.
- Non-slip surfaces on pool decks to prevent accidents.
- Fencing to restrict unsupervised access to the pool.
It is important to note that Mecklenburg County officials will not enforce compliance with these safety measures, placing the responsibility squarely on the homeowners. Additionally, homeowners are mandated to equip their pools with properly fitted submerged suction covers to enhance safety.
The app Swimply, which allows homeowners to rent out pools by the hour, has emerged as a leading platform since its launch in 2019. The app facilitates communication and transaction processes between hosts and guests. Users can browse a diverse selection of pool listings, featuring profiles that include photos, amenities, price points, and user reviews, thus making it easier for potential renters to locate suitable options.
While Swimply simplifies the rental process, it does have some stipulations for hosts. Individuals must be at least 21 years old to list their pools and must pass background checks. Furthermore, hosts are not required to offer bathroom facilities, although some do permit guests to use their on-site bathrooms.
Despite the new opportunities for income generation, concerns related to privacy and safety have surfaced among users of the platform. Swimply offers up to $1 million in liability insurance for hosts, although this coverage is limited and does not apply to incidents involving alcohol consumption or injuries sustained outside of the booked time period.
Though North Carolina has embraced the concept of pool rentals, some regions, such as Wisconsin, have mandated that any pools offered for rent must comply with existing public swimming pool regulations. This inconsistency has raised questions about regulatory gaps in overseeing new rental models and the rights of homeowners to monetize their properties without excessive restrictions.
As North Carolina navigates the implications of this new law, the conversation surrounding homeowner rights and regulatory responsibilities continues. Local authorities have previously indicated that homeowners could face legal action should they fail to comply with existing regulations related to public swimming pools.
The introduction of this law marks a significant shift in how residential properties can be utilized, setting the stage for both opportunities and challenges within the community.
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Additional Resources
- Hoodline: Mecklenburg County Homeowners Set to Make a Splash
- Wikipedia: Sharing Economy
- Axios: 5 Private Pools You Can Rent Near Charlotte
- Google Search: Private Pools Charlotte
- Carolina Journal: North Carolinians Deserve Clarity on Poolsharing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Legal Systems
- Charlotte Observer: New Pool Rental Law
- Google News: Mecklenburg County Pool Rental
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
