Pool rentals through app in the Coachella Valley
An app called Swimply has popped up across the country for people to rent out backyard pools in their neighborhood. This app is being used by people in the Coachella Valley! Pools are listed in Palm Springs, Indio, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, and La Quinta.
One La Quinta family has a backyard pool with a waterfall, hot tub, lounge area and more that they are now renting out daily by the hour. Autumn Gamboa, is the host on Swimply. Her and her brother list their backyard together and split the profits. Gamboa said, “It’s hot outside and it’s a fun way for them to have fun in the sun.”
The Swimply app has created a place for people to find pools while many public pools remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Gamboa said her pool is usually booked by families and some little parties. The concept of this app is similar to an Airbnb just with a backyard pool.
Gamboa said, “They like it when it’s like complete private so we just close all the blinds and whenever they need anything like water or the bathroom or need to change, they knock on the door for us.” Pools in the Coachella Valley range from $30-$100 an hour. Gamboa said she is able to use some of the money she is making towards college. She also added they are keeping health and safety in mind, “We usually have a space in between so we clean up the pool, clean up the tables, like sanitize everything, make sure everything is clean.”
Local governments are taking notice of this app and are raising questions when it comes to the pandemic. We reached out to cities in the Coachella Valley. Officials with the city of Indio said, ”In Indio we are trying to put a stop to party houses -- for both health and safety reasons during covid and for the consideration of our communities -- and these types of apps appear to condone the type of gathering we are attempting to avoid.” Brooke Beare, the director of communications for the city of Indio also mentioned that some cities might require permits to list your backyard for others to use and recommened people check with their local city and HOA before listing.
