The Department of Health Wants to Prevent Minnesotans from Renting People’s Backyard Pools
Have you heard of Swimply? Swimply is the Airbnb of swimming pools. Minnesota locals can now book out their backyard swimming pools on the swimming pool rental app, Swimply. Swimply provides individuals who may not use their swimming pool as frequently to make a passive income and get more use out of their pool while making new connections with local neighbors.
Recently, the Minnesota Department of Health has put a damper on backyard pool parties. According to Minnesota law, listing private pools through the Swimply app turns the private backyard pool to a public pool. In Minnesota, public pools are required to have a license and plan review. The penalty for not abiding by the statute is a fine up to $10,000. The Minnesota Department of Health is concerned about the lack of supervision provided by Swimply. Other states have had similar issues. The swimming pool rental app is interested in discussing a new licensing program with states, just as Airbnb has done in some states.
Currently, to get public pool approvals, the inspection cost is $1,500 and the public pool licensing fee is $355. Licenses are required to be renewed on an annual basis and the pool must be inspected daily. While Swimply seems like a great way to enjoy the quintessential summer experience, it may not be worth the hefty price tag.