Renting Out Your Indoor Pool for a Lucrative Venture After Business Decline

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Rick Neuhoff, a 65-year-old Portland, Oregon, resident, has transformed his home’s indoor pool into a lucrative side hustle, generating up to $15,000 monthly through the Swimply app, according to an as-told-to account. The former marketing professional for law firms turned to the platform after his business collapsed during the COVID-19 pandemic, leveraging a private pool initially installed for his wife’s diabetes management. Neuhoff’s journey began in 2020, when public records and Swimply’s outreach led to a welcome package at his doorstep, including a beach ball and informational materials. “We never looked back,” he said, noting that within two days of renting the pool, he earned more than a week’s pay from driving for DoorDash. By 2022, his weekly earnings had grown from hundreds to over $1,000, with peak months reaching $12,000 to $15,000 in gross revenue. The pool, which Neuhoff charges $75 per hour for, serves as a venue for diverse events, including birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and even a brief stint hosting a scuba school. “The fun and joy you hear coming through the walls is really infectious,” he said, adding that the space has become a hub for creative and social activities. Neuhoff’s setup includes a shabby-chic pool house with limited outdoor seating, which he credits for attracting clients seeking unique event spaces. “There are a very small number of indoor pools in Portland, and of the indoor pools that are in our market, we’re the only one with real space to party,” he said. Weekday rates drop to $60 per hour, reflecting lower demand, though he noted that business spikes when outdoor pools close. The shift from law firm marketing to pool rentals marked a significant pivot for Neuhoff, who described the transition as both financially and emotionally rewarding. “My stress is a lot lower, which is priceless,” he said, though he acknowledged his current income falls short of his previous earnings. Swimply, the app facilitating the rentals, has enabled Neuhoff to maintain flexibility amid economic uncertainty. “Because of COVID, Swimply enabled me to make money when my business was out of business,” he said. The platform’s model, which connects property owners with individuals seeking private spaces, has gained traction in regions with limited indoor pool infrastructure. Neuhoff’s experience highlights a broader trend of individuals monetizing underutilized assets during economic shifts. His story also underscores the growing role of peer-to-peer platforms in reshaping traditional rental markets. Text
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From Law Firm to Pool Rentals

Neuhoff’s career in marketing for law firms ended abruptly in 2020 as the pandemic disrupted legal operations. Courts closed, and clients scaled back spending, leaving him “stuck” at home. Initially, he worked as a DoorDash driver, but the gig proved unsustainable. “In two days, I made more than I made all week driving,” he said, after discovering Swimply’s opportunity. The app’s outreach, based on public records indicating his pool, led to a welcome package that piqued his interest. “We had assumed it was medication, but it was this bag from Swimply,” he recalled. His wife’s need for daily exercise, tied to her diabetes diagnosis, had initially justified the pool’s installation. However, the rental income quickly overshadowed its original purpose. Text
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Financials and Event Diversity

Neuhoff’s pricing model—$75 per hour for the pool—has proven adaptable to varying demand. Peak months generate $12,000 to $15,000, though he noted “slow weeks” during weekdays, when rates drop to $60. The pool house, while not luxurious, has hosted an array of events, from photo shoots to corporate functions.

“We’ve hosted film shoots, photo shoots, every type of holiday party you could think of, and anniversaries,” he said. A brief partnership with a scuba school highlighted the space’s versatility, though logistical challenges limited its duration. “We’re nowhere near deep enough for scuba, but it was better for them to keep their classes going,” he explained. Corporate events, particularly during warmer months, utilize the property’s outdoor courtyard and pool house. “We can accommodate up to 60 people with limited seating and a DJ in the pool house,” Neuhoff said. The indoor pool’s availability during colder weather further distinguishes it from competitors. Text
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Challenges and Adaptations

Despite the success, Neuhoff faced initial concerns about privacy and security. “We were a little concerned that it was going to be awkward having people inside our house,” he said. The need to lock the pool house door arose after visitors occasionally entered uninvited. The pool’s shabby-chic aesthetic remains a work in progress, though Neuhoff emphasizes its functionality. “Our pool house is still shabby chic at best, but the pool itself is incredible,” he said. Improvements, such as birthday decorations and event-specific setups, have enhanced the experience for renters. Neuhoff’s transition to pool rentals reflects a broader shift in entrepreneurial strategies, particularly during economic downturns. “I’ve now changed my business and am more flexible after recognizing an opportunity,” he said, acknowledging the trade-off between income and stress levels. Text
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The Future of Peer-to-Peer Rentals

Neuhoff’s story aligns with the rise of platforms like Swimply, which capitalize on underused assets. The app’s ability to connect property owners with event planners and individuals seeking unique spaces has created new revenue streams. For Neuhoff, the venture has provided stability post-pandemic. “I’m not making quite what I was making while working with the law firms—close to it—but my stress is a lot lower,” he said. His experience underscores the potential of niche markets in adapting to economic shifts.