Standing Out: Authentic Pool Experience in a Modern Market
- Jul 8, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 9, 2025
Navigating a competitive market with newer, heated pools by offering a unique, authentic swimming experience. This older, unheated pool provides a distinctive charm and value, overcoming modern competition with its timeless appeal.
Challenge
The project began with a backyard pool that had fallen out of use and accumulated visual clutter over time. However, what worked in its favor was a spacious layout, beautiful natural greenery, and a location in an upscale neighborhood—key assets that could be amplified through design and presentation. The goal was to transform the space into a short-term rental experience by preparing it for hosting on Swimply, a peer-to-peer platform for hourly private pool rentals. Entering a local market filled with sleek, heated, and newly built options, this unheated, older pool needed a clear point of differentiation. With major renovations off the table, the focus shifted to creating value through atmosphere, hospitality, and thoughtful presentation.
Strategy
To reposition an aging pool in a competitive market, the focus shifted from costly upgrades to creating a distinctive experience centered on hospitality and ambiance. Rather than compete on modern features, attention was directed toward enhancing the environment and overall guest experience. By embracing the pool’s timeless charm, the aim was to offer more than just a place to swim, it provided a thoughtfully curated, welcoming escape.
Key Enhancements
Refreshed Surroundings
Though the pool itself remained unchanged, the surrounding area was transformed to feel intentional, clean, and inviting:
Outdoor furniture — A combination of new pieces and refreshed existing ones to create a cohesive, inviting setup
Organized seating areas — Designed with a mix of seating types to suit different comfort preferences, arranged to create flow and a relaxed, functional environment
Visual order balancing the pool’s age with comfort and style
“The backyard was spacious, clean and very well equipped.” — Jaclyn
Thoughtful, No-Cost Amenities
A selection of thoughtful touches, both new and enhanced, were provided at no additional cost, adding comfort, convenience, and a sense of hospitality throughout the space:
Cabana towels — French-rolled for a more polished, resort-style presentation
Yard games — Included oversized favorites like Jenga Giant and Giant Connect 4 for added entertainment
Bottled water — Provided chilled for convenience and comfort
Bluetooth speaker — Available for guests to enjoy their own music poolside
Pool toys — A mix of floats and noodles included with every reservation
Shaded seating — Existing coverage was optimized to enhance comfort and usability
Easy-access bathroom — Highlighted and maintained to support a seamless guest experience
“Provided games, waters, pool toys, music… bathroom and parking were easy.” — Jenna
Float Vibes: A Signature Experience
Premium floats were curated into themed options, allowing guests to select based on mood or occasion. Since most of the guests don’t own pools, they have little reason to invest in floats. These themed options offered a rare, playful upgrade that made the experience feel special and indulgent.
Themed Float Vibes acted as branded touchpoints—personalized, visual elements that enhanced the user experience and reinforced the pool’s identity. Guests selected floats based on mood, making the experience feel curated and shareable, and often contributing to photo-worthy moments.
Themes include:
California Cool — Chic avocado and palm tube floats for laid-back style
Tropical Staycay — Bright flamingo and tropical tube floats for a mini vacation vibe
Deep Sea — Playful shark and squid ring floats for an adventurous aquatic feel
Lazy Sun Day — Relaxed giant sloth and strawberry donut floats for ultimate lounging
Barbieland — Barbie movie inspired floats
Jungle Fun — Wildlife inspired floats
“This was a truly great pool and had it all... quiet neighborhood, private pool, great lounge area.” — Sam
Results
Performance
Operating since August 2021 — over 3.5 years of successful hosting
250+ total bookings to date
125+ reviews, averaging a perfect 5.0 rating
Swimply Host Recognition
Top Swimply Host Badge for high response rate, low cancellation rate, and guest satisfaction
Highly Rebooked Badge for continued return bookings
Pro Host Badge for consistent high standards and mentorship
What Guests Are Saying
“Wonderful experience! Had so much fun with friends in the pool. Definitely would come again.” — Angela
“Very clean, spacious, and comfortable! Would book this pool again.” — Marina
“Great space with an indoor/outdoor vibe, pool was great, hosts were friendly, pleasant all around!” — Gabriel
“Beautiful pool. Very nice set up and outstanding amenities!” — Heidi
“All the things you need!” — Dave
Takeaway
This case illustrates that a property does not need to be brand-new to stand out. By focusing on hospitality, smart design choices, and genuine guest care, a classic, unheated pool can successfully compete and thrive in a modern, competitive market.
Before
After
