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| Rajaa Chraibi. Swimply |
Rajaa Chraibi is a 35-year-old real estate agent and broker in Los Angeles. Since 2021, she’s also been renting out backyard pools on Swimply a side hustle that now brings in up to $22,000 a month with minimal effort. Here’s how she turned extra space into a passive income powerhouse.
A Billboard Sparked the Side Hustle That Changed Everything
In 2021, while driving through Los Angeles, I passed a billboard advertising Swimply an app that lets homeowners rent their pools by the hour.
As a real estate broker who owned multiple properties with pools, the idea clicked instantly. I downloaded the app that same day and used some of my existing listing photos to create my first Swimply pool listing. It went live in less than 24 hours.
That first listing marked the beginning of what has become one of the most rewarding and low-maintenance side hustles I’ve ever tried. Today, I manage five pool listings across Los Angeles, charging $75 per hour per booking. Swimply takes a 20% cut, and my main pool alone located at my personal residence earns between $5,000 and $6,000 each month. Combined, my listings generate around $22,000 in monthly revenue.
Swimply Turned My Real Estate Assets into Cash-Flowing Machines
Managing this side hustle is surprisingly simple. From the start, I outsourced pool maintenance, cleaning, and guest prep to local vendors. I spend less than 5% of my earnings on automation and outsourced management.
My team handles everything from inspecting pools before and after bookings to restocking toiletries and prepping outdoor spaces. This allows me to step back even leave the house during bookings and still deliver a five-star guest experience.
It’s rare for me to spend more than three hours per week on Swimply-related tasks. That includes updating listings, answering questions, and reviewing bookings. Once it’s set up, the process mostly runs on autopilot.
Communication and Visuals Are the Secrets to Swimply Success
Great communication and beautiful visuals are what set top listings apart. I recommend investing in professional photos, ideally shot at golden hour for the best lighting. Potential guests need to know exactly what they’re getting, so be crystal clear in your listing include details about pool access, bathroom availability, and any optional add-ons.
For example, all of my listings include access to the backyard, pool, and restrooms. Guests can also book additional access to a kitchen or bedroom for changing or relaxing. Simplicity and transparency go a long way in earning trust and repeat customers.
What Started as Seasonal Has Now Become Year-Round Passive Income
At first, pool rentals felt seasonal mostly booked during summer months. But that changed quickly. Today, we host everything from birthday parties and baby showers to music video shoots and corporate events even in the off-season.
This summer has been particularly packed. Weekends are fully booked through October, and thanks to midweek discounts, weekdays are filling up, too. We've hosted dozens of events, from professional productions to family gatherings and even wedding proposals.
Beyond the consistent income, Swimply has helped cover the cost of mortgages on my properties. In fact, it’s enabled me to expand my real estate portfolio and travel more freely, knowing that my properties are actively generating revenue.
The Unexpected Real Estate Networking Bonus
One surprising benefit? Networking.
One of my guests turned into a real estate client I helped her purchase a home in LA, complete with a pool she now rents on Swimply. We’ve also hosted high-profile industry events, including one attended by Swimply CEO Bunim Laskin and Zillow CEO Jeremy Wacksman. As both the host and an invited guest, I had an incredible opportunity to network with leaders in real estate and tech.
This side hustle, while simple, has unexpectedly opened doors in my professional network and led to new real estate deals.
If You Own a Pool, Don’t Sleep on This Opportunity
For anyone with a backyard pool, especially in warmer markets like California, Swimply is an underutilized goldmine. With smart pricing, professional photos, responsive communication, and automated property care, you can turn your backyard into a six-figure income stream.
And the best part? It’s scalable. Once you’ve optimized one property, it’s easy to replicate the model across others. Whether you’re a homeowner, real estate investor, or simply someone looking to offset your mortgage, Swimply can be a powerful and surprisingly passive tool.
