The peer-to-peer rental economy has exploded beyond homes and cars. In 2026, two platforms dominate the market for renting private spaces by the hour: Swimply (for pools, hot tubs, and backyards) and Peerspace (for event spaces, studios, and unique venues). If you own a pool or a spare room, you could be earning hundreds—even thousands—per month.
But which platform pays more? Which has lower fees, better insurance, and more reliable guests? In this comprehensive guide, we compare Swimply vs Peerspace head-to-head, with real host earnings data, platform breakdowns, and a clear verdict for 2026.
➡️ Read next (recommended)
📋 Table of Contents
- 1. What Are Swimply and Peerspace?
- 2. Quick Comparison: Swimply vs Peerspace
- 3. Hourly Rates & Income Potential
- 4. Booking Frequency & Demand
- 5. Platform Fees & Payouts
- 6. Insurance & Liability
- 7. Guest Types & Experience
- 8. Geographic Availability
- 9. Real Host Case Studies
- 10. Pros and Cons
- 11. Which Platform Should You Choose?
- 12. How to Maximize Your Earnings
- 13. Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Swimply and Peerspace?
Swimply launched in 2018 as the "Airbnb for pools." It allows homeowners to rent out their private pool, hot tub, or backyard by the hour to individuals or small groups. Think of it as a way to monetize your underused outdoor space. In 2026, Swimply has expanded to include outdoor kitchens, tennis courts, and even home gyms.
Peerspace started in 2014 as a marketplace for renting unique spaces—think photo studios, lofts, conference rooms, and event venues. It caters to professionals (photographers, filmmakers) and party hosts. Peerspace is more established in urban areas and offers a wider variety of indoor spaces.
💡 Key Difference:
- Swimply: Primarily outdoor recreational spaces (pools, backyards). Shorter bookings (1–4 hours). Casual, family-oriented guests.
- Peerspace: Indoor/outdoor creative and event spaces. Longer bookings (half-day, full-day). Professional and event clientele.
Quick Comparison: Swimply vs Peerspace (2026)
| Feature | Swimply | Peerspace |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Pools, hot tubs, backyards | Studios, lofts, event spaces |
| Average Hourly Rate (US) | $45–$75 | $65–$150 |
| Platform Fee (Host) | 15% | 15% (lower for pros) |
| Guest Fee | 5–10% service fee | Varies, often 6–12% |
| Booking Length | 1–4 hours typical | 2–8 hours typical |
| Insurance Coverage | $1M liability (US) | $1M–$2M liability |
| Payout Speed | 24–48 hrs after booking | 48 hrs after event |
| Best For | Homeowners with pools | Commercial spaces, studios |
Hourly Rates & Income Potential
Earnings depend heavily on location, space quality, and amenities. Here's a realistic breakdown for 2026:
Swimply: Pool & Backyard Income
OutdoorSwimply hosts earn an average of $45–$75 per hour, with top earners in cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Austin hitting $150+/hour for luxury pools with slides, cabanas, or hot tubs.
📊 Case Study: Miami Pool Host
Maria in Miami listed her backyard pool on Swimply in March 2026. She charges $60/hour with a 2-hour minimum. From June to August, she averaged 18 bookings per month = $2,160 gross. After Swimply's 15% fee ($324) and minimal cleaning ($200), net profit: $1,636/month. Her pool was previously unused.
Peerspace: Event & Studio Income
Indoor/OutdoorPeerspace hosts often command $65–$150 per hour, with prime spaces in NYC, LA, and Chicago hitting $250–$500/hour for full-day creative rentals.
📊 Case Study: Brooklyn Loft
David owns a 1,200 sq ft loft in Brooklyn. He lists it on Peerspace at $120/hour, 4-hour minimum. He averages 12 bookings/month (mostly photoshoots and small events) = $5,760 gross. Peerspace fee 15% ($864), plus cleaning and utilities ($400). Net: $4,496/month.
Booking Frequency & Demand
Frequency varies by season and location. Swimply is highly seasonal—summer months can bring 20+ bookings, while winter may drop to near zero unless you have a heated pool or hot tub. Peerspace maintains steadier demand year-round due to indoor shoots and events.
Seasonal Booking Patterns
Platform Fees & Payouts
Both platforms charge hosts 15% of the booking subtotal. Guests pay a service fee (typically 5–12%) on top. Payouts are processed after the booking occurs—Swimply pays 24–48 hours after, Peerspace within 48 hours after the event end time. Both offer direct deposit, PayPal, or bank transfer.
💰 Fee Example (Swimply $100 booking):
- Guest pays: $100 + $10 service fee = $110 total
- Host receives: $100 – $15 (15%) = $85
- Net to host: $85
Insurance & Liability
Insurance is critical when strangers use your property. Both platforms provide liability coverage, but details matter.
✅ Swimply Insurance
Swimply provides $1 million liability insurance per incident in the US and Canada, covering property damage and bodily injury claims. Hosts must maintain their own homeowners insurance and notify their carrier. Some insurers now offer Swimply endorsements.
✅ Peerspace Insurance
Peerspace offers $1 million–$2 million liability coverage depending on location, plus damage protection. Hosts can also purchase additional coverage. The platform has a dedicated claims team.
Guest Types & Experience
Swimply guests are typically families, small groups of friends, or couples looking for a private swim. They book for relaxation, birthdays, or small gatherings. The vibe is casual.
Peerspace guests are often professionals: photographers, filmmakers, content creators, corporate teams, or event planners. They treat the space as a workplace and are usually more respectful and experienced with rental etiquette.
Geographic Availability
Both platforms operate primarily in the US, Canada, and select international cities. Swimply has expanded to Australia and parts of Europe. Peerspace is strong in major US cities, UK, France, and Germany. Smaller towns may have little to no listings, limiting earnings potential.
Real Host Case Studies
Swimply: Phoenix Backyard Oasis
Tom in Phoenix installed a $15,000 pool in 2025 and listed it on Swimply. He charges $50/hour. In 2026 (Jan–Oct), he grossed $8,200. After fees and maintenance, net $6,800. He says, “The pool paid for itself in two years.”
Peerspace: Los Angeles Photo Studio
Elena converted her garage into a photo studio with natural light and seamless backgrounds. She lists at $85/hour on Peerspace and books 15–20 times per month. 2026 projected gross: $18,360. Net after expenses: ~$14,000.
Pros and Cons of Each Platform
Swimply Pros
- Low barrier to entry (just need a pool/backyard)
- High demand in warm climates
- Short bookings = more flexibility
- Family-friendly guests
Swimply Cons
- Highly seasonal
- Weather dependent
- Maintenance costs (cleaning, chemicals)
- Liability concerns (drowning risk)
Peerspace Pros
- Year-round demand
- Higher average hourly rates
- Professional guests, less wear and tear
- Scalable—can list multiple spaces
Peerspace Cons
- Space must be unique or well-equipped
- Competition in major cities
- Longer bookings mean less turnover
- Requires more setup (furniture, lighting)
Which Platform Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your property and goals:
- Choose Swimply if: You have a pool, hot tub, or large backyard in a warm area, and you want casual, short-term rentals with high summer income.
- Choose Peerspace if: You have a unique indoor space (loft, studio, workshop) or a well-equipped outdoor area suitable for events, and you prefer professional clients and steady year-round income.
Can you list on both? Possibly, but check terms. Swimply may restrict commercial use. Peerspace usually requires exclusive rights for the listing period. However, you could list different spaces on each.
How to Maximize Your Earnings
- High-quality photos: Hire a professional photographer. Bright, wide-angle shots increase bookings.
- Competitive pricing: Start slightly below market to get reviews, then raise rates.
- Add-ons: Offer towels, snacks, floats (Swimply) or lighting, sound equipment (Peerspace) for extra fees.
- Instant Book: Enable instant booking to capture last-minute guests.
- Maintain 5-star reviews: Respond quickly, keep the space spotless, and provide clear instructions.
- Cross-promote: Share your listing on social media and local community groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Requirements vary by city. Some municipalities require a short-term rental license or permit for hourly rentals. Check local laws. Both platforms may ask for proof of compliance.
Standard homeowners policies often exclude commercial activity. Notify your insurer; some now offer endorsements for pool sharing. Swimply’s liability insurance is secondary—your primary insurance may still be liable.
It varies wildly. A modest pool in a warm suburb might earn $500–$1,500/month in summer. A prime Peerspace studio in a major city can earn $3,000–$8,000/month year-round. Use the case studies above as benchmarks.
For Swimply: pool chemicals, water, electricity for pumps, cleaning supplies, occasional repairs. For Peerspace: utilities, cleaning, wear and tear on furniture, possibly higher insurance premiums.
Yes, but be mindful of noise and parking. Set house rules, limit guest numbers, and communicate with neighbors to avoid complaints. Both platforms allow you to set quiet hours.
Final Verdict: Swimply vs Peerspace (2026)
Both Swimply and Peerspace offer legitimate, profitable ways to monetize your underused space. Swimply is a summer cash cow for pool owners; Peerspace is a year-round income engine for unique indoor and outdoor venues. Your choice should align with your property type, location, and desired guest experience.
If you have a pool and live in a warm climate, Swimply can generate thousands during peak months. If you have a creative space or event-ready location, Peerspace offers higher hourly rates and professional clientele. For the ambitious host, listing on both (with different spaces) could diversify your income and smooth out seasonal dips.
💫 Ready to start?
Check out our related guides on other rental side hustles and passive income ideas. And remember: always verify local regulations and insurance before hosting.