GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The pool-rental app Swimply is attracting a lot of West Michiganders amid the current heat wave.
Joe Bockheim is renting out his pool in Comstock Park for the 4th summer in a row on Swimply. He offers a bathroom, changing rooms, kitchen area, fridge and grills in addition to the pool.
"It can be very lucrative depending on the party size and the length of the stay," he told 13 ON YOUR SIDE.
The app works like booking an Airbnb or hotel room. You pick a pool in your area, the date, time and pay.
Bockheim said this week has been his busiest so far amid the scorching heat. He charges per hour based on the number of people who want to come over. He hosts anywhere from a couple of people to kids birthday parties and company outings. Typically, he makes a couple hundred dollars off the app per week.
Using for her second summer, April Ruiz over in Grand Rapids agrees this week has been super busy on the app.
"I think it's a real good alternative to the beach, where there's nature, but there's a lot of competition with other folks that show up and parking can be a hassle and just making sure you have your own spot," Ruiz said Friday.
A busy entrepreneur and professor, she's happy to see her pool get used.
"It's an added bonus that I can make some supplemental income while enjoying it, but also helping others to enjoy beating the heat and enjoying some bonding time and get togethers."
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