Rent your Bastrop pool by the hour. Earn $2,400–$5,400+/mo.

The piney woods of Bastrop offer a beautiful escape from the heat, but when the Texas sun hits those triple digits, everyone is looking for a way to cool down. While the Colorado River is great for a float, local families and groups are increasingly looking for the privacy and cleanliness of a backyard pool. If you own a home in Bastrop, you are sitting on an asset that could be generating thousands of dollars in passive income every month. Whether you are located near the historic downtown district or out toward the Lost Pines, your pool is in high demand.

Why Bastrop pool owners are listing now

Texas summers are getting longer and hotter. In Bastrop, the swimming season comfortably stretches from late March through October. This extended window gives you a massive advantage over hosts in northern states who only get three months of operation. While many people in the area travel to Austin or Elgin for work, they want to spend their leisure time closer to home without the crowds of public parks or expensive resort day passes.

There is also a growing trend of "near-cations." People living in the surrounding rural areas want a private place to celebrate birthdays, host family reunions, or just enjoy a quiet afternoon with the kids. By listing your pool, you are providing a valuable service to your neighbors while letting your property pay for its own maintenance, taxes, and then some. Many hosts find that their pool pays for itself in the first two weeks of the month, leaving the rest as pure profit.

What you can earn in Bastrop

The earning potential for a Bastrop pool varies based on your amenities, but the math is simple and very attractive. Most hosts in Central Texas list their space for $40-150/hr.

Weekday vs weekend rates

During the week, you might see bookings from stay-at-home parents or remote workers looking for a mid-day dip. These typically go for $40-60/hr. However, once Friday afternoon hits, demand spikes. Weekend rates for a well-maintained pool with a grill or a nice patio area often range from $75-150/hr.

The seasonal swing

In the peak of July and August, you can expect your calendar to stay full. A host booking just 20 hours a week at an average of $75/hr is bringing in $1,500 a week. Over a month, that is $6,000 in gross revenue. Even in the shoulder seasons like May or September, the mild Texas weather keeps the water warm enough for consistent bookings. If you have a heater or a hot tub, you can keep the revenue flowing virtually year-round.

How it works

Starting your side business is straightforward and requires zero upfront investment. We designed the process to put the homeowner in total control.

1. Create your listing: Upload clear photos of your pool and outdoor space. Set your hourly rate and choose your own rules, such as maximum guest count or whether pets are allowed.
2. Manage your calendar: You decide exactly when your pool is available. You can block out time for your own family use or set specific windows for guests.
3. Approve requests: You get to see who wants to book your pool and why. You have the final say on every single reservation.
4. Get paid: After the booking is complete, funds are deposited directly into your account. No chasing invoices or handling cash.

What's covered

We believe in a host-first approach. This means we take less from your pocket and provide more protection for your property.

• 10% flat host fee: While other platforms like Swimply often take 15% or even more from your earnings, we keep our fee at a flat 10%. You keep more of what you earn.
• $2M liability insurance: Every single booking made through our platform is covered by a $2,000,000 liability insurance policy. We want you to have peace of mind every time someone clicks "book."
• Vetted guests: We use verification processes to ensure that the people coming into your backyard are who they say they are.
• 24/7 support: If you ever have a question about a booking or need help with a guest, our team is available around the clock to assist you.

Bastrop vs other side hustles

If you are looking for a way to make extra money, you have probably considered other options. Here is how pool hosting stacks up against the most common side gigs in Texas.

Vs Airbnb/VRBO

Short-term rentals require you to manage an entire house. You have to deal with laundry, cleaning bedrooms, and often city-specific hotel occupancy taxes. With pool hosting, you only manage your backyard. You do not have to worry about guests sleeping in your beds or using your kitchen. It is much less invasive and requires significantly less turnover time.

Vs Turo

Renting out your car on Turo means putting thousands of miles of wear and tear on your vehicle and being without transportation when you might need it. When you rent your pool, your "asset" stays exactly where it is. There is no mechanical wear and tear, and you can still use your car to run errands while guests are swimming.

Vs dog boarding

Watching pets can be unpredictable and messy. Your furniture and floors are at risk, and you are tied to the house 24/7. Pool guests are typically looking for two to four hours of recreation. They come, they swim, and they leave. Plus, you do not have to worry about a "guest" chewing on your baseboards.

For homeowners looking for inspiration from other markets, you can see how people are succeeding in places like Stafford, TX or Sachse, TX. Similar to these areas, Bastrop has a mix of suburban and rural properties that are perfect for this model. Even hosts in different climates, like Mission, TX, are seeing incredible returns on their backyard investments.

Local rules to know in Bastrop, Texas

When you start hosting, it is important to be a good neighbor. Bastrop is a friendly community, and keeping it that way ensures your long-term success.

• HOA guidelines: If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, review your bylaws. Most HOAs are fine with occasional guests, but it is always best to ensure you are in compliance with any rules regarding home-based businesses.
• Fencing and gates: Texas has specific safety requirements for pool enclosures. Ensure your fence is in good repair and your gates are self-closing and self-latching. This is not just for your guests; it is for the safety of the entire community.
• Noise levels: Be mindful of how sound carries in your neighborhood. We encourage hosts to set clear "quiet hours" and limit the use of loud amplified music to ensure neighbors are not disturbed.
• Parking: Bastrop streets vary in width. Make sure your listing clearly states where guests should park—whether that is in your driveway or specific spots on the street—to avoid blocking traffic or neighbors' access.

Getting started today

You already pay for the chemicals, the electricity, and the maintenance for your pool. It is time to let those expenses pay you back. Whether you want to fund a vacation, pay off your mortgage faster, or just have some extra play money, your backyard is the key. The demand in Bastrop is real, and the setup takes less than ten minutes.

If you are ready to see what your backyard can do, list a pool today. You can also search our current listings to see what other hosts in the area are doing to make their spaces stand out. Join the community of Bastrop homeowners who are turning their pools into profitable local destinations.