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

St Albans homeowners know how humid a West Virginia summer gets. When the sun beats down on the Kanawha Valley, everyone is looking for a way to cool off. While some head to the river or the local park, many families are searching for a private, quiet place to swim. If you have a pool in your backyard, you are sitting on an asset that could pay for your entire mortgage or a luxury vacation. By renting your pool by the hour to neighbors and vetted guests, you can turn your backyard into a significant income stream without the hassle of a traditional second job.

Why St Albans pool owners are listing now

The demand for private swimming spaces has never been higher. Families in St Albans and nearby Nitro or South Charleston want safe, clean environments for birthday parties, low-impact exercise, or just a relaxing afternoon away from crowded public facilities. For a host, this is the perfect time to monetize a pool that might otherwise sit empty for most of the day.

Most pool owners only use their backyard a few hours a week. The rest of the time, you are paying for chemicals, electricity, and maintenance. Listing your pool allows your backyard to pay for itself. We see hosts across the country, from our community in Springfield, TN to those just starting out in Springboro, OH, finding that the extra income covers their annual maintenance costs in just the first few weeks of the season.

What you can earn in St Albans

Your earning potential depends on your amenities and your availability. In a market like St Albans, typical hourly rates range from $40/hour to $150/hour.

A standard above-ground pool with a clean deck might start at $40/hour. If you have an in-ground pool with a heater, a slide, or an outdoor kitchen, you can easily command $75/hour to $100/hour. For large groups or specialized events like graduation parties, many hosts charge $150/hour or more.

The West Virginia climate creates a distinct seasonal swing. Your peak earning window runs from late May through early September. During these months, weekend slots are prime real estate. If you book just ten hours on a weekend at $75/hour, that is $750 in a single weekend. Over a four-month season, that adds up to $12,000. Even on weekdays, local parents often look for two-hour blocks in the afternoon to entertain kids, providing a steady stream of "passive" income while you are at work or inside your house.

How it works

Getting started is simple and designed to put the homeowner in control of everything.

1. Create your listing. Upload clear photos of your pool and backyard. Set your hourly price and define your house rules, such as maximum guest count or whether you allow pets.
2. Set your schedule. Use our calendar to mark when your pool is available. You can block off times for your own family use or keep it open seven days a week to maximize profit.
3. Chat with guests. When a booking request comes in, you can message the guest to understand their needs. You have the final say on who comes onto your property.
4. Get paid. After the booking is complete, funds are deposited directly into your account. We handle the payment processing so you never have to deal with cash or awkward conversations.

What's covered

We believe the host should keep more of what they earn. That is why we offer a transparent fee structure and industry-leading protection.

• 10% flat host fee. While other platforms like Swimply charge 15% or more, we keep our fee at a flat 10%. This means more money stays in your pocket for every hour you rent.
• $2M liability insurance. We include two million dollars in liability insurance on every single booking. Your homeowners' policy likely does not cover commercial activity; our coverage provides the peace of mind you need to host confidently.
• Vetted guests. You are not opening your gates to just anyone. Guests are required to have verified profiles, and our rating system allows you to see feedback from other hosts before you accept a booking.
• 24/7 support. If you have a question about a booking or need help with a guest, our team is available around the clock to assist you.

St Albans vs other side hustles

If you are looking for ways to earn extra money, you have likely looked at other platforms. Here is how pool hosting compares to the alternatives.

Vs Airbnb or VRBO: Running a short-term rental requires you to manage a whole house. You have to wash linens, scrub toilets, and worry about guests sleeping in your beds. With pool hosting, the "mess" stays outside. Most guests bring their own towels and leave after a few hours. It is much less invasive than having someone live in your home.

Vs Turo: Renting out your car means adding thousands of miles of wear and tear to a depreciating asset. It also leaves you without a vehicle when you might need it. Your pool is already there, its value is stable, and renting it out does not "wear out" the water.

Vs Dog Boarding: Services like Rover can be lucrative, but they involve having strange animals in your living space and the potential for property damage or noise. Groups of people in your backyard are much easier to manage and do not require you to provide 24-hour care.

Host success is common in many different markets, including those in Beaverton, OR and Speedway, IN. St Albans offers a similar opportunity for homeowners who want high returns with relatively low effort.

Local rules to know in St Albans, West Virginia

Before you host your first guest, it is important to ensure your backyard is compliant with standard safety practices. While St Albans is generally a host-friendly area, you should check your specific homeowner association (HOA) bylaws if you live in a managed community. Most HOAs are fine with it as long as you manage noise and parking.

Safety is the priority. Ensure your pool area is enclosed by a proper fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate. This is a standard safety requirement throughout West Virginia. It is also a good idea to have basic safety equipment nearby, such as a life ring or a reaching pole. We recommend posting your specific pool rules clearly on your listing and near the pool deck so guests know exactly what you expect regarding diving, glass containers, and supervision of children.

Getting started today

Your backyard is an untapped source of income. While your neighbors are spending money on chlorine and filters, you could be the one getting paid to maintain your oasis. Whether you want to save for a new car, pay off your mortgage early, or just offset the cost of your summer fun, hosting is the most efficient way to do it. We have helped thousands of hosts across the country, from Olive Branch, MS to right here in West Virginia, build successful rental businesses.

Ready to see how much your St Albans pool can earn? Search for pools near you to see the local competition or list your pool today and start your first booking within 24 hours.