Homeowners in Ottawa and Gatineau have signed up to rent out their swimming pools for anywhere from $30 to more than $100 an hour, but lawyers float liability concerns as a reason to hesitate. The online service Swimply has seen brisk business since it launched in 2019 as the COVID-19 pandemic has left many people seeking safe outdoor activities close to home. Sarah Horton became one of the first hosts to sign up in the Ottawa area two years ago, as she has welcomed guests to her backyard pool in the south-end community of Barrhaven. The Grade 3 teacher saw an ad on Facebook and suggested the idea to her husband, who was initially reluctant. The pandemic then arrived and he relented. "When COVID hit, we had some financial strain in the family. [Swimply] was a great income for us and continues to be this year," said Horton. She says a typical summer day could see up to five or six bookings of her pool, especially during days like last week's heat wave, until as late as 9:00 p.m. when the city sees its longest days. "I love hearing [customers'] stories. We've celebrated birthdays here, anniversaries. ... Last week, we celebrated a two-year cancer-free party and that was really inspiring," said Horton. Liability concerns in Canada The gig economy has boosted services like this one, which some call Airbnb for pools, but personal injury lawyer Russel Molot says hosts could be on the hook for millions if someone using the pool suffered a serious injury. Molot suggested pool...
Read Full Story: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/pool-renting-ottawa-gatineau-1.6154502
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