CANFIELD TWP., Ohio - With the summer heat beating down in the Mahoning Valley, a well needed break jumping into a pool is one of the best ways to feel refreshed. And if the community pools and splash pads are too crowded for you, there’s still a way to kick back at someone else's home through a website called Swimply.

The site connects you to people nearby who are accepting visitors to their pools for a fee. 

Rob and Mary Lasorsa just started renting their pool in Canfield this summer and say it's a lot of work but it’s a business to them.

“It goes beyond anything to be able to say ‘oh I got the whole pool to myself,’” Mary said.

“In this area where there’s less pools, a condensed summer it's pretty hot obviously it could be a valuable idea,” Rob said. 

With listing a pool on your own property comes some legalities. Local attorneys advise renters to make sure the city or township allows you to run a business from your home and that you’re protected from any liabilities like injuries under your homeowners insurance.

“It wouldn't necessarily stop you from being sued but you would at least have that coverage, that protection from your insurance company…you're never safe…it's a big risk,” Mike Yacovone, an attorney at Ingram, Grimm & Yacovone said. 

Yacavone also added that the home may need to have proper fencing, signage, be ADA compliant, follow health codes and may require a lifeguard if it falls under a commercial business. 

On the other hand, if you're a visitor asked to sign any waivers Yacovone says to read it over carefully.

“Think about what you're signing, think about the rights you're singing away. There's obvious implications as far as safety to you, your family,” he said. 

In 2023, a judge ruled in favor of the Boardman Trustees over a lawsuit with a homeowner using Swimply. A homeowner was renting out their backyard pool for hundreds of dollars. Neighbors began complaining about noise violations and traffic backups with so many cars on the street. 

The trustees claimed the pool parties violated the city's zoning policies and a judge prohibited the homeowner from any future advertising, organizing, promoting, hosting or permitting any social gatherings. 

Rob and Mary say they’ve taken the proper precautions. They meticulously keep the pool area clean and even put in extra work to provide more comfort for customers like spraying for bugs, providing towels, snacks and allowing access to the basement living room. 

At nearly $50 an hour they typically see families and younger adults just trying to cool off and have no problem providing the fun for those summer memories.

“You can jump if you want to, you can splash, go off the diving board,” Mary said. 

“We just want to see them have a good experience and that's with any business,” Rob said.

The Lasorsa's listing can be found here.