Murcia homeowners are cashing in by renting out their pools by the hour

Bookings have soared as people look for a more private way to cool off during the punishing Murcia summer

With another scorching summer gripping the Region of Murcia, more homeowners are turning their swimming pools into a side hustle by renting them out for the day.

The idea has taken off in recent weeks, with platforms like Cocopool reporting a 160% jump in bookings as people look for somewhere private to cool off without heading to the beach or a busy public pool.

Around 60 pool owners in the Region of Murcia are now advertising their gardens and pools by the hour, giving families, couples and groups of friends the chance to enjoy a few hours in the sun without the crowds.

One of them is Silvestre López from Sangonera la Seca, who says the extra income makes the effort worthwhile.

"I leave here at 10 in the morning and when I come back, I have €400 or €500 more in my account," he said.

Silvestre was one of the first people in the Region to sign up and already has around 15 bookings lined up this summer. His property includes a pool, barbecue, sun loungers and plenty of outdoor space, making it an attractive option for day visitors.

Although some homeowners might worry about inviting strangers onto their property, he says his experience has been overwhelmingly positive.

"I'd say 95% of guests have been great," he explained. To protect himself, he asks for a €200 deposit, which is returned once he's checked everything is in good condition.

Most of the time he doesn't even meet the guests. They collect a key from a secure lockbox, enjoy the day and leave everything behind when they go.

For Silvestre, the extra cash helps cover the ever-growing cost of maintaining the pool, including water, chlorine and general upkeep. It also gives him the motivation to keep the property looking its best.

Not everyone has found it so easy, though. Another host, María José, has decided to stop renting out her pool because fitting the cleaning and preparation around her job simply became too much.

With temperatures continuing to soar across Spain, though, private pool rentals look set to remain one of the summer's fastest-growing trends.

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