'Rent-a-pool' app launches in Australia

That's the message 22-year-old American entrepreneur Bunim Laskin is bringing to Australia this summer with the launch of his "rent-a-pool" app.

Swimply, an Airbnb-type arrangement for pools that connects owners of private pools with people looking for a swim spot, launched in Australia on Tuesday.

Mr Laskin - the eldest of 12 children - says the idea for Swimply came to him "out of necessity" on a hot summer day.

Through the app, users can rent nearby pools by the hour, while owners can benefit by off-setting expensive pool maintenance costs.

"Australians love the outdoors and with the country's long summers we are excited to be able to democratise the pool experience so every Australian can enjoy affordable access to this summertime luxury," Mr Laskin said in a statement.

Hosts on the app are able to choose the days and times their pool is available as well as the number of guests, whether children are allowed and whether you can bring your own food.

The app has so far expanded only into NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

NSW Better Regulation Minister Kevin Anderson says the sharing economy is estimated to contribute more than $500 million per year to the state's economy "with more and more people getting on board every day".

"It is important to know where you stand in terms of insurance when signing up as a host," he told AAP in a statement on Tuesday.

"If your insurer doesn't cover you for share economy activities then you should find a policy that does."

Almost three million Australians live in houses with a swimming pool according to Roy Morgan research.

Australian Associated Press