How I Started a Lucrative Side Hustle in My Backyard: Step-by-Step Guide for You to get started with your backyard hustle
- Have you ever dreamt of a side hustle that not only brings in extra income but also allows you the comfort of working from your own home? If you have a swimming pool and a knack for swimming, your backyard might just be the goldmine you’ve been overlooking. I stumbled upon this realization a few years back, and today, I run a thriving summer swimming school right from my backyard. Here’s how my journey began and how you can embark on a similar venture.
- My Journey to Starting a Backyard Swimming School
- Back in college, I taught adaptive aquatics to adults and children with special needs, igniting my love for the water and instructing. Fast forward to owning a home with a beautiful pool, I managed to teach my two kids and my best friend since college how to swim in one summer, I found myself pondering, “How can I monetize this asset?” Renting out the pool was one idea, but I craved something more personal and impactful. That’s when the idea of a swimming school bubbled to the surface.
- I took the necessary steps to become certified as a Water Safety Instructor, registered my business with New York State, and ensured compliance with all local codes. It was not a little walk in the park—teaching swimming is physically demanding, involving 3 to 4 hours daily in the pool. However, the joy of watching kids transform from timid to confident swimmers made every effort worthwhile. Steps to Start Your Own Backyard Swimming School
- If you’re contemplating this rewarding side hustle, here are key steps and considerations to get your swimming school off the ground. Grab your notebook!
- Certification and Compliance
- Obtain a Water Safety Instructor certificate to ensure you’re equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.
- Register your business with your state for legal operation
- Familiarize yourself with and adhere to local zoning laws and safety regulations.
- Neighborly Considerations
- Be mindful of the noise levels. Inform your students about keeping the noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the peace. Communication with neighbors is key. Let them know about your venture and how you plan to manage noise and ensure safety.
- Safety Protocols
- Clearly mark safe areas around the pool.
- Have lifesaving equipment readily available, including a “rescue lifeguard thingy” (lifesaver ring or rescue tube) and a fully stocked CPR kit.
- Establish and enforce strict safety guidelines for kids to follow around the water.
- Teaching Water Safety. Make water safety instruction the first lesson for every student. Teach them to respect the water and understand basic safety practices. Incorporate fun, engaging methods to keep children attentive and enthusiastic about learning.
- Water Safety Tips for Kids
- Here are a few essential water safety tips every child should learn:
- 1. Never Swim Alone. Always swim with a buddy and under the supervision of an adult.
- 2. Stay Within Designated Areas. Swim only in areas that are safe and have been approved by an adult.
- 3. Learn to Float. Mastering how to float can save lives, providing crucial moments to call for help.
- 4. Follow Pool Rules. Respect all pool rules and signs. They are there for everyone’s safety.
- To enhance the learning experience and ensure safety for the young swimmers at your backyard swimming school, incorporating various swimming aids and tools is essential. Here's a comprehensive list of swimming tools and accessories to consider when starting your swimming school. These items all are available on Amazon.
- Swim Goggles. Protect the eyes from chlorine and improve underwater vision. Having extra pairs on hand ensures that every child can see clearly and comfortably while swimming.
- Swim Bar. Great for beginners, they provide buoyancy and help children feel more secure as they learn to balance and move in the water.
- Swimming Noodles. Flexible and fun, noodles are excellent for teaching buoyancy, balance, and can be used in a variety of swimming games and exercises.
- Kickboards. These help focus on leg strength and kicking techniques by providing support to the upper body, allowing swimmers to concentrate on their kicks.
- Pull Buoys. Placed between the legs, pull buoys help swimmers focus on upper body strength and stroke technique by preventing kicking.
- Life Jackets. For absolute beginners and for safety, life jackets can provide the necessary confidence and security to those who are just getting accustomed to being in the water.
- Water Dumbbells. Used for resistance training in the water, these can help build strength and endurance in young swimmers.
- Diving Rings and Sticks. Encourage underwater swimming and breath control. They can be used for retrieval games, making learning to swim fun and engaging.
- Swim Caps. Keep hair out of the face and reduce drag in the water. They can also help protect hair from chlorine damage.
- Colorful Toys. Bright, engaging toys can be used to attract children's attention and encourage them to move through the water to retrieve them.
- Underwater Pool Lights. For evening sessions, these can make the pool more inviting and enhance visibility.
- First Aid Kit. A fully equipped first aid kit is essential for dealing with any minor injuries or accidents that may occur.
- Sunscreen. To protect both the instructor's and the children’s skin during outdoor sessions.
- Whistles. For the instructor to get attention quickly and maintain control during lessons.
- Temperature Gauge. To ensure the water is at a comfortable and safe temperature for lessons. For children to enjoy their swim lessons, the ideal water temperature is between 81 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Earning Potential
- Depending on your location, the competition, and the quality of your offering, a backyard swimming school can easily generate between $7,000 to $10,000 per month. Pricing plays a crucial role in your earnings. For instance, if you charge $30 for a 30-minute session, which is on the lower end of the spectrum, and conduct back-to-back lessons for 4 hours each day, here's a simple breakdown:
- A. Charging $30 for 30 Minutes
- $30 per session x 8 sessions a day = $240 per day
- $240 per day x 5 days a week = $1,200 per week
- $1,200 per week x 4 weeks = $4,800 per month
- B. Charging $40 for 30 Minutes
- $40 per session x 8 sessions a day = $320 per day
- $320 per day x 5 days a week = $1,600 per week
- $1,600 per week x 4 weeks = $6,400 per month
- C. Charging $45 for 30 Minutes
- $45 per session x 8 sessions a day = $360 per day
- $360 per day x 5 days a week = $1,800 per week
- $1,800 per week x 4 weeks = $7,200 per month
- These calculations demonstrate the substantial impact that slight increases in session rates can have on your overall monthly earnings. By adjusting your rates to $40 or $45 for a 30-minute session, your monthly income could significantly increase, ranging from $6,400 to $7,200, respectively. This does not account for potential additional income from group sessions, special programs, or swim-related merchandise sales, which could further enhance your profitability.
- To enhance your earnings, consider the following strategies
- Group Lessons
- Offering group sessions at a slightly reduced rate per participant can attract more clients while increasing your hourly earnings.
- Advanced Classes
- Implement levels or special skills classes (like diving or competitive swimming techniques) that command higher fees.
- Seasonal Camps
- Organize swim camps during school breaks. These can be half-day or full-day camps with a set fee, providing intensive learning experiences.
- Special Events
- Host birthday parties or private events at your pool, offering swimming fun under professional supervision.
- Merchandise and Gear
- Sell swimming gear like goggles, swim caps, or branded merchandise as an additional revenue stream.
- However, this calculation only considers a part-time commitment. Increasing the hours of operation or days worked per week significantly boosts your income. Furthermore, during peak seasons, with a more intensive schedule and potentially higher rates due to demand, reaching up to the $10,000 range becomes feasible.
- Running a backyard swimming school is not only a fulfilling way to share your passion for swimming but also an excellent way to generate significant income. With strategic planning, effective marketing, and a focus on quality and safety, you can establish a thriving business right in your backyard. As you gain experience and build your reputation, you can adjust your pricing and offerings to maximize profits, making your swimming school a sought-after destination for learning and fun in your community.
- Enhancing Convenience and Hygiene
- Privacy for changing, provides a private space for students to change clothes before and after swimming lessons, ensuring comfort and privacy.
- Restroom facilities, eliminates the need for students or guardians to enter your home for bathroom use, maintaining privacy for your living space and reducing foot traffic. By having a dedicated restroom facility, you minimize the risk of waterborne contaminants entering your pool, contributing to a healthier swimming environment.
- Benefits of Changing Facilities In Your Backyard
- Having changing and restroom facilities readily available helps in maintaining the schedule of back-to-back swimming lessons without delays. Parents and guardians will appreciate the thoughtfulness of providing such facilities, potentially improving enrollment and recommendations. Depending on local regulations, providing restroom facilities might be necessary for operating a business like a swimming school out of your home.
- Implementation Tips if You’re Using a Port-a-potty
- Choose a porta potty that is spacious, well-ventilated, and equipped with hand sanitizer or a handwashing station.
- Ensure the unit is cleaned and serviced regularly to maintain hygiene and comfort for users.
- Position the porta potty in a convenient yet discreet location within your backyard, ensuring easy access without interfering with the aesthetic or functionality of your swimming area.
- Make sure to inform students and guardians about the facilities available to them. This can be included in your welcome packet or introduction email.
- Adding an outside porta potty to your backyard swimming school setup is a smart move that elevates the level of professionalism and care you offer to your students and their families. It not only caters to basic human needs but also streamlines the operation of your lessons, enhances satisfaction, and potentially increases enrollment. By focusing on such details, you further establish your reputation as a thoughtful and well-prepared instructor, setting your side hustle apart from the competition.
- Starting with a Tent, A More Practical Setup
- This initial setup demonstrates that starting a backyard swimming school can be both affordable and practical. By beginning with a simple tent setup for changing and restroom facilities, you can create a welcoming and functional space for your students. This approach not only keeps costs low but also allows you to grow your business organically, investing back into it as your client base and revenue increase. Remember, the key to success is providing great value and ensuring the safety and comfort of your students, not necessarily how much you spend on facilities
- Tent Selection. Choose a sturdy 10x10 tent that can provide ample space for changing and a makeshift restroom. Ensure it offers privacy and is weather-resistant.
- Interior Setup. Laying down a beautiful carpet can make the space more comfortable and inviting. This minor addition can transform the tent from a mere changing area to a cozy, welcoming space.
- Portable Sink and Toilet. Incorporating a portable sink and toilet within the tent is essential for hygiene and convenience. A simple portable handwashing station and a portable toilet are sufficient for starting. These facilities allow children to wash their hands and use the restroom without needing to enter your home.
- Ventilation. Ensure the tent is well-ventilated to keep the interior comfortable, especially during the warmer months. This can be achieved through vents or openings that can be covered for privacy.
- Maintenance. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the tent, carpet, portable sink, and toilet are crucial to ensure hygiene and comfort for all users.
- Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability
- Starting with a tent allows you to manage costs effectively while still providing essential services. This setup can be easily upgraded or scaled according to the growth of your swimming school and the feedback from your clients. As your business expands and generates more revenue, you might consider investing in more permanent structures or higher-end portable restrooms to enhance your offerings.
- Benefits of Starting Small
- Low Initial Investment. Reduces the financial risk and allows you to test the waters of your new venture without significant upfront costs. A tent can be set up and taken down as needed, offering flexibility based on the season or demand. Starting small gives you the chance to receive feedback from your clients, which can guide your decisions on future investments and improvements. Starting a side hustle, particularly a backyard swimming school, exemplifies a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, passion for teaching, and the clever utilization of personal assets to generate a lucrative income. This venture not only capitalizes on the increasing demand for personalized, convenient swimming lessons but also offers the satisfaction of imparting essential life skills to others. From the initial, modest setup with a 10x10 tent for changing and restroom facilities to the potential of earning between $6,400 to $7,200 monthly by charging $40 to $45 for 30-minute sessions, the financial and personal rewards are evident.
- The strategic approach of starting small with cost-effective solutions like a portable toilet and sink, alongside minimal yet functional changing areas, underscores the practicality and accessibility of this side hustle to a wide audience. It's a testament to the fact that significant initial investment isn't a prerequisite for success; rather, thoughtful planning, quality service provision, and a customer-centric mindset pave the way for profitable outcomes.
- Moreover, the potential to scale the business, by enhancing facilities, diversifying offerings, and adjusting pricing strategies in response to demand and competition, highlights the dynamic nature of this side hustle. It's an entrepreneurial journey that not only promises financial gains but also offers the intrinsic rewards of fostering safety, confidence, and joy in the water among children and adults alike.
- Starting a backyard swimming school as a side hustle embodies the essence of innovative entrepreneurship. It leverages existing resources—your swimming pool and skillset—to address a market need, all while providing flexibility, significant income potential, and the joy of making a positive impact on individuals' lives. Whether you're looking to supplement your income, pursue a passion, or start a fully-fledged business, the journey of establishing a swimming school in your backyard showcases the vast possibilities that await those willing to dive into the entrepreneurial waters. With proper planning, certification, and a commitment to safety, you can transform your pool into a vibrant learning hub. If you’ve ever considered leveraging your love for swimming into a profitable venture, there’s no better time than now to dive in!
Checkout some of the items you'll need for your backyard swim school!