Getting Started as a Host

Welcome to the AQUASTAR host family! This handbook will guide you through everything you need to know to be a successful pool host. Whether you're hosting swim lessons, birthday parties, or rehabilitation sessions, these guidelines will help you create safe, enjoyable experiences while maximizing your earnings.

Host Success Team

Remember, you're never alone. Our Vancouver-based Host Success Team is available via, email, or in-app contact to answer any questions.

Your First 30 Days

1

Complete Your Profile

Upload high-quality photos of your pool area, write a welcoming description, and set your availability preferences in the host dashboard.

2

Safety Inspection

Our team will visit your property to ensure everything meets our premium hosting standards. This complimentary inspection takes about 30 minutes.

3

Set Service Preferences

Choose which services to offer: Celebrate (parties), Educate (lessons), or Heal (rehab). You can change this anytime.

4

Go Live & Start Earning

Once approved, your listing goes live. Most hosts receive their first booking within 1-2 weeks.

Before Each Booking

Preparation is key to a successful hosting experience. Follow this checklist before every session:

  • Check water chemistry — Ensure pH is 7.2-7.6 and chlorine is at appropriate levels
  • Clear the pool area — Remove personal items, toys, or debris
  • Test pool equipment — Verify filtration system is running properly
  • Set out towels — If providing, place clean towels in a designated area
  • Unlock access points — Ensure gates and pool area are accessible
  • Check restroom facilities — Ensure clean and stocked if guests have access
  • Review booking details — Confirm guest count, service type, and special requests
  • Have your phone ready — Keep it charged for any communications

Pro Tip

Set a recurring phone reminder 2 hours before each booking to run through this checklist. It takes just 10 minutes and makes a huge difference in guest satisfaction.

During Sessions

Your presence and preparation during active sessions ensure safety and smooth operations:

For Swim Lessons (Educate)

  • Be available on the property or nearby for the first 15 minutes
  • Introduce yourself to parents/guardians if present
  • Confirm the instructor has everything they need
  • Stay accessible via phone throughout the session
  • Respect the instructor's teaching space

For Birthday Parties (Celebrate)

  • Be on-site for the entire party duration
  • Greet the party host and parents upon arrival
  • Point out emergency equipment and restroom locations
  • Check in periodically without being intrusive
  • Be available for any facility questions

For Rehab Sessions (Heal)

  • Provide quiet, uninterrupted access to the pool
  • Be available but give space for therapeutic sessions
  • Ensure water temperature is comfortable (28-30°C)
  • Respect patient privacy and confidentiality

After Each Session

Post-session tasks ensure your pool is ready for the next booking and maintain your hosting standards:

  • Quick pool check — Skim any debris and check water clarity
  • Equipment check — Ensure all pool equipment is in place
  • Area tidy — Pick up any items left behind
  • Chemical balance — Test and adjust if needed, especially after high-use sessions
  • Secure the area — Lock gates if required by your setup
  • Rate the session — Provide feedback in the host dashboard (helps us maintain quality)

Payment Timeline

Payments are processed within 48 hours of session completion and deposited directly to your linked bank account. You can track all earnings in real-time through your host dashboard.

Weekly Maintenance Schedule

Consistent maintenance keeps your pool in premium condition and reduces long-term costs:

Task Frequency Notes
Test water chemistry Daily during hosting season pH, chlorine, alkalinity
Skim pool surface Daily Remove leaves and debris
Clean pool filters Weekly Backwash or cartridge clean
Vacuum pool floor Weekly Or use robotic cleaner
Check pool equipment Weekly Pump, heater, lights
Professional service Monthly Recommended for optimal performance

AQUASTAR Maintenance Support

Hosts receive complimentary access to our pool maintenance partner network with preferred rates. Contact Host Success for recommendations in your area.

Maximizing Your Earnings

Smart hosts use these strategies to increase their monthly income:

Service Mix Optimization

Service Type Hours/Week Monthly Earnings Best For
Swim Lessons (Educate) 10-15 hours $1,100 - $2,000 Steady, consistent income
Rehab Sessions (Heal) 3-7 hours $400 - $1,100 Weekday mornings
Pool Parties (Celebrate) 4-8 hours $1,400 - $3,200 Weekend premium rates
Combined (All Three) 15-30 hours $3,000 - $6,500+ Maximum earning potential

Earnings Boosters

  • Maintain 4.8+ rating — Higher-rated hosts get priority booking placement
  • Offer flexible hours — Early morning and evening slots are in high demand
  • Keep calendar updated — Available hosts appear first in search
  • Respond quickly — Fast response times improve your host ranking
  • Add premium amenities — Pool toys, floaties, and BBQ access can increase rates
  • Seasonal promotions — Offer discounts during slower periods to maintain occupancy

Host Etiquette & Best Practices

Professional conduct builds your reputation and leads to repeat bookings:

  • Be punctual — Have the pool ready 15 minutes before each booking
  • Communicate proactively — Reach out if any issues arise
  • Respect privacy — Don't take photos of guests without permission
  • Be welcoming — A friendly greeting sets the tone
  • Stay professional — Maintain appropriate boundaries with all guests
  • Handle issues gracefully — Contact Host Success for any concerns
  • Follow up — Thank regular instructors and therapists for their business

Review System

After each session, both you and the guest/instructor can leave reviews. High ratings improve your visibility and allow you to charge premium rates. We monitor all feedback to ensure quality across our network.

Emergency Procedures

While emergencies are rare, being prepared is essential:

In Case of Emergency

1

Ensure Safety First

All AQUASTAR instructors and therapists are certified in First Aid and CPR. Let them take the lead in any medical situation.

2

Call 911 if Needed

For serious emergencies, call 911 immediately. Your safety and the safety of guests is the top priority.

3

Contact AQUASTAR

Reach us out through our contact page. We'll provide immediate support and guide you through next steps.

4

Document the Incident

Write down what happened while it's fresh. This helps with insurance claims if needed.

Emergency Contact Card

Keep a card by your pool with: 911 if any Emergency, call!

Quick FAQ

Can I cancel a booking?

Yes, but we ask for at least 48 hours notice for non-emergency cancellations. Frequent cancellations may affect your host status.

What if my pool needs repairs?

Contact Host Success immediately. We can help you block your calendar and may provide temporary income protection for qualifying situations.

Can I set minimum booking hours?

Yes, you can set minimum durations for each service type in your dashboard. Most hosts set 1-hour minimums for lessons and 2-hour minimums for parties.

How do taxes work?

You're responsible for reporting income. We provide annual tax documents (T4A in Canada) by February 28th each year.

Ready to Start Hosting?

Apply now and join the Lower Mainland families earning $1,000-$7,000+ monthly while making a community impact.

Apply to Become a Host