Should I give my guests access to our pool?

[Norma-and-Luis0]

Hi guys I've been go over this in my head all day and I can't seem to decide. I have recenly finished a renovation on a pool at my Airbnb and I don't know whether or not allow the guests that have already booked dates to use it. (Mind you they booked the house without a pool) I was thinking about asking the guests if they would be willing to pay a bit extra for their stay (that they have already booked and paid) in return for access to the pool but on the other hand I can see why this may leave a bad taste in a guests mouth. I don't want to risk starting off on the wrong foot. Alternatively what if I allow them access and God forbid something goes wrong there may be some liability because there was no mention on my Airbnb post of a pool. So as another option I can just close off access to the pool until the guest who have already booked without the pool are gone, but I can allow the guests who booked without the pool access to the pool, that would help with obtaining a 5 star review. Please help I'm so confused. 

[Casita-By-The-Texas-Bay0]

I would say that if you offer access to the entire house by booking your listing, then you should include access to the pool too...this will attect more guests!

[Cormac0]

@Norma-and-Luis0 

No, for all sort of reasons, one being you have to have some form of licence for the public to use it, I'm almost sure I read this on a post by a Guy who intalls pools for a living.

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

@Norma-and-Luis0 

I vote a firm NO. Just because something is there doesn't mean you HAVE TO allow access. You should clearly mention pool access is not included and there are insurance/liability issues so they are strictly prohibited from using the pool. 

[Cathy463]

I also say 'no' to pool access.  We dn't have a pool but have a farm and we quickly realised that having people, not familiar with our environment, wandering at random is not a good idea as there are many hazards.  If anything happens to visitors on our property, we are liable.  I would think it may be the same for you.  Also, do you want guests using your pool at midnight?!

[Monica1130]

I am new to Airbnb and we have a pool on the premises.  I stated in my listing that there is a pool but for the home owners use only. The problem is I have people still asking if they can use the pool.  One has offered to pay extra if they could use it.  I’m torn because of the liability issues.  I’m not sure what to do here

[Linda108]

@Monica1130   You have a lovely listing which is new and your discription is a bit confusing.  You list it as an entire apartment, but there is no kitchen.  Perhaps you have a private suite with a separate entrance, but I don't think your listing is an entire apartment.

As to the pool, why bother adding it to your listing description if it is not available to the guest.  Just delete that sentence.  Good luck!

[Monica1130]

Thank you for your response.  I am new to Airbnb and appreciate any advice!  It is a separate residence that was used by the prior owner as a business office which is why there is no kitchen.  We have provided a microwave small fridge and a coffee maker so I suppose it could be considered an efficiency. I did remove the picture of the pool!  Thank you again for pointing things out for me!

[Kim3024]

how's it going after 2 years?

[Ann489]

@Norma-and-Luis0   we do have a pool and allow guest access during certain hours.  The pool is included in our insurance.  So far, we have not had any issues, but we also do not allow children.  It is true, a pool can get you more bokings--particularly in the summer, but I would refrain from charging those who already booked an extra fee.  If you decide to include pool use,  just raise your nightly rate.