The 80°F Pool Rule: Save Money & Score Better Guest Reviews
When you manage a vacation rental, every little detail can make or break your success. From sparkling clean kitchens to cozy beds, everything matters — and yes, that includes your pool temperature. One of the smartest (and simplest) strategies you can use to boost your reviews, attract more guests, and optimize your expenses is sticking to the 80°F Pool Rule.
Here's why keeping your pool at 80°F year-round is a game-changer for your vacation rental business:
Save Money Without Sacrificing Comfort
Heating a pool can get expensive fast, especially if you're constantly adjusting the temperature based on weather changes or guest preferences. Setting your pool at a consistent 80°F helps optimize energy usage. It's warm enough to feel comfortable for most guests but cool enough to avoid skyrocketing electricity bills.
Plus, maintaining a steady temperature puts less strain on your equipment, helping you avoid costly maintenance issues down the line — another big win for your bottom line.
Impress Your Guests (and Win More 5-Star Reviews)
Happy guests mean better reviews, and better reviews mean more reservations. It's a simple formula. No one wants to jump into an ice-cold pool or wait hours for the water to warm up. By keeping the pool ready and comfortable, you create a better experience from the minute your guests arrive.
Many vacationers choose a vacation rental over a hotel specifically because of amenities like a private pool. When guests find a pool that's clean, warm, and ready to use, it adds a memorable touch to their stay — making them more likely to leave glowing feedback and help you achieve that Superhost or Premier Host status.
Avoid Complaints Before They Happen
One of the easiest ways to avoid negative feedback is by setting expectations and delivering consistently. With a pool maintained at 80°F, you remove a common pain point: guests who feel disappointed because the pool isn't usable. Avoiding complaints about the pool temperature keeps your guest communication positive and focused on the highlights of their trip, leading to smoother stays and better reviews.
Stay Competitive in Your Market
In competitive vacation rental markets, like beach towns or sunny cities, a heated pool can set your property apart. But only if it's truly ready for use. A cold pool can feel like a broken promise — especially if your listing highlights it as a top feature.
Optimizing your property's amenities, including keeping the pool at an ideal temperature, ensures your listing stays attractive compared to others. Remember, guests often use search filters like "heated pool" when booking. Stay competitive by making sure your pool not only qualifies but delights.
The Bottom Line
Following the 80°F Pool Rule is a simple but powerful way to save money, improve guest satisfaction, and drive more success for your vacation rental. It's a small detail that plays a big role in achieving more reservations, better reviews, and standing out as a Superhost in your market.
Consistency is key — and when it comes to your pool, a steady 80°F could be your secret weapon.