Phoenix company rents backyard pools you don't have to clean

Do you want the luxury of a backyard pool without the maintenance and installation expense? Two Phoenix dads say they have a solution for you.

The big picture: Now Pools is a subscription service that installs and maintains an above-ground pool in your backyard during the summer months, and removes it when the weather cools off.

Zoom in: Friends Matt Young and Ross Novotny developed the concept in 2020 after realizing they needed a summer outdoor activity for their kids, but didn't want to dedicate half of their yards to a pool they'd only use a few months out of the year — or spend the $65,000-plus it would cost to install one.

What they're saying: "We were client No. 1 and 2. We saw a need and thought there might be some other people who had the same need," Novotny told Axios.

How it works: Prices range from $625-$825 per month, for a minimum of two months, depending on the pool size and subscription length.

• It includes the installation, removal and weekly maintenance to ensure appropriate water chemistry. Now Pools will also take care of any repairs needed during the rental period.

Between the lines: Over time, it may be less expensive to buy an above-ground pool. They range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the size and quality.

Yes, but: Novotny said that with Now Pools, you're really paying for the all-inclusive convenience of never dealing with the maintenance and service that make pool ownership burdensome.

• He also cautioned that above-ground pools are difficult to install correctly, are likely to need part replacements over their lifetime and may not last for multiple years.

What's next: Young and Novotny say they've received inquiries from potential customers all over the country, and hope to expand their business outside Phoenix soon.

• Now Pools also rents hot tubs now using the same model, a service that's popular in the winter, Novotny told us.