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With Memorial Day behind us, and hot, humid weather becoming the daily norm, it's officially pool season.
As states slowly begin to reopen and travel restrictions are lifted, those of us without our own pools may be considering booking a getaway that includes one. While crowded hotel pools don't sound too appealing right now, secluded pools at private Airbnbs sure do. Of course, if you're looking for a simple above-ground pool solution for your own backyard, we can help you out with that too.
If you're wondering whether Airbnbs are safe right now, we spoke with experts who said staying at an Airbnb as opposed to a hotel may actually be one of the safer options, especially if booking the entire house so there are no interactions with hosts or other guests.
Airbnb also recently implemented new procedures and cleaning policies, which include new protocols like only using disinfectants approved by regulatory authorities. Some listings also maintain a 24-waiting period after a guest checks out before entering to clean, followed by another 48-hour waiting period before guests check-in. Alternatively, hosts may opt into a Booking Buffer, which enforces a 72-hour vacancy period between stays.
Hosts can also choose to do neither of these options. And while some hosts are also outlining new cleaning procedures right in the listings (noted below), most travelers may feel safest wiping down surfaces themselves and taking extra precautions like running dishes through the dishwasher before use. Of course, then you're also having clean when you arrive, on top of likely paying a cleaning fee.
If you're okay with those potential risks and inconveniences, then Airbnb can be a good option for a socially distant summer vacation. We also asked experts to weigh in on other travel risks like renting a car, flying, and more, so you can feel safe getting to your planned destination.
However, it's important to note that without a vaccine, there is no guarantee as to safety. We strongly advise following guidelines and advice from organizations such as the CDC and WHO, and practicing safety measures including wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining social distancing. It's also necessary to check travel restrictions and guidelines for the state you plan on visiting since many still have mandatory quarantines for out-of-staters.
With all that in mind, if you're ready to kick summer off by cannonballing straight into the deep end, we rounded up some excellent Airbnbs with pools across the country. We used the following criteria for our selections: