Start swim lessons at your own home pool

Parents of toddlers and school-age children, plus adult beginners who prefer a quiet, private setting.

Fee per lesson or per multi-week session. Back-to-back small groups let you earn more per hour than one-on-one lessons.

• Strong, confident swimmer
• Teaching young children
• Scheduling and organizing groups
• Water safety and pool management

• Talk to your insurance agent: homeowners policies often do not cover business use, so you may need general liability cover
• Local rules on home pools used for business, plus parking and neighbor noise
• Check whether your state requires background checks or health rules for pools open to others
• Seasonal income in colder states unless you have a heated or indoor pool
• Water and chemical upkeep costs rise with heavy use

Startup costs are typically around $200 to $2,000, depending on teaching gear, insurance and marketing. You use your own pool, so there is no rental fee. Water and chemical upkeep costs can rise with heavy use.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on how many students you teach, your lesson prices and the season. Estimates assume at least about 5 hours a week, and income may be seasonal in colder states.

Talk to your insurance agent, since homeowners policies often do not cover business use. Check local rules on home pools used for business, parking and noise, and whether your state requires background checks or health rules for pools open to others.