ISO Watch for swimming

Irina

I swim 3 times a week in our local pool and hope to increase it to 4 times in October. I usually swim for 40-45 minutes but I don’t count laps. I would like to know what distance I swim daily. I don’t wear a watch IRL, my walking app is on my phone. I would like it all to be in one place, so I’ve been looking for fitness watches for pool, gym and walking.

I don’t know if Apple watch is suitable for swimming but I don’t want something that expensive to be destroyed by chlorine water.

Any recommendations?

3 months ago

Off Topic

12 replies

Latest reply was from Joy

JAileen

Veteran

This is so funny, I’ve just been looking into this too. I’ve returned to lap swimming this summer after decades away. We have a beautiful municipal pool that just opened nearby.

I didn’t know keeping track of distance was even possible, but Runcarla mentioned she had a Garmin that kept track. I talked to a woman yesterday who was about to get in the pool and was setting her Apple watch. She said hers was one of the newer ones. Online, I’ve read about Garmins, and I liked the Garmin Swim 2. I hate to spend the money until I know I’m really going to stick with it, because I already have a watch I like. In the meantime, I’m taking some nickels and pennies to keep track. I’d like to know what you end up with.

3 months ago

Theodora

Active Member

I’m not even sure how old my Apple Watch is at this point, but I’ve worn it in the shower, doing laps in the pool frequently, washing dishes and even in the ocean! Never an issue, there is a function after doing laps where you can actually expel any water, it is fun! I also chose it because of the lap counting, as I get so zen when I am swimming that I stop paying attention.

On the other hand, not sure if there are less expensive options out there if all you want it for is counting laps…

3 months ago

cat2

Veteran

I like my Apple Watch for this. If you set it to swim, it should be protected, and when you tell it you are done, it reverts to normal mode. Different models have different levels of water tightness. It also tracks steps and keeps track of all your data in one place.

3 months ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I use my Apple watch for this, and I have the cheaper SE version which is now also more than 3 years old. It works just fine in the water. Clocks distance, strokes, all manner of stuff.

3 months ago

SarahD8

Veteran

I use my Garmin SQ2 for this, it’s logged over a year now of 30-minute swims 5 or 6 days a week and still seems like brand new.

Only problem is it’s somewhat large for my very tiny wrists so I don’t love wearing it in everyday life. But I think that would be an issue with almost any smartwatch.

3 months ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

My Fitbit (the Inspire model) is wearable for swimming as well as walking.

3 months ago

Irina

Veteran

Thank you very much for your responses. I’m surprised that Apple watch is used by a number of people. Makes me more comfortable to consider it. My DH also suggests I get it since all my other devices are Apple and they would work better together.

3 months ago

Runcarla

Veteran

When I forget to charge my Garmin, I use pennies. I have 20 in a small Tupperware container. I dump the pennies in the lid, and transfer one to the container after each down-and-back (50m). 20 pennies = 1000m, then start again until goal distance achieved. I actually had to do this today! LOL!

3 months ago

JAileen

Veteran

Here’s another lap counting option that’s cheaper than a Garmin or Apple watch, a lap counting ring:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod.....#038;psc=1

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3 months ago

Murph11

Veteran

When I was training / lap-swimming, I used this one, JAlieen! Loved it! I recently pulled it out of my swim kit to use it to time my cold water plunges, but the little finger strap broke (after years of wear).

3 months ago

JAileen

Veteran

Hi Murph, that’s great to hear! My ring counter should be delivered today. I’ve also ordered a bracelet with beads for counting. I was using coins, but I lost one yesterday. When I don’t have to count I enjoy it so much more.

2 months ago

Joy

Veteran

This is funny. I recently talked with a friend who used to swim laps. She has not been swimming for three years after she could not lift her arms above her waist to do hair and makeup due to the repudiative nature of swimming laps. She was advised to get a trainer. Do not do anything somewhat repedative. She thought she was doing something good.

2 months ago

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