Swimming pool

A water-rated smartwatch can count laps, track strokes and measure distance in the pool. The results depend heavily on setup. Enter the wrong pool length or forget water lock and your data will be off. Here is how to use your smartwatch for swimming the right way.

Check Your Water Rating First

Look for at least 5 ATM or a swim-proof rating. Watches rated only IP68 may handle splashes but are not always meant for laps. Our guide on what 5 ATM means and IP68 vs 10 ATM explain the ratings.

Set the Pool Length

Pool Type Length Common Where
Short course yards 25 yards Most US gyms and schools
Short course meters 25 meters Many hotels, some US pools
Long course meters 50 meters Olympic-size pools
Custom Any length Hotel and home pools

Ask the front desk if you are unsure. A 25-yard pool entered as 25 meters adds about 9 percent extra distance.

Step-by-Step Setup

  1. Start a Pool Swim workout, not Open Water.
  2. Enter the pool length before your first lap.
  3. Turn on water lock so splashes do not press the screen. Many watches do this automatically.
  4. Push off firmly from the wall, since turns help the watch count laps.
  5. Pause or use the rest button between sets.

How Lap Counting Works

The watch detects your arm strokes and the change of direction at each wall. Clean push-offs and consistent strokes help it count accurately. Mid-pool stops, drills with no arm movement and kicking with a board can confuse it. Most apps let you edit lap counts afterward.

Heart Rate in the Water

Optical heart rate sensors struggle in water because the watch moves and water gets under the sensor. Wear the watch snug and slightly higher on the wrist. Some brands support a swim-specific chest strap that stores data and syncs after. See how optical heart rate sensors work.

After Your Swim

Turn off water lock, which on some watches pushes water out of the speaker. Rinse the watch with fresh water if the pool is chlorinated, then dry it. Read what to do after swimming in salt water or a pool.

Final Thoughts

To use your smartwatch for swimming, confirm the water rating, choose Pool Swim, enter the correct pool length, turn on water lock and push off cleanly at each wall. Edit laps afterward if needed and rinse the watch after chlorine. These steps make your swim data far more reliable.

FAQs

Why is my swim distance wrong?

Often the pool length is set wrong. Check yards versus meters.

Can my watch count laps during kick sets?

Usually not well. It relies on arm strokes, so edit laps after.

Do I need water lock on?

Yes. It stops water from pressing buttons or the screen.