Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers for Swimming

Overview

Staying active and monitoring our fitness progress has become a crucial part of modern living. Whether you’re an avid swimmer, a casual pool-goer, or even a professional athlete, having the right tools to track your aquatic workouts is invaluable. That’s where waterproof fitness trackers for swimming come into play.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re about to dive headfirst into the world of waterproof fitness trackers tailored for swimmers. We’ll explore why these devices matter, break down the essential features to consider, showcase some of the best options available, and answer some important questions to help you find the perfect companion for your aquatic fitness journey.

We’ll cover everything from the accuracy of swim tracking to heart rate monitoring, and explore the unique features and benefits of top waterproof fitness trackers on the market, such as the Fitbit Versa 2, Garmin Swim 2, Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, and more. We’ll also provide tips for properly caring for your waterproof fitness tracker, so you can keep it in top condition for years to come.

Benefits of using a fitness tracker for swimming

There are many benefits of using a fitness tracker to monitor your swimming workouts. Here are some of the most significant advantages:

1. Tracking Progress: A fitness tracker can help you keep track of your progress in the pool, from the number of laps you swim to your average lap time, helping you monitor your progress over time.
2. Goal Setting: Setting goals is a great way to stay motivated and track your progress toward achieving them. A fitness tracker can help you set and achieve goals, such as swimming a certain distance or completing a set number of laps.
3. Improved Performance: By tracking your progress and setting goals, you can work to improve your swimming technique and overall performance. You can analyze your stroke, your pace, and your rest intervals to identify areas where you can make improvements.
4. Heart Rate Monitoring: Some fitness trackers come with built-in heart rate monitoring, which can help you ensure that you are swimming at an appropriate level of intensity to maximize your workout’s benefits.
5. Convenience: A fitness tracker is a convenient way to monitor your swimming workout, as it can provide real-time feedback on important metrics such as distance, pace, and stroke count.

Overall, using a fitness tracker for swimming can help you stay motivated, monitor your progress, and make improvements in your technique and overall performance. It’s an essential tool for anyone looking to get the most out of their swimming workouts.

What Will Fitness Trackers Measure In The Pool?

Fitness trackers have different features and capabilities, so the exact measurements they can take in the pool may vary. However, most modern fitness trackers are designed to measure various metrics related to swimming, such as:

1. Swim distance: Many fitness trackers are equipped with accelerometers and gyroscopes that can detect the movement of your arms and calculate the distance you swim.
2. Swim laps: Some fitness trackers can detect each lap you complete and keep track of your total number of laps.
3. Swim time: Most fitness trackers can measure the duration of your swimming workout.
4. Stroke count: Some fitness trackers can detect and count the number of strokes you take, which can be useful in analyzing and improving your technique.
5. Calories burned: Most fitness trackers can estimate the number of calories you burn during your swim workout based on factors such as your weight, heart rate, and duration of activity.
6. Heart rate: Some fitness trackers have heart rate monitors that can be used in the pool to track your heart rate during swimming.
7. SWOLF score: SWOLF stands for “Swim Golf” and is a measure of swimming efficiency. Some fitness trackers can calculate your SWOLF score, which is the number of strokes plus the time it takes to complete a lap.

It’s important to note that not all fitness trackers are designed to be worn in the pool, so it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure that your tracker is waterproof and safe to use in the water.

Top Features to Look for in a Waterproof Fitness Tracker

When shopping for a waterproof fitness tracker tailored for swimming, several key features should top your checklist. These features ensure that the tracker not only tracks your swim sessions effectively but also offers versatility for other fitness activities. Here are the top features to look for:

1. Water Resistance Rating: The most crucial feature for a waterproof fitness tracker is its water resistance rating. Look for a tracker with a high rating, such as IP67 or IP68, which guarantees that it can withstand submersion in water for extended periods without damage. The higher the rating, the more water-resistant the device is.
2. Swim Tracking Modes: A good waterproof fitness tracker should offer dedicated swim tracking modes. These modes can detect different swimming styles like freestyle, breaststroke, or butterfly and provide relevant data such as lap count, distance, and swim duration.
3. Heart Rate Monitoring: Heart rate monitoring is essential for tracking your effort level during swimming sessions. Ensure that the tracker has accurate heart rate sensors that work underwater, so you can optimize your training and maintain the right intensity.
4. Data Storage and Syncing: Check if the tracker can store and sync your swimming data with a smartphone app or other fitness platforms. This feature allows you to analyze your progress over time, set goals, and make necessary adjustments to your swimming routine.
5. Battery Life: Long battery life is vital for uninterrupted tracking during extended swim sessions. Look for a waterproof fitness tracker that can last at least several days on a single charge to avoid frequent recharging.
6. Compatibility: Ensure that the tracker is compatible with your smartphone’s operating system, whether it’s iOS or Android. This ensures seamless data transfer and access to additional features and updates through the accompanying app.
7. Screen Visibility: Since you’ll be using the tracker in a wet environment, it’s essential that the display is easily readable underwater. An AMOLED or OLED screen with high brightness and clear visibility in varying lighting conditions is ideal.
8. GPS Capability: Some waterproof fitness trackers have built-in GPS, which can be valuable for tracking open-water swims and providing precise distance and location data.
9. Design and Comfort: Choose a tracker that suits your style and is comfortable to wear for extended periods. Adjustable straps and lightweight designs are preferred for swimming.
10. Smartwatch Features: If you want your fitness tracker to double as a smartwatch, look for additional features such as notifications, music control, and compatibility with third-party apps.

By prioritizing these features in your search for a waterproof fitness tracker, you can ensure that you get the most out of your swimming workouts while enjoying accurate and valuable data to improve your performance.

Top waterproof fitness trackers for swimming

Top Picks	Check Price
Best Overall: Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch with Swim Tracking	Price On Amazon
Best Waterproof: Apple Watch Series 5	Price On Amazon
Best Battery Life: Garmin Swim 2	Price On Amazon
Best Dust-Proof: Apple Watch Series 8	Price On Amazon
Best For GPS: Fitbit Charge 5	Price On Amazon
Best Affordable: Garmin Vivoactive 4	Price On Amazon
Best Fast-Charging Battery: Polar Grit X	Price On Amazon

The Fitbit Versa 2 is a budget-friendly smartwatch that was released in 2019. It’s still a popular choice for people who are looking for a fitness tracker with some basic smartwatch features.

Overall, the Fitbit Versa 2 is a good option for people who are looking for a basic smartwatch with comprehensive fitness tracking features. It’s also a good choice for people who are on a budget.

Here are some additional details about the Fitbit Versa 2’s key features:

• Fitness tracking: The Fitbit Versa 2 tracks a wide range of fitness metrics, including steps, heart rate, calories burned, and sleep quality. It also has a variety of built-in workouts, such as running, biking, and swimming.
• Smartwatch features: The Fitbit Versa 2 has some basic smartwatch features, such as the ability to receive notifications from your phone, play music, and control smart home devices. It also has a built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant, which you can use to control your watch and other smart devices with your voice.
• Design and comfort: The Fitbit Versa 2 is a lightweight and comfortable watch to wear. It has a sleek, modern design that looks good in both casual and formal attire.

Overall, the Apple Watch Series 5 is a great smartwatch that is packed with features. It is a good choice for people who are looking for a smartwatch that can do everything, and it is still a great option in 2023.

The Garmin Swim 2 is a GPS swimming smartwatch that is designed for both pool and open water swimmers. It is a popular choice for swimmers of all levels, as it offers a wide range of features and metrics that can help you track your progress and improve your performance.

Overall, the Garmin Swim 2 is a great choice for swimmers who are looking for a comprehensive and affordable GPS swimming smartwatch. It offers a wide range of features and metrics that can help you track your progress and improve your performance.

Is the Garmin Swim 2 worth it?

If you are a swimmer looking for a comprehensive and affordable GPS swimming smartwatch, then the Garmin Swim 2 is definitely worth it. It offers a wide range of features and metrics that can help you track your progress and improve your performance. However, if you are looking for a smartwatch with more general features, such as music playback and contactless payments, then you may want to consider a different device.

The Apple Watch Series 8 has the same design as the Series 7, with a square case and a curved glass display. It comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, and there are a variety of case materials and band options to choose from.

The display is bright and clear, and it’s easy to read even in direct sunlight. It’s also very responsive to touch, and it supports a variety of gestures, such as swiping, tapping, and pressing.

Performance and battery life

The Apple Watch Series 8 is powered by the new S8 chip, which is faster and more efficient than the S7 chip in the previous model. This means that the Series 8 is more responsive and can handle complex tasks more easily.

The battery life of the Apple Watch Series 8 is similar to the Series 7. You can get up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge, but this will vary depending on how you use your watch.

Price and verdict

The Apple Watch Series 8 starts at $399 for the 41mm model and $429 for the 45mm model. It’s a bit more expensive than the Series 7, but it offers some new and useful features.

Overall, the Apple Watch Series 8 is an excellent smartwatch. It has a wide range of features, excellent performance, and a long battery life. If you’re looking for a new smartwatch, the Series 8 is a great option to consider.

The Fitbit Charge 5 has a sleek and modern design. It is made of a durable stainless steel frame and a soft silicone band. The tracker is available in three colors: black, white, and lunar white.

The most noticeable upgrade from the Charge 4 is the new full-color AMOLED display. The display is bright and clear and easy to read in all lighting conditions. There is also an always-on option, so you can see the time and other important information at a glance without having to raise your wrist.

Battery life

The Fitbit Charge 5 has a battery life of up to 7 days on a single charge. This is a significant improvement from the Charge 4, which had a battery life of up to 7 days without GPS and 5 days with GPS.

Some users have also reported that the Charge 5’s always-on display can be temperamental at times, and that the screen size is too small for some.

Overall, the Fitbit Charge 5 is a great fitness tracker with a lot to offer. It is a good choice for anyone who is looking for a comprehensive tracker that can help them track their fitness, manage their stress, and improve their sleep quality. However, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks before making a purchase.

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a GPS smartwatch that tracks various fitness activities, including running, swimming, cycling, and weightlifting. It also has a variety of smart features, such as music playback, contactless payments, and notifications from your phone.

Overall, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a great all-around smartwatch for fitness enthusiasts. It has a wide range of features, including comprehensive fitness tracking, accurate GPS tracking, long battery life, and smart features like music playback and contactless payments. However, the touchscreen can be unresponsive at times, and some advanced fitness features are locked behind a paywall.

Is the Garmin Vivoactive 4 worth buying in 2023?

Yes, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is still a good smartwatch to buy in 2023. It has a wide range of features, including comprehensive fitness tracking, accurate GPS tracking, long battery life, and smart features like music playback and contactless payments. It is also relatively affordable, especially compared to other high-end smartwatches.

However, if you are looking for a smartwatch with more advanced features, such as a built-in speaker for phone calls or a larger touchscreen, you may want to consider other options.

Here are some of the best alternatives to the Garmin Vivoactive 4:

• Garmin Forerunner 255
• Garmin Forerunner 745
• Garmin Fenix 7
• Apple Watch Series 8
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro

The Polar Grit X is a rugged multisport GPS watch that is designed for outdoor adventurers. It has a durable design, long battery life, and a variety of features that make it ideal for tracking and analyzing your workouts.

Overall, the Polar Grit X is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a durable and feature-rich GPS watch. It is especially well-suited for runners, cyclists, and hikers.

FAQs

Q1: Can I wear a waterproof fitness tracker in saltwater?

Ans. Yes, most waterproof fitness trackers are designed to be used in both freshwater and saltwater environments. However, it’s essential to rinse your tracker with fresh water after swimming in salt water to prevent corrosion.

Q2: Can I use a waterproof fitness tracker for other water activities like snorkeling or diving?

Ans. Some waterproof fitness trackers are suitable for snorkeling, but very few are designed for diving. Check the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations to ensure your tracker can withstand the depth and pressure associated with these activities.

Q3: How do I maintain and clean my waterproof fitness tracker?

Ans. To maintain your waterproof fitness tracker, regularly rinse it with fresh water after swimming to remove chlorine or salt residue. Clean the bands with a mild detergent and a soft brush. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or prolonged sunlight, as this can affect its performance and lifespan.

Q4: Are waterproof fitness trackers comfortable to wear while swimming?

Ans. Most waterproof fitness trackers are designed to be lightweight and comfortable for extended wear, even during swimming. Be sure to choose a tracker with a band material that suits your skin and doesn’t cause discomfort during water activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re a swimmer looking for a device to track your progress, a waterproof fitness tracker is a great option. In this review article, I recommended the 7 best waterproof fitness trackers for swimming, available on Amazon. These devices are designed to withstand exposure to water and offer advanced features like water resistance ratings, advanced tracking capabilities, and long battery life.

By using one of these top-rated waterproof fitness trackers for swimming, you can improve your swimming performance, track your progress, and achieve your fitness goals with confidence. So if you’re looking for a reliable and accurate way to track your swimming workouts, consider investing in a high-quality waterproof fitness tracker today.