Best Smart Watch for Pool Swimming

When it comes to pool swimming, having the right smart watch can significantly enhance your experience, from tracking performance to monitoring health metrics. Here’s a detailed guide on the best smart watches specifically designed for pool swimming, evaluating features such as water resistance, swim tracking accuracy, heart rate monitoring, and more.

1. Garmin Swim 2

Overview: The Garmin Swim 2 is tailored specifically for swimmers, providing a range of features that cater to both pool and open water swimming.

Key Features:

• Water Resistance: Rated up to 50 meters, suitable for pool swimming.
• Swim Metrics: Tracks distance, pace, stroke count, stroke type, and SWOLF (a measure of swimming efficiency).
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Features wrist-based heart rate monitoring underwater.
• Battery Life: Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 13 hours in GPS mode.
• Additional Features: Includes built-in GPS for open water swimming and advanced swim metrics.

Pros:

• Accurate swim metrics.
• Built-in GPS for open water swimming.
• Long battery life.

Cons:

• Limited third-party app integrations.
• Basic smartwatch features compared to competitors.

2. Apple Watch Series 8

Overview: The Apple Watch Series 8 is a versatile smartwatch with advanced health and fitness features, including those suited for swimmers.

Key Features:

• Water Resistance: Swimproof up to 50 meters.
• Swim Metrics: Tracks distance, laps, average pace, and stroke count.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Optical heart sensor with advanced algorithms for heart rate monitoring.
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours.
• Additional Features: Offers comprehensive health tracking, including ECG and blood oxygen monitoring.

Pros:

• Comprehensive health and fitness tracking.
• Seamless integration with iOS devices.
• Advanced health features.

Cons:

• Shorter battery life compared to dedicated swim watches.
• Higher price point.

3. Fitbit Charge 5

Overview: The Fitbit Charge 5 is a fitness tracker with strong swimming features, ideal for users looking for a balance between fitness tracking and smartwatch capabilities.

Key Features:

• Water Resistance: Swim-proof up to 50 meters.
• Swim Metrics: Monitors duration, laps, distance, and active zone minutes.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Continuous heart rate monitoring with Fitbit’s PurePulse technology.
• Battery Life: Up to 7 days.
• Additional Features: Built-in GPS, stress management tools, and sleep tracking.

Pros:

• Good value for money.
• Long battery life.
• Comprehensive fitness and health tracking.

Cons:

• Limited smartwatch functions compared to competitors.
• Basic swim tracking features.

4. Suunto 9 Peak

Overview: The Suunto 9 Peak is a high-end multisport watch designed for athletes, including swimmers who need accurate tracking and durable design.

Key Features:

• Water Resistance: Up to 100 meters.
• Swim Metrics: Detailed swim tracking including pace, distance, and stroke count.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Wrist-based heart rate monitoring and advanced analytics.
• Battery Life: Up to 170 hours in GPS mode, 7 days in smartwatch mode.
• Additional Features: Robust multisport tracking, long battery life, and high-quality build.

Pros:

• Excellent durability and water resistance.
• Comprehensive multisport tracking.
• Long battery life.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• More complex interface.

5. Coros Pace 2

Overview: The Coros Pace 2 is a lightweight, budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on essential swim tracking features.

Key Features:

• Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters.
• Swim Metrics: Tracks basic swim metrics like distance, pace, and stroke count.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Wrist-based heart rate monitor with accuracy for fitness tracking.
• Battery Life: Up to 20 days in regular mode, 30 hours in GPS mode.
• Additional Features: Lightweight design and affordable price point.

Pros:

• Affordable price.
• Long battery life.
• Lightweight and comfortable.

Cons:

• Fewer advanced features.
• Limited swim metrics compared to premium options.

Comparative Table of Smart Watches for Pool Swimming:

Feature	Garmin Swim 2	Apple Watch Series 8	Fitbit Charge 5	Suunto 9 Peak	Coros Pace 2
Water Resistance	50 meters	50 meters	50 meters	100 meters	50 meters
Swim Metrics	Advanced swim metrics	Basic swim metrics	Basic swim metrics	Detailed swim metrics	Basic swim metrics
Heart Rate Monitoring	Wrist-based	Optical sensor	PurePulse technology	Wrist-based	Wrist-based
Battery Life	7 days (smartwatch), 13 hours (GPS)	18 hours	7 days	170 hours (GPS), 7 days (smartwatch)	20 days (regular), 30 hours (GPS)
Additional Features	Built-in GPS	Comprehensive health tracking	Built-in GPS, stress management	Multisport tracking, long battery life	Lightweight, affordable

Conclusion:

Choosing the best smart watch for pool swimming depends on your specific needs and budget. The Garmin Swim 2 is ideal for serious swimmers needing detailed metrics and GPS. The Apple Watch Series 8 offers comprehensive health features and is suitable for those using iOS devices. The Fitbit Charge 5 provides good value with essential swim tracking and long battery life. The Suunto 9 Peak is perfect for those seeking durability and advanced multisport tracking. Finally, the Coros Pace 2 offers a lightweight and affordable option for basic swim tracking.

By understanding these options, you can select a smart watch that best meets your swimming and fitness needs.