For swimming enthusiasts, a reliable waterproof health tracker is more than just a gadget — it’s an essential companion. Whether you’re looking to improve your strokes, monitor your heart rate, or simply keep track of your laps, the right health tracker can make all the difference. With advancements in wearable technology, many options cater specifically to swimmers. This article dives into the top waterproof health trackers, highlighting their features, benefits, and what makes them ideal for the pool.
Why Choose a Waterproof Health Tracker?
Waterproof health trackers are specifically designed to withstand immersion in water, making them suitable for swimming, diving, and other water-based activities. These devices help swimmers track metrics like:
- Swim strokes and techniques
- Lap counts
- Distance covered
- Heart rate monitoring
- Calorie burn
- Swimming efficiency (SWOLF score)
Beyond swimming, these trackers often double as fitness devices for running, cycling, and general activity tracking, making them versatile tools for an active lifestyle.
Features to Look for in a Swimming Health Tracker
Before diving into the list of top waterproof health trackers, let’s explore the key features to consider:
- Water Resistance Rating: Ensure the device is rated for submersion. Look for an ATM rating of 5 or more, which means it can withstand pressures equivalent to 50 meters underwater.
- Swim-Specific Metrics: The best trackers can record stroke type, SWOLF score, and lap count.
- Battery Life: Longer battery life ensures uninterrupted tracking during long swim sessions.
- Comfort and Fit: A sleek, lightweight design with adjustable straps ensures comfort during swimming.
- Compatibility: The ability to sync with fitness apps for detailed analysis is a bonus.
- Durability: Pool water, particularly chlorinated water, can be harsh. Opt for trackers with robust build quality.
Now that we’ve outlined the essential features, let’s explore the top waterproof health trackers for swimming enthusiasts.
1. Garmin Swim 2
Overview: The Garmin Swim 2 is specifically designed for swimmers, offering advanced swim metrics and GPS tracking. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to track their performance in the pool or open water.
Key Features:
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
- Swim Metrics: SWOLF, stroke count, stroke rate, and pace
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Tracks heart rate underwater
- GPS Tracking: Ideal for open-water swimming
- Battery Life: Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode or 13 hours in GPS mode
Why It’s Great for Swimming: The Garmin Swim 2 provides detailed swim analytics, making it a favorite among serious swimmers. Its lightweight design ensures comfort, and the underwater heart rate monitoring adds valuable insights to your training.
2. Apple Watch Series 8
Overview: While the Apple Watch Series 8 is not exclusively a swimming tracker, it’s a powerful all-rounder with excellent swim tracking features. It seamlessly integrates with Apple’s ecosystem, making it ideal for those already using iOS devices.
Key Features:
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
- Swim Metrics: Lap counting, stroke detection, and SWOLF
- Advanced Health Features: ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and temperature sensing
- Fitness App Integration: Syncs with Apple’s Fitness app and third-party apps like MySwimPro
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
Why It’s Great for Swimming: The Apple Watch Series 8 combines style and functionality. Its robust health-tracking features, paired with swim-specific capabilities, make it a versatile choice for tech-savvy swimmers.
3. Fitbit Charge 5
Overview: The Fitbit Charge 5 is a sleek fitness tracker with swim-proof capabilities. It offers essential health and fitness metrics, including swim tracking, in a lightweight package.
Key Features:
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
- Swim Metrics: Lap count and duration
- Health Monitoring: Heart rate, stress management, and sleep tracking
- Fitness App Integration: Syncs with the Fitbit app for in-depth analysis
- Battery Life: Up to 7 days
Why It’s Great for Swimming: The Fitbit Charge 5 is perfect for casual swimmers who want to track their pool workouts without investing in a specialized swim tracker. Its slim design ensures it’s unobtrusive in the water.
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Overview: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a stylish smartwatch with comprehensive health-tracking features, including swimming metrics. It’s an excellent choice for Android users.
Key Features:
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
- Swim Metrics: Stroke type, lap count, and SWOLF
- Advanced Health Monitoring: Heart rate, body composition, and sleep tracking
- App Integration: Syncs with Samsung Health and third-party apps
- Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
Why It’s Great for Swimming: With its intuitive interface and detailed swim tracking, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a versatile option for swimmers. Its durability and water resistance make it suitable for pool and open-water activities.
5. Polar Vantage V2
Overview: The Polar Vantage V2 is a premium multisport watch with advanced features for swimmers. It’s designed for athletes who demand high performance.
Key Features:
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Swim Metrics: Stroke analysis, pace, and distance tracking
- Advanced Health Tracking: Recovery metrics and heart rate monitoring
- Battery Life: Up to 40 hours in GPS mode
- Build Quality: Lightweight aluminum case
Why It’s Great for Swimming: The Polar Vantage V2 excels in open water and pool environments. Its superior swim tracking and long battery life make it a reliable choice for serious swimmers.
6. COROS Pace 2
Overview: The COROS Pace 2 is a lightweight, performance-focused watch designed for athletes, including swimmers. It offers advanced swim metrics at a competitive price.
Key Features:
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
- Swim Metrics: Stroke rate, lap counting, and pace
- GPS Tracking: For open-water swimming
- Battery Life: Up to 20 days in regular use or 30 hours in GPS mode
- Weight: Only 29 grams
Why It’s Great for Swimming: The COROS Pace 2 is an affordable yet powerful option for swimmers. Its lightweight design and detailed metrics make it a favorite among competitive athletes.
7. Garmin Forerunner 955
Overview: The Garmin Forerunner 955 is a premium multisport watch tailored for triathletes and swimmers. It’s packed with advanced features for tracking performance across various sports.
Key Features:
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
- Swim Metrics: Stroke detection, lap count, and SWOLF
- Advanced Metrics: VO2 max, training load, and heart rate monitoring
- Battery Life: Up to 15 days in smartwatch mode or 42 hours in GPS mode
- Durability: Scratch-resistant glass and robust build
Why It’s Great for Swimming: The Forerunner 955’s extensive swim metrics and durability make it a top choice for dedicated swimmers and triathletes.
How to Choose the Right Tracker for You
When selecting a waterproof health tracker, consider the following:
- Purpose: Are you a casual swimmer, competitive athlete, or triathlete?
- Budget: Determine your budget and compare features within that range.
- Ecosystem: If you’re already using Apple, Samsung, or Fitbit devices, staying within the same ecosystem can enhance your experience.
- Design Preferences: Choose a tracker that fits comfortably and suits your style.
- Additional Features: Beyond swimming, consider features like GPS, sleep tracking, and heart rate monitoring.
Final Thoughts
The right waterproof health tracker can elevate your swimming sessions, providing valuable insights into your performance and overall fitness. From the specialized Garmin Swim 2 to the versatile Apple Watch Series 8, there’s a perfect option for every swimming enthusiast. By assessing your needs and priorities, you can find a tracker that helps you make waves in the pool.