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Ever wish you could do your swim workouts in your backyard? Most of us can’t install a 25-meter lap pool in our yards, but there’s another solution — a resistance pool from Endless Pools!
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What are Endless Pools?
These pools are designed for stationary swimming using a propulsive current. They allow you to swim “endlessly” without ever doing a turn. It’s the biggest pool you’ll ever need! These pools can be used for aqua jogging and water aerobics, too.
Endless Pools can be installed indoors or outdoors, and are affordable to heat year round. Water maintenance is also much easier compared to a large pool.
The Original Endless Pool measures 8 feet by 15 feet (about 3 meters by 5 meters). It’s recommended that you have at least a 10 foot by 18 foot space to install the pool. There are some models that can fit 2 swimmers at a time!
Interested in an Endless Pool? Get a free inspiration guide!
How Fast is the Current?
Related: How Chris Rojas Trained for the Pan American Masters Championships in an Endless Pool
Adjust the pool’s current with the touch of a button to match your desired speed. For example, Endless Pools’ Elite model uses a 7.5 horsepower motor, 2 propellers and a wider opening to create the fastest current available in any swimming machine. With a top speed of 0:51/100 yards, it is suitable for competitive swimmers and is used by many of the top collegiate programs and coaches in the world.
How Does an Endless Pool Compare to Pool Swimming and Open Water Swimming?
Personal lap pools are usually one lane wide, about 3′-6′ deep and usually require at least 25 meters of length to satisfy most serious swimmers. They’re also really expensive to install.
If you swim in open water, you get to spend time in nature, but there are a lot of other variables to contend with, including safety, water temperature, visibility, marine life, boats, and weather.
Related: 30-Minute Tethered Swimming Workout
An Endless Pool takes up much less space, is simpler to install (particularly indoors), is easier to maintain and is more economical to run than a traditional lap pool. When you have a pool in your backyard or in your house, you also eliminate travel time required to get to a lap pool or lake. It’s way more convenient!
How Do You Structure Sets in an Endless Pool?
Related: The TRUTH About Swimming in an Endless Pool®
An Endless Pool can be used for a few different types of swim training:
- Aerobic Conditioning: This is simply continuous swimming to build endurance. Many people think this is the only way to train in an Endless Pool — you set a pace and go. That’s certainly helpful for building your base, but it’s not the only option!
- Interval Training: Instead of swimming a specific distance in a set interval (eg. 3×100 @ 2:00) swap distance for time (eg. 3x 1:30 swim, rest 30 seconds).
- Technique Work: Some Endless Pools have mirrors on the bottom and on the sides to help you check your technique. Simply set your appropriate pace, swim a few drills and correct your technique in real time.
These training options also apply if you are using a tether to swim in place.
Advantages of Swimming in an Endless Pool
Related: COVID-19 Training with MySwimPro & a Swim Spa
Endless Pools offer a range of perks that save you time and help you become a better swimmer!
Investing in an Endless Pool can save you quite a bit of time and money.
- You no longer need to travel to a pool
- You don’t need to pay for a pool or health club membership
- You never have to fight for a lane!
- You’ll always know that your pool’s chlorine levels are safe
- You’ll reduce your exposure to others
The resistance of the water highlights the inefficiency of your stroke and allows you to adjust your stroke in real time using the pool’s mirrors. Elite swim coaches David Marsh and Glenn Mills use these pools on a regular basis to help top tier swimmers refine their technique.
Endless Pools aren’t just for swimming! They can be used in numerous ways:
- Low impact therapy, such as aqua jogging or water aerobics
- Cross training
- Up the temperature and relax in your pool just like a spa or hot tub
Learn more about installing an Endless Pool in your home!
Disadvantages of Swimming in an Endless Pool
If you’re considering an Endless Pool, it’s important to take a few disadvantages into account:
- Neglect the Details: In an Endless Pool you won’t get a true push off the wall, and won’t be able to practice your flip turns or starts.
- Need Space: While Endless Pools may be smaller than a lap pool, they do still take up a good amount of space.
- Upfront Cost: Endless Pools are an investment. If you use it regularly, that investment becomes worth it over time.
How Much Does an Endless Pool Cost?
Endless Pools are a long-term investment. The price depends on 2 factors:
- Model: Endless Pools offers numerous models, some with extra features or enhanced speed, and others that are more basic. Cost can range from $17,000-$40,000 depending on the model you choose and installation costs.
- Configuration: It’s most cost effective to install your Endless Pool above ground, but you can increase the installation costs if you prefer a different setup.
If you’re serious about buying an Endless Pool, you can expect the process to take at least a month. If you can, test out one of these pools before you buy to ensure it’s a pool setup you see yourself using in the long run. Join our Global Community Facebook group to connect with swimmers who have Endless Pools!
Have you ever swum in an Endless Pool? Let us know in the comments! Download the MySwimPro app for Swim Workouts, technique tips and accountability! To receive more information about Endless Pools, click here.