Apple Watch and Chlorine?

[astnkllm]

I know the Apple Watch Series 2 is going to be waterproof, but does chemicals (such as chlorine) have a negative impact on the screen? Is there any sort of coating on the screen that reduces the amount of fingerprints and/or oil that is visible on the screen, and if there is, wouldn't this be easily removed by repetitive chlorine exposure?

Sorry if this is a dumb question! I want to be able to swim with my new Apple Watch when I get it, but I have concerns about electronics and water, even when they are "water resistant".

 

[enrincon89]

Apple said you can swim with it so I don't see why not. By the way, which one are you getting ?

 

[btrach144]

This is a good question that I'd also like to know.

My concern is the sport band as well. My wife has a lightly colored sport band and just 1 year of wear has caused it to become more blue? Like it absorbed the die from her jeans or just dirt in general. My concern is sun tan lotion or chemicals in the pool that could change the straps color?

I also wonder how sea water will impact it?

 

[44267547]

Even though I think it's safe to use in a pool, Apple revamped the Watch with stronger adhesive and more seals. If your concerned, contact Apple.

 

[btrach144]

Even though I think it's safe to use in a pool, Apple revamped the Watch with stronger adhesive and more seals. If your concerned, contact Apple.

I think OP and myself trust that Apple has taken care of the internals. Our questions are more about the exterior. Just because water can't get on the inside doesn't mean the outside will still look good.

 

[44267547]

I think OP and myself trust that Apple has taken care of the internals. Our questions are more about the exterior. Just because water can't get on the inside doesn't mean the outside will still look good.

Then why would Apple depict videos on swimming In a pool with the Watch? Don't you think the engineers would have pondered the considerations of potential damage from the chemicals from The pool? No one here can contest the answers until the Watch can be subjected to the customers environment.

Again, I think a sufficient answer would to be to address your concerns with Apple directly. If anything, I think the Stainless model would hold up better than the aluminum.

 

[RWil85]

I think OP and myself trust that Apple has taken care of the internals. Our questions are more about the exterior. Just because water can't get on the inside doesn't mean the outside will still look good.

First time watch owner to be and wondering precisely the same with chlorine/salt water.

You'd figure they'd like to put all of the pros on blast - so, to avoid this obvious question users would have seems like it could be a bad sign.

What toll will they take on seals, body, sport and other bands, etc?

 

[btrach144]

Then why would Apple depict videos on swimming In a pool with the Watch? Don't you think the engineers would have pondered the considerations of potential damage from the chemicals from The pool? No one here can contest the answers until the Watch can be subjected to the customers environment.

Again, I think a sufficient answer would to be to address your concerns with Apple directly. If anything, I think the Stainless model would hold up better than the aluminum.

I'm sure Apple didn't anticipate all of the watch back falling off either. My wife's screen fell off as well.

My point is, minimal lab testing doesn't come close to real life usage. It would be a shame to use your new watch in the pool only to have it fade and Apple wouldn't cover it because they'd likely call it general wear and tear. I think the watches will be fine, my main concern is the sport bands. I'd prefer not to buy a new sport band every month because pool water, salt water, or sun tan lotion ruins the bands.
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First time watch owner to be and wondering precisely the same with chlorine/salt water.

You'd figure they'd like to put all of the pros on blast - so, to avoid this obvious question users would have seems like it could be a bad sign.

What toll will they take on seals, body, sport and other bands, etc?

Aren't the sport and woven bands the only ones that Apple rates as water approved?

 

[douglasf13]

Just buy the watch, buy Apple Care+, and don't worry about it much. Just make sure to always rinse the Watch after being in chlorine or salt water. These are tools, not luxury items, so use them!

 

[44267547]

I'm sure Apple didn't anticipate all of the watch back falling off either. My wife's screen fell off as well.

My point is, minimal lab testing doesn't come close to real life usage. It would be a shame to use your new watch in the pool only to have it fade and Apple wouldn't cover it because they'd likely call it general wear and tear. I think the watches will be fine, my main concern is the sport bands. I'd prefer not to buy a new sport band every month because pool water, salt water, or sun tan lotion ruins the bands.

Exactly. Because your wife's Watch back fell demonstrates what exactly? A faulty product? Or how the customer treated the Watch? That means nothing in terms of millions of Apple Watches sold with the back popping off.

How do you know what "Minimal" lab testing is? Did Apple confirm Exactly what is considered minimal? Sure, real world experiences differ. But You seemed concerned about The finish on the Watch, when no one has the answers for you. My advice to you, being you seem to worry, is maybe hold off purchasing until the reviews are in and or contact Apple, address your concerns.

As a stainless owner, I use mine in a pool with no effects to the stainless casing.

 

[btrach144]

Exactly. Because your wife's Watch back fell demonstrates what exactly? A faulty product? Or how the customer treated the Watch? That means nothing in terms of millions of Apple Watches sold with the back popping off.

How do you know what "Minimal" lab testing is? Did Apple confirm
Exactly what is considered minimal? Sure, real world experiences differ. But You seemed concerned about The finish on the Watch, when no one has the answers for you. My advice to you, being you seem to worry, is maybe hold off purchasing until the reviews are in and or contact Apple, address your concerns.

As a stainless owner, I use mine in a pool with no effects to the stainless casing.

I have a SS series 0 as well but haven't gone swimming. Happy to hear that you've had good luck. Out of curiosity, what band/color do you use when swimming? Is it an outdoor pool? If so, have you applied sun tan lotion while wearing the watch?

 

[Kevsta26]

This is a good question that I'd also like to know.

My concern is the sport band as well. My wife has a lightly colored sport band and just 1 year of wear has caused it to become more blue? Like it absorbed the die from her jeans or just dirt in general. My concern is sun tan lotion or chemicals in the pool that could change the straps color?

I also wonder how sea water will impact it?

I'm also wondering how sunscreen is going to effect it as Apple's updated support page says it's not recommended to expose to lotion and soap in the shower

 

[44267547]

I have a SS series 0 as well but haven't gone swimming. Happy to hear that you've had good luck. Out of curiosity, what band/color do you use when swimming? Is it an outdoor pool? If so, have you applied sun tan lotion while wearing the watch?

I use the white sports band for swimming in an outdoor pool. The sports bands hold up to just about anything. For $50.00, they are worth it, being I own many of them. I do not apply any lotions.

 

[lordofthereef]

If you're worried about the screen I can't imagine it. It being covered under the regular warranty. I suppose Apple could claim you misused or abused it... of all the people that say they use their gen one watches swimming I've seen none complain of material damage.

As far as the band, my wife's white band discolored too. I suppose if you're worried you could get an inexpensive "throw away" band. They come as cheap as $5 but many sell for even $12. If those discolor or tear, it's much easier to stomachs than a $50 band; I personally think Apple bands are too expensive but that's just my opinion.

 

[Julien]

The amount of chlorine in pool's or drinking water is miniscule. People have and are swimming & showering daily with the original for 1½ years without problems.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I would thing that soap scum from showering would be way worst that the pool. That gunk the accumulates on the walls of your shower has to get in the speaker and mic holes of the watch.

 

[peterknopp]

Swam with mine from within an hour of buying it June 2015 and has now survived 2 swimming seasons here in Portugal without any problems at all. best advice would be to rinse after a shower or swim but I've never done that and the space grey aluminium and rubber strap is in pristine condition

 

[Kevsta26]

I would thing that soap scum from showering would be way worst that the pool. That gunk the accumulates on the walls of your shower has to get in the speaker and mic holes of the watch.

Wouldn't it just wash off quick though and not really have an effect? I mean scum on shower walls is from soap that's been sitting there for a long time and not properly cleaned

 

[Newtons Apple]

Wouldn't it just wash off quick though and not really have an effect? I mean scum on shower walls is from soap that's been sitting there for a long time and not properly cleaned

Soap scum tends to bond to things and results in having to use some kind of cleaner to remove from your shower walls. Just rinsing with water will not remove the soap scum from your walls or watch.

 

[Julien]

Soap scum tends to bond to things and results in having to use some kind of cleaner to remove from your shower walls. Just rinsing with water will not remove the soap scum from your walls or watch.

Well over 500 soapy/shampoo showers and never the slightest hit of any type of problem speaker/mic/Digital Crown/etc on my launch day Watch. I even use granny's lye soap to 'burn' off the filth. May even try a shower today. Also have swam a few times (don't like swimming) and used almost daily under many 'extreme' posture/water conditions (workout like an obsessed dog and almost as smart too).

Just like the old Timex saying. "Takes a licking and keeps on ticking". Except I can't hear it ticking.

 

[douglasf13]

Well over 500 soapy/shampoo showers and never the slightest hit of any type of problem speaker/mic/Digital Crown/etc on my launch day Watch. I even use granny's lye soap to 'burn' off the filth. May even try a shower today. Also have swam a few times (don't like swimming) and used under many 'extreme' posture/water conditions.

Just like the old Timex saying. "Takes a licking and keeps on ticking". Except I can't hear it ticking.

Yep. In fact, my wife doesn't shower with hers, and the back fell out. I've been theorizing that it's because oils and lotions built up and penetrated the glue. Mine is clean is a whistle and showered with without issue.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Well over 500 soapy/shampoo showers and never the slightest hit of any type of problem speaker/mic/Digital Crown/etc on my launch day Watch. I even use granny's lye soap to 'burn' off the filth. May even try a shower today. Also have swam a few times (don't like swimming) and used almost daily under many 'extreme' posture/water conditions (workout like an obsessed dog and almost as smart too).

Just like the old Timex saying. "Takes a licking and keeps on ticking". Except I can't hear it ticking.

Granny's lye soap must be good stuff. When I was younger, a lot younger I thought everyone made their own soap. Was not till I moved off the farm I found out you could buy it!

 

[Julien]

Granny's lye soap must be good stuff. When I was younger, a lot younger I thought everyone made their own soap. Was not till I moved off the farm I found out you could buy it!

I just discover corncobs had been replaced.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I just discover corncobs had been replaced.

I hope not!

 

[BlueMoon63]

I think OP and myself trust that Apple has taken care of the internals. Our questions are more about the exterior. Just because water can't get on the inside doesn't mean the outside will still look good.

I've used my original Apple Watch SS in the local YMCA pool 50 times and it looks the same. I take a shower with it after each use and all is well. It looks perfect still. Plenty of chlorine in those pools.