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Pool swimming with Apple Watch.

The Cockney Rebel

The Cockney Rebel

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jul 17, 2010
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If you swim in a pool, with your Apple Watch, do you rinse it off afterwards?

I’m thinking the chlorine could affect it in some way?

Thinking of taking up swimming, hence my question.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.
 
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"Apple Watch Series 2 and later can be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean, but you shouldn't use models other than Apple Watch Ultra for diving, water skiing, or other activities involving submersion below shallow depth or high-velocity water."

Yes, you can.
 
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Richard Tillard said:
"Apple Watch Series 2 and later can be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean, but you shouldn't use models other than Apple Watch Ultra for diving, water skiing, or other activities involving submersion below shallow depth or high-velocity water."

Yes, you can.
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“Yes, you can.”

Appreciate your response, but you seem be answering a different question.

My query was directly directed toward pool swimming, where chlorine is used in the water, to keep it germ free.

I was asking if people rinse this water off, after getting out of the pool.
 
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The Cockney Rebel said:
“Yes, you can.”

Appreciate your response, but you seem be answering a different question.

My query was directly directed toward pool swimming, where chlorine is used in the water, to keep it germ free.

I was asking if people rinse this water off, after getting out of the pool.
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If you feel more comfortable, you can certainly push the water out of the watch, but I don't see it being mandatory to always do so. I often forget to do it when I get out of the water and nothing bad happens.
 
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I rinse it after every use in swimming pool. Even more importantly after use in salt water. I use a case to protect it (For swimming I suggest Misxi water proof, doesn’t affect touchscreen) and after every use in the water I rinse the watch without the case (and the case). If I have time after use in salt water I disconnect the band (solo loop) wash the band separately with soap and rinse the watch with plain water.
 
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cubodado said:
I rinse it after every use in swimming pool. Even more importantly after use in salt water. I use a case to protect it (For swimming I suggest Misxi water proof, doesn’t affect touchscreen) and after every use in the water I rinse the watch without the case (and the case). If I have time after use in salt water I disconnect the band (solo loop) wash the band separately with soap and rinse the watch with plain water.
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That’s quite a routine you have.
 
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Yes, you should rinse it after swimming in a pool because the chlorine can affect the seals and the water resistance over time. Even after taking a shower you should give it a rinse, ideally.
 
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The Cockney Rebel said:
If you swim in a pool, with your Apple Watch, do you rinse it off afterwards?

I’m thinking the chlorine could affect it in some way?

Thinking of taking up swimming, hence my question.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.
Click to expand...
It will affect only the band.
 
The Cockney Rebel said:
If you swim in a pool, with your Apple Watch, do you rinse it off afterwards?

I’m thinking the chlorine could affect it in some way?

Thinking of taking up swimming, hence my question.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.
Click to expand...
I typically rinse my body after a pool swim, and my watch is usually still on my wrist, so it gets a rinse as well. It’s not a focused thing though, and I don’t even take the watch off in the shower. Beyond that, I haven’t found a need for more care. Been doing this for years and couldn’t point to any damage from the chlorine.
 
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Never had any issue with any of my AWs since the Series 4.
After swimming I rinse it with clear water and sometimes a little soap, seems to work well.
 
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I rinse it off with tap water after every swim, and every sweaty workout. In addition to just being hygienic, I had a series-0 that started pitting on the back I assume because of the sweat and salt. Obviously all watches after series-1 are now ceramic on the back, so it may not matter any more, but still seems like a good habit and doesn't hurt.

Apple used to say avoid soap, to preserve the seals. Not sure if that's still the guidance, but I still do it.
 
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Give it a quick rinse under a sink or a drinking fountain as part of your after-swim routine (presumably including showering and changing and what-not) and you’ll be just fine. If you forget every now and again, don’t sweat it.

There are plenty of people who swim laps every day while wearing a watch. It’s a normal and advertised and expected activity.

Actually using the watch, of course, means that it’s going to wear out faster than if you left it in a drawer … but a) not by all that much; and b) why did you get the watch if not to use it?

b&
 
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I’ve used a series 3 for years for lap swims, it’s why I got the watch in the first place. Now I have an 8, and it works just as well. Just keep it on during the shower, you’re good to go.
 
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Yes, after pool swimming or open water if there's chlorine or salt in the water, as both affect rubber (seals). I even did that with my series 0, which was officially not waterproof but inofficially was - had it until I got a series 6.

Don't forget to start your workout BEFORE you get into the water, or it will be quite a hassle getting your fingers and the watch dry enough to respond while being in the water.
 
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The Cockney Rebel said:
If you swim in a pool, with your Apple Watch, do you rinse it off afterwards?

I’m thinking the chlorine could affect it in some way?

Thinking of taking up swimming, hence my question.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.
Click to expand...
Most folks rinse themselves off with fresh water after pool swimming. As a lap swimmer I consider it essential and just as a matter of course have always also rinsed off my watch. Same for salt water swimming. On ocean swims I kept a cooler containing used bleach bottles full of hot water and used it to rinse myself off and all gear.

Strong recommendation: Try Ultra Swim shampoo and (separate) conditioner after you swim in a pool. Without it the pool chemicals (not just chlorine, even though that is what people smell) trash your hair if you swim a lot; using it, no problems. There are probably other products but that is the one that has worked for decades for me.
 
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I did pool swimming for a few months and since I always showered afterwards my apple watch got cleaned. Haven’t had any issues.
 
The Cockney Rebel said:
If you swim in a pool, with your Apple Watch, do you rinse it off afterwards?

I’m thinking the chlorine could affect it in some way?

Thinking of taking up swimming, hence my question.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.
Click to expand...
I don’t explicitly rinse it but I wear it when showing after at the pool.
 
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