How many of you own them or have tried using them? How much do they cost and are they a good subtitute for a real pool or an open water swim?
I don’t own one, but was able to use one once.
IMHO, they are better than a lap pool because you can swim continuously, worse than open water because they don’t simulate open water. Just my opinion - an owner/frequent user may think differently.
They seem great. I’d love to have one. But I have a suspicion that the water coming at you swirls a bit so it throws off your stoke some…but some really good people seem to use them. Look up Ken Glah, one of the reall iron guys in the sport. Apparently (according to their promo video) he uses it a lot.
How many of you own them or have tried using them? How much do they cost and are they a good subtitute for a real pool or an open water swim?
The company was at this years St. Anthony’s filming strokes and letting people demo the pool. I personally didn’t demo the pool, but those that did appeared to be impressed with it. As far as pricing goes, if you already have a pool they sell the Fastlane unit that mounts to your deck for $5900. If you don’t have a pool, they have a package that includes a 15’ round pool (above ground) with the Fastlane for $8400. They were passing out $500 off coupons for orders placed at the race. Their sales promotion DVD is pretty good detailing how to assemble with a good chapter for Triathletes.
I’ve had one for years. In fact, I’m going to jump in it for an hour swim in about ten minutes. I got the biggest one they make, and put in a “deep end.” We were doing an addition to our house so we sort of went all out with it. My wife and I use it regularly and we love it. I’ve gone from all Endless Pool swimming to doing an IM swim without any problems. In the summer I do try to get in the lake too though. As far as pricing, you should check with them because price will depend on what you’re looking for, how you’re going to set it up, etc. If you have the money and you don’t like going to the local pool I’d highly recommend looking into an Endless Pool.
They are really nice to have, because you can practice that continous swim, which is really nice if don’t have easy access to open water. But, they are not a substitute for a regular pool. A regular pool, especially a 50m pool, is still the most effective way to train (coupled with real open water swims). But, to quote Ferris Bueller, “if you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.”
I remember when Sheila Taormina’s house in Livonia (Detroit) was for sale, she had an Endless pool in there. I would say that’s a pretty good endorsement. Everyone I’ve talked to that uses them seriously recommends the mirror on the bottom to view your stroke. Makes sense to me, I always get a lot out of watching video of my stroke. We have considered getting one, and that would be one of the major selling features for me, being able to continuously watch my stroke mechanics.
I think they demo at most IM races, I know they were at IM Wisconsin both times I was there. They also have a referral program, so if somebody in your neck of the woods has one, Endless pools will compensate him for letting you try it.
A buddy has one that I swim in infrequently. I don’t know the cost, but if you have the cash and space there are many positive attributes, especially over a lap pool: your Endless Pool is open 24x7; Goldilocks water temp–not too hot, not too cold…right where you want it; very few chemicals–you don’t smell like a chemical factory when done; no flip turns; mirror on the bottom allows you to watch your stroke; you could easily rig a water-proof box to video tape yourself; the current forces tests your streamlined, balanced stroke or you’ll veer back and forth; it’s all yours–no other swimmers, kids, pool toys, etc to dodge; and it’s safe.