Does anyone have any first-hand knowledge on this system (http://www.endlesspools.com/fastlane/index.html)? It seems six grand is a lot to pay for a unit that just hangs on one side of your pool wall. And then there’s another $700 to tack on for a hi-performance current needed for “serious swimmers.”
all I know about FastLane is that it is the website for submitting grant proposals at NSF…probably not the same thing 
.
I am in the process of assembling a swim spa by Medallion pools. It uses the Exerswim propulsion system (very similar to the fast lane) but a lot less money. Total cost (pool, Exerswim, freight, cedar exterior trim, insulation, wiring, etc.) will be around $11,000. If I remember correctly, Slowman’s Endless Pool was around $22,000.
However, there is a lot of “assembly” required as the shell is aluminum & steel that bolts together. Nothing is pre-assembled.
I will post pics when it is finished.
It appears as though the unit hangs on any exisiting pool that you otherwise might not be able to do laps in. Or even if you could, this unit allows for an “open-water” simulation swim.
I actually saw the full-on EP in person last year and it looked pretty damn cool. I would be curious though if this variety is as effective in terms of the width and length of the current? The endless pool has areas blocked off at the bottom to take the water from the back and pull it to the front making what appeared to be a fairly stable and consistent current.
Thanks for the post and for the questions. DISCLAIMER: I work for Fastlane by Endless Pools. I’m also a long-time triathlete and IM finisher.
I absolutely have a great deal of 1st hand knowledge since I swim in an Fastlane-equipped pool on a regular basis (nice perc, eh?) Basically, what you are getting for $5,900 is a current every bit as good as an Endless pool for a considerably smaller cost of entry if you already have a pool. Incuded in the system are the in-pool unit you’ve pictured, a commercial grade 5hp hydraulic pump/power unit, the high pressure hydraulic hoses to connect those two and an underwater swim mirror. The current is turned on/off and the speed is adjusted via a wireless remote control and is fully adjust able from a gentle drift to a 1:05 per 100 yard pace.
The requirements are 1) a pool w/ at least 200 sq ft of surface area. It need not be rectangular, but in-ground is preferred. 2) a 30 amp 220 volt circuit at the location where the Power unit will reside.
The standard 5 hp Power Unit generates a current equivalent to a 1:05 100 yard pace. That’s generally fast enough for endurance sets for even the most serious swimmer. If you aspire to be 1st out at Kona, then the upgraded PU will generate a 57 second 100 yard pace…equivalent to a 43 minute IM swim.
The Floor Mirror (free with purchase by June 24th) is an invaluable training tool for those who want to really see what they’re doing. You can self coach your way to a faster swim split (I took 5 mins off my 1.2 mile PR from last year to this)
Please feel free to ask any questions, I’ll check back from time to time!
-Lee Shelly
Sales Director for Fastlane by Endless Pools
I’m currently researching the pos and cons of an endless pool versus an Exerswim. I’d like to buy one or the other. From the web page and listed specifications the Endless Pool seems to offer a good swimmer a challenging workout. The Exerswim has a lot of excellent design features, but I can’t determine if the current is sufficient to offer the same kind of workout as an Endless Pool.
I’d prefer ISBR’s solution (Medallion pool + Exerswim) but have serious reservations about the Exerswim’s top swim speed. Does anyone know if the Exerswim 101PT current is the same as the Endless Pool current of a 42 min Ironman?
Lee, I emailed you a floor plan of our pool to inquire where would be the best place to install the unit. I am very interested in purchasing your system but need you to answer more of my questions before I take the plunge. Please check your email (it’s from 7/1/05). Thanks.
Got it and replied!
I don’t know about the Fastlane, but I’ve had an Endless Pool for over three years and my wife and I love it. We got the wider, longer and deeper version and had it built in when we were adding on to our house. If you’re pretty sure you’ll swim year round I’d highly recommend an EP and, no, I don’t work for them.
Would you know what material the underwater mirror is made of? Is it sort of an acrylic sheet with a one-way tint?
Lee, thanks for your response. We’re almost there…I have a few more questions so please check your email. Thanks.