SlowTwitchers,
In what ways would a swimmer’s form be different in an Endless Pool vs. regular pool?
Thanks
PS: I video taped my first swim in an Endless Pool, and was horrified by what I saw: my technique was a mess. The experience has given me plenty to think about, but I am having trouble believe that is the way I swim in a conventional pool.
Well, what did you notice that you were doing poorly in your video? Have you taped yourself in a pool to compare?
i’ve only swam in an endless pool on two different occasions for no more than 45 minutes each time but I felt HORRIBLE. feet sunk considerably more than usual, entire body snaked back and forth as I had a hard time staying centered in the water flow. I could barely focus on my stroke as I was just trying to stay centered more than anything. Also I think the depth of flow is too shallow as my pull was deeper than the flow which threw me off as well.
I’ve been swimming in an Endless Pool for 3 years now. I was a wayyyy BOP IM swimmer before my Endless pool, now I am a MOP swimmer. I have a love/hate relationship with my Endless pool
I love it because it has improved my swim times and gives me the flexibility of swimming when my schedule allows BUT I hate the boredom.
It took several weeks for me to become accustomed to the water flow, lack of lane lines etc.
Endless pool swimming is very different than pool swimming. My balance was the first thing to improve, then my pull improved. Now my swim times have improved.
I suggest getting a full length mirror and putting it on the bottom of the pool with marine tape. You will be able to adjust your swimming as you are swimming.
I love it because it has improved my swim times and gives me the flexibility of swimming when my schedule allows BUT I hate the boredom.
I.
waterproof ipod… makes indoor lane swimming bearable also
I’m getting one of these… http://h2ofriendly.com/
I have one of these… but I get arm/inner arm chafe… http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/578679-REG/H2O_Audio_WA3_5A1_Amphibx_Waterproof_Armband_Small.html
of course now it’s discontinued, replaced with something smaller…http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/752752-REG/H2O_Audio_WB3_BK_Amphibx_Fit_Waterproof_Armband.html
figures
One of my best friends has an endless pool and honestly it is one of the greatest training tools I have used to improve my swim. As another poster mentioned it is mundane after a while and sometimes judging distance swam is trouble some especially if you’re doing intervals, drill sets, base work, etc off of yds.
Every word you wrote resonates with me. My experiences have been exactly the same:
much snaking back and forthlots of concentration required to stay centered on the oncoming flowmy hips were dragging badlyfor the Endless Pool I used (at my health club), the size of the outflow area (21" x 17") is perhaps too small, so some swimmer’s strokes will pass outside the main flow
I’m going to have someone video my stroke in a conventional pool. In the meantime, I am going to assume that the Endless Pool simply exaggerates the flaws in my stroke… and will try to improve those issues.
I can imagine a much better design for this type of application, but expect it would be fearsomely more expensive.
i’ve only swam in an endless pool on two different occasions for no more than 45 minutes each time but I felt HORRIBLE. feet sunk considerably more than usual, entire body snaked back and forth as I had a hard time staying centered in the water flow. I could barely focus on my stroke as I was just trying to stay centered more than anything. Also I think the depth of flow is too shallow as my pull was deeper than the flow which threw me off as well.
The mirror idea is good. The Endless Pool I’ve been using has one mirror mounted at about a 45 degree angle. It is very helpful to be able to see the catch and beginning of pull. I ordered a 36" x 48" stainless steel mirror that I’ll throw at the bottom.
Seems like it a whole lot better than not swimming, but it sure is different that regular pool swimming.
I’ve been swimming in an Endless Pool for 3 years now. I was a wayyyy BOP IM swimmer before my Endless pool, now I am a MOP swimmer. I have a love/hate relationship with my Endless pool
I love it because it has improved my swim times and gives me the flexibility of swimming when my schedule allows BUT I hate the boredom.
It took several weeks for me to become accustomed to the water flow, lack of lane lines etc.
Endless pool swimming is very different than pool swimming. My balance was the first thing to improve, then my pull improved. Now my swim times have improved.
I suggest getting a full length mirror and putting it on the bottom of the pool with marine tape. You will be able to adjust your swimming as you are swimming.
i consider myself a decent (much-improved since starting at age 23) swimmer, 5:30 - 5:35 for 500 yards. and i think i have a pretty decent stroke, but the endless pool made me feel like i was swimming for the first time all over again!
i have a vasa ergometer now that i use to supplement my swim training and i like the way i can watch and focus on high elbows and engaging the right muscles.
You asked about the stroke changes and there are a couple. Like others have said, it sinks you hips and legs, but that just makes you kick more to compensate. So after a time you develope a very strong and efficient kick, a very good thing. On the front end, you are not pulling into still water, so it makes the pull a lot less intense. So if you swim exclusively in an EP, (which i did for a couple years), you have to supplement your upper body strenght. I used a swim bench, weights, and just making the trek to a real pool every once in awhile.
And the mirror is a great asset, as you can make little changes in the steady stream, and get instant feedback if they worked or not. All the bad things the EP does to your stroke cand be compensated for, and should be. If you are snaking back and forth, do what it take to straighten out. It is like free floating pedals, if you float all over the place back and forth, you have to adjust your pedal stroke to stop that. Same with the EP, if you feet sink, adjust your kick to get them back up to the surface.
So if I have problem shoulders, would an endless pool help with that? i.e. less stress on shoulders…
Another counter current pool option to consider is the RiverPool, manufactured by Sentry Pools in Moline, IL. At Sentry Pools, we’ve been in business since 1971 and have engineered the RiverPool to feel like you’re naturally swimming due to: the large 24" x 20" Flowhead, 18" Stainless Steel Propeller and efficient 7.5 HP Motor. The RiverPool system directs a deeper flow of water, which lifts the swimmer’s body up and allows you to swim with correct body position.
Along with delivering an efficient current, the RiverPool provides perimeter bracing and the 14 gauge steel pool walls are powder coated to protect the structure. Being a Family owned company in the Mid West, our focus is on delivering a quality product at a great value.
For more info, please visit our counter current pool dedicated website at www.FluidSwim.com
Best regards,
Dan Hulse
Sentry Pool - FluidSwim
i dont like the EP… you end up with some cross currents on your legs at the back of the pool. it’s fine for someone like me but for a beginner (and folks i’ve tried to assist in an EP) it’s very hard to not have your legs be twisted about
http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/features/endless/moreswim.html
Something I wrote awhile ago, but of course nothing has changed, hope it helps…
I have access to an endless pool with a mirror in the front and bottom, helps tremendously with technique.
The snaking thing can also be attributed to just where the side jet is pointed. Not all the water flow comes from the main jets directly in front of you. there’s a side jet as well that often needs to be aimed towards the middle to stop the drifting out of your lane.
I think ep’s and the like can be a great tool but they do get a bit boring for me after awhile.
Well, like my coach said “if it’s tougher in the endless pool then when you get good at it here you’ll be really good at it in the pool”
I found the EP more difficult as well but it passes. Besides, we don’t swim in nice calm pools in races.
Don’t swim too far forward as it is way more turbulent. Center-back is calmer.
Dan,
This is Brian McInnes in Bellevue, WA. We purchased a pool from you back when you were selling this product as Infinite pool. We are moving to another house and the new owner does not want the pool here so I have disassembled. We are not going to reinstall in our new house. Do you have any connections or know of anyone who might want a used pool for very cheap? It would obviously need a new liner and a few other things replaced but otherwise works well. They’d have to pick up here in Seattle area. Maybe your company would like to refurbish it and sell to someone who otherwise could not afford a new one. Just saw your post (that is old) so thought I would contact you.
Brian