Open water swim training often presents unique challenges for athletes looking to build stamina and improve technique. Limited pool availability, especially during peak hours, can make it difficult to find consistent practice time. For those with demanding schedules, early morning training may not be feasible, and evening sessions can be crowded with swim lessons, team activities, and other aquatic programs. These challenges can hinder an athlete’s ability to maintain a rigorous training regimen and prepare for challenging open water events.
SwimEx customer Austin Frazer found access to a pool for open water swim training even more challenging after a move to San Antonio. “Although I’m proud to be a San Antonio resident, one thing I’ve found a bit lacking is pool time and pool space,” said Austin. “I was finding it difficult to maintain the practice regimen that I had in my previous city.” The lack of availability prompted him to consider having a pool at home.
Choosing the Right Pool
When it came time to invest in a home pool, Austin knew he needed something powerful enough to keep up with his intense training regimen. He researched several pool options, including SwimEx, Endless Pools, and Master Spa. “I found the Master Spa H2X Challenger and Endless Performance Pool were both underpowered for my needs,” said Austin. “Although I think the Endless Elite Pool passed my power test, the SwimEx 600 S was the favorite machine of the ones that I tried.”
“I loved that you could set the workout up from out of the pool but that you could also modify the speed on the fly from just in front of the current stream,” said Austin. “For longer swims, the engine does not need to be that powerful. Speeds are typically the equivalent of a slow jog most of the time. However, I wanted a machine that I could dial up to match my top-end speed for the occasional sprint workout and interval training. The SwimEx 600 S was perfect for my main activity of long, slower swimming, as well as my turn-back-the-clock sprint sessions. Plus, I can really work on my technique and perfect my strokes without having to constantly stop and turn around in a public pool.”
A Garage Installation
Austin’s garage turned out to be an ideal spot for his SwimEx 600 S pool. Now, instead of dealing with crowded public pools, Austin enjoys open water swim training at home. “The SwimEx 600 easily fits in my garage,” he said. “It’s the ideal solution for anyone who wants to train for open water swimming at home but doesn’t have a lot of space.”
Compact yet powerful, the 600 S offers impressive versatility without requiring a large footprint. The paddlewheel current provides a strong, river-like flow for effective swim training, while features like the deep water and running platform enhance its usability for fitness. From intense swim training to leisurely family swims, it’s an excellent choice for all-around home use.
A New Training Routine
Once the new pool was installed, Austin spent time adjusting the pool temperature and eventually installed a chiller to make sure the pool didn’t get too hot. “I’ve set the water temp at 84, “said Austin. “I could probably go lower, but I don’t think my daughter would appreciate that!”
“In the warmer water, I would have to stop and take lots of ice water breaks to cool down my body temperature,” said Austin. “Now, I can keep my heart rate in the green zone and just take a water break every 30 minutes — exactly like I would in an open water event!”
Since owning his SwimEx, Austin has been able to swim a 9 mile ocean swim in Ocean City, Maryland; an eight-hour swim around the island of Manhattan; a series of swims of 3-9 miles in various lakes in Vermont; and, a 25-mile international swim across Lake Memphremagog from Newport, VT to Magog, QC.
“I would not have been able to confidently swim those distances without being able to train at the intensity, duration, and time that I wanted. I could not have trained as well as I did from where I live without the beautiful and powerful SwimEx 600 S that resides conveniently in my garage.”