The Pool-Mate contains state of the art motion sensors that detect the motion of your arm. Our unique software algorithms and digital signal processing techniques analyse the data and extract lap, stroke, distance, speed and calorie information automatically.
Do I need to press a button at the end of each lap like other lap counters?
No, The Pool-Mate is fully automatic and will sense when you start a new lap without you having to do anything. Just press the start button and begin your swim.
Why do I need to enter my weight?
The Pool-Mate uses this to work out the calories you expend.
I want to swim sets, can the Pool-Mate record each set?
Yes, you can playback all the details from individual sets as well as the details of the total swim session. Press the Start button at the beginning and end of each set if you want to record them. You can even time your rest periods.
The Pool-Mate doesn’t count all my laps.
If you have inaccurate lap results make sure the watch is securely attached to your wrist and can’t move around. Also try gliding for a longer period at the start of each lap. This saves you energy, improves your efficiency and gives the Pool-Mate a little longer to register the change of laps. Some users also find that wearing the watch on the other wrist may help improve accuracy, remember to change the arm in the SETUP menu too first.
The Pool-Mate doesn’t update my laps when I’m doing kick sets or one arm drills.
The Pool-Mate must be put into Pause mode when kicking or drilling.
Will it work in open water?
This version of the Pool-Mate has been designed for lap swimming in a pool only. We are working on something for Open Water but no dates yet I'm afraid.
Can I wear the Pool-Mate on my right arm?
Yes, the Pool-Mate will work on either wrist, just change the setting in the SETUP menu. .
The Pool-Mate gives strange results when I change strokes mid lap.
The Pool-Mate has not been designed to recognise changes of stroke part way through a lap. If you are going to change strokes you must do it when you change laps. If a hesitation or interruption in the stroke pattern occurs mid lap this may also cause inaccurate lap counts.
What does the efficiency index measure?
The efficiency index is based on the recognized Swim Golf method that you may be familiar with. It is the number of strokes (on the arm you are wearing the watch on) plus the time taken to swim 25 metres. Concentrate on reducing this number to increase your efficiency and improve your swimming.
What units is the Speed measured in?
We have found that the time to swim 100m is more of a meaningful measure of swimming speed than metres per second or miles an hour as swimmers are used to watching the pool clock and judging speed from it. The Speed shown is the average time in seconds per 100 metres.
Will the Pool-Mate work with flip turns?
Yes, the Pool-Mate will work with both flip turns and when pushing off the wall.
How accurate is the Pool-Mate?
The watch has been tested on a wide variety of swimmers over an 18 month period prior to launch. We have a 99.75% accuracy rate with our database of hundreds of kms from many swimmers with 1500m times ranging between 22 and 40 minutes. No guarantee is given for accuracy with individual swimmers and rates may differ with users whose strokes or abilities differ from the norm. Accuracy may be slightly less when swimming breaststroke for some swimmers but if you have problems let us know as we would like to help.
Will the watch work with all pools?
The watch will work with pools over 15m in length. However in order to recognise swimming the watch needs to detect several regular swim strokes, if using a very small pool you may reach the end before this occurs and the watch will not know you are swimming. If this occurs we recommend you try a larger pool. The watch will work best in pools over 20m. It needs setting to the pool length before use- the default setting is 25m.
How long will the battery last?
The Pool-Mate battery has an estimated life expectancy of well over 12 months. The higher your average hours swimming a week, the shorter the battery life will be. To maintain water resistance and ensure the warranty remains valid, the Pool-Mate may be returned to Swimovate Ltd for battery replacement. Alternatively it may be replaced by a qualified watch maker or jeweller- just be sure to tell them it's a waterproof watch so they can check the seal. The battery is a standard CR2025 that should be readily available.
My pool is measured in yards- Will the Pool-Mate work?
Versions of the watch purchased from the middle of January will support both imperial and metric measurements. If you have an earlier version it can be returned to us for upgrade for the price of the return postage only. Some retailers may have stock of the older version so if this is important to you please check that they can supply this version before purchasing.
Will the Pool-Mate upload data to a PC?
Yes! see the Pool-Mate Pro. Please note that the latest version of the Pool-Mate Pro is now both Mac and Windows compatible!