You might be wondering, can I wear my Apple Watch in the pool? The water resistance rating of your specific Apple Watch model determines its safety for pool use. This is the most important factor to understand before you get it wet.
Not all Apple Watches are created equal when it comes to water. Some are built for serious swimming, while others are only meant to handle splashes. Using your watch in water it’s not rated for can lead to permanent damage.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover how to check your model, explain the water resistance ratings, and provide clear steps for safe pool use.
Can I Wear My Apple Watch In The Pool
The direct answer is: it depends on your model. Apple Watches from Series 2 and later, along with all Apple Watch SE models and the Apple Watch Ultra, are designed for pool swimming. The original Apple Watch (Series 0) and Series 1 are not suitable for submersion.
Apple designs these later models to withstand water during activities like lap swimming and recreational pool use. They include features specifically for swimmers, like a water lock that expels water from the speaker.
However, water resistance is not a permanent condition. It can diminish over time due to normal wear, exposure to chemicals, or accidental impacts. You should never assume your watch is waterproof forever.
Understanding Apple Watch Water Resistance Ratings
Apple uses two main ratings to describe water resistance: IP and ATM. These are international standards that indicate how well a device is sealed against liquids.
Knowing what these ratings mean is crucial for protecting your investment. Using your watch beyond its rated depth or for unapproved activities voids the warranty.
IP Rating Explained
IP stands for “Ingress Protection.” It’s followed by two numbers. The first number rates protection against solids like dust. The second number rates protection against liquids. For example, a rating of IP6X means it’s dust-tight, while IPX7 means it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
Most modern Apple Watches have a water resistance rating of IPX8 under IEC standard 60529. This means they are suitable for constant submersion in water deeper than 1 meter. Apple specifies this is for pool swimming and ocean swimming.
ATM Rating Explained
ATM stands for “atmospheres” and is a common rating for watches. It indicates the static pressure a watch can withstand. One atmosphere is equal to the pressure at sea level, or about 10 meters of water depth.
An Apple Watch with a 5 ATM rating is suitable for swimming at shallow depths. The Apple Watch Ultra has a much higher rating, making it suitable for recreational scuba diving. It’s important to note that these ratings are for fresh water. Salt water and chlorinated water can be more corrosive.
How To Check Your Apple Watch Model And Rating
If you’re unsure which Apple Watch you own, it’s easy to find out. This information is critical before you take your first swim.
Follow these steps on your paired iPhone:
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap the “My Watch” tab at the bottom.
- Go to General > About.
- Look for the “Model” field. Tap it to reveal the model number (which starts with an ‘A’).
- You can also find the model number on the back of your Apple Watch case.
Once you have the model number, you can search for it on Apple’s website to confirm its water resistance capabilities. As a general rule, if your watch is a Series 2 or newer, it’s pool-ready.
Preparing Your Apple Watch For The Pool
Before you jump in, taking a few simple preparatory steps can help protect your device. This ensures it functions correctly during your swim and helps maintain its water resistance.
First, always ensure your Apple Watch has a good seal. If you have an Apple Watch with a removable band, make sure it is securely attached. A loose band can compromise the seal.
Second, enable Water Lock. This feature locks the screen to prevent accidental taps from water droplets. It also activates a function to clear water from the speaker after your swim.
- To turn on Water Lock, swipe up from the bottom of the watch face to open Control Center.
- Tap the water droplet icon. The screen will show “WATER LOCK” and the watch will emit a locking sound.
Finally, avoid exposing your watch to soaps, shampoos, lotions, or perfumes before swimming. These substances can degrade the water-resistant seals over time. Rinse your watch with clean, fresh water after swimming in a pool or the ocean.
Using Your Apple Watch For Swimming Workouts
One of the best features for pool swimmers is the dedicated Swim workout in the Workout app. It accurately tracks your laps, distance, and calories burned.
To start a swim workout, open the Workout app on your Apple Watch. Scroll to and select “Pool Swim.” You will be prompted to set the pool length. This is usually 25 meters or 25 yards for standard pools. Accurate pool length is key for correct lap counting.
During your swim, the watch uses its accelerometer and gyroscope to detect turns and count laps. The screen remains locked to prevent accidental input. You can pause the workout by pressing the side button and the Digital Crown simultaneously.
After your workout, remember to use the Water Lock ejection feature. Turn the Digital Crown until the watch says “Unlocked” and you hear a series of tones. This sound is designed to push water out of the speaker cavity.
What Not To Do With Your Apple Watch In Water
Even with a high water resistance rating, there are strict limitations. Avoiding these activities will extend the life of your watch’s seals.
- Do not wear it in a sauna, steam room, or hot tub. High temperatures and steam can damage the seals.
- Avoid high-velocity water, such as water skiing, jet skiing, or diving from a high board. The force of the impact can exceed the pressure rating.
- Never press the buttons or use the Digital Crown while the watch is submerged. This can force water inside.
- Do not use it for scuba diving below the rated depth (except for the Apple Watch Ultra, which is rated for recreational diving).
- Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, like heavily chlorinated pools or salt water, without rinsing it afterward with fresh water.
Cleaning And Drying Your Apple Watch After Swimming
Proper aftercare is just as important as proper preparation. Chlorine, salt, and minerals can build up and cause damage if not cleaned off.
First, always use the Water Lock ejection feature after swimming. This helps remove water trapped in the speaker. Next, rinse the watch under a gentle stream of lukewarm fresh water. Do not use soap, cleaning products, or compressed air.
To dry your Apple Watch, gently wipe it with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. Microfiber cloths work very well. Ensure the band is also completely dry, especially if it’s a non-water-resistant material like leather or some woven fabrics.
Leave the watch in a well-ventilated area to air dry completely before charging it. Never charge a wet Apple Watch, as this can cause corrosion and electrical damage.
What If Water Gets Inside My Apple Watch
Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. If you see condensation under the glass, or if the speaker sounds muffled, water may have gotten inside.
Do not try to dry it with an external heat source like a hairdryer or microwave. This can cause further damage. Instead, place the watch in a dry, warm, well-ventilated area with the band removed, if possible. Leave it there for at least 24 hours.
If the problem persists, contact Apple Support. Liquid damage is not covered by the standard Apple warranty or AppleCare+, but they may be able to offer a service option. It’s important to note that the water damage indicator inside the watch will be triggered if significant moisture is present.
Apple Watch Ultra And Its Superior Water Resistance
The Apple Watch Ultra is in a class of its own for aquatic activities. It is designed for extreme conditions and has the highest water resistance rating of any Apple Watch.
It features a WR100 rating, meaning it is water resistant to 100 meters under ISO standard 22810. More importantly, it has an EN13319 certification, making it suitable for recreational scuba diving down to 40 meters. It even includes a dedicated Depth app for divers.
For the average pool swimmer, this is overkill, but it offers unparalleled peace of mind. Its titanium case and sapphire crystal front are also more resistant to scratches from pool surfaces. The Oceanic+ app turns it into a full dive computer, which is a feature no other model has.
FAQs About Wearing Apple Watch In Water
Here are answers to some common questions about using your Apple Watch around water.
Can I shower with my Apple Watch?
It is not recommended. While it may survive, exposure to soap, shampoo, and hot water can degrade seals over time. Apple advises against exposing the watch to soap, suds, or conditioners.
Is the Apple Watch SE waterproof for swimming?
Yes, both generations of the Apple Watch SE have a water resistance rating of 50 meters (IPX8). They are suitable for pool swimming and shallow-water activities. They include the same Water Lock feature as other models.
Can I wear my Apple Watch in the ocean?
Yes, Apple states that Apple Watch Series 2 and later are suitable for swimming in the ocean. However, you should always rinse it thoroughly with fresh water afterward to remove salt and sand, which can be corrosive and abrasive.
How long will my Apple Watch stay water resistant?
Water resistance is not permanent. It can decrease due to normal wear, drops, or exposure to chemicals. Apple does not guarantee water resistance for the lifetime of the device. If you use your watch heavily for swimming, its seals may degrade faster.
What should I do if my Apple Watch gets wet and stops working?
Do not charge it. Place it in a dry area and let it air dry completely for at least 24-48 hours. If it does not turn on after that, contact Apple Support for service options. Remember that liquid damage is not covered under warranty.