Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Want more accurate swim tracking on your Garmin smartwatch?
In this tutorial, we'll show you how to record a Pool Swim activity, configure pool size settings, improve swim tracking accuracy, and use features such as Auto Rest and Drill Logging.
This video uses a fēnix® 8 smartwatch, but the process is similar on many compatible Garmin devices.
▶ This video covers:
✔ Setting up Pool Swim
✔ Configuring Pool Size
✔ Customizing Data Screens
✔ Auto Rest settings
✔ How Garmin calculates pool swim distance
✔ Improving swim tracking accuracy
✔ Drill Logging
✔ Reviewing swim data in Garmin Connect
✔ Saving and syncing your workout
Garmin calculates pool swim distance based on the pool length you configure and the number of completed lengths detected during the activity. Proper turns, consistent swimming, and correct pool size settings help improve accuracy.
Feature availability may vary by device.
Please refer to Garmin product documentation for compatibility details.
▶Chapter:
00:00 Introduction
00:17 Pool Swim Setup
00:27 Add Pool Swim Activity
00:54 Configure Pool Size
01:08 Pool Swim Settings
01:26 Start Pool Swim Recording
01:36 How Garmin Calculates Pool Swim Distance
01:43 Pool Swim Lap Detection Explained
01:58 Why Swim Distance Can Be Inaccurate
02:06 Improve Pool Swim Accuracy
02:26 Supported Swim Strokes
02:45 Endless Pool & Swim Spa Limitations
02:50 Garmin Auto Rest Feature
02:56 Garmin Drill Logging
03:13 View Drill Logs in Garmin Connect
03:30 End and Save Your Activity
03:54 Analyze Swim Metrics in Garmin Connect
04:10 Conclusion
▶ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Garmin calculate pool swim distance?
A: Garmin multiplies the configured pool length by the number of completed lengths detected during the swim activity.
Q: Why is my swim distance inaccurate?
A: Incorrect pool size settings, stopping mid-length, inconsistent strokes, or weak push-offs may affect distance detection.
Q: Which swim strokes are supported?
A: Garmin supports freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly for swim detection.
Q: What is Auto Rest?
A: Auto Rest automatically detects rest periods when you stop swimming and resumes tracking when you continue your workout.
Q: What is Drill Logging?
A: Drill Logging allows you to manually record drills such as kickboard sessions and technique work that may not generate enough arm movement for distance tracking.
Q: Can Garmin track swimming in endless pools or swim spas?
A: No. Pool Swim distance tracking is not supported in stationary swimming environments such as endless pools, infinity pools, or swim spas.
#Garmin#GarminSwim#PoolSwim#Swimming#SwimTracking#Fenix8#GarminConnect#DrillLogging#AutoRest#SwimTraining#GarminSupport#Smartwatch
▶Visit our official website: garmin.com
▶ Shop now:
https://www.garmin.com.sg/products/wearables/fenix-8-51-amoled-carbongray/
▶Need help? Visit our Support Center: support.garmin.com
Want more accurate swim tracking on your Garmin smartwatch?
In this tutorial, we'll show you how to record a Pool Swim activity, configure pool size settings, improve swim tracking accuracy, and use features such as Auto Rest and Drill Logging.
This video uses a fēnix® 8 smartwatch, but the process is similar on many compatible Garmin devices.
▶ This video covers:
✔ Setting up Pool Swim
✔ Configuring Pool Size
✔ Customizing Data Screens
✔ Auto Rest settings
✔ How Garmin calculates pool swim distance
✔ Improving swim tracking accuracy
✔ Drill Logging
✔ Reviewing swim data in Garmin Connect
✔ Saving and syncing your workout
Garmin calculates pool swim distance based on the pool length you configure and the number of completed lengths detected during the activity. Proper turns, consistent swimming, and correct pool size settings help improve accuracy.
Feature availability may vary by device.
Please refer to Garmin product documentation for compatibility details.
▶Chapter:
00:00 Introduction
00:17 Pool Swim Setup
00:27 Add Pool Swim Activity
00:54 Configure Pool Size
01:08 Pool Swim Settings
01:26 Start Pool Swim Recording
01:36 How Garmin Calculates Pool Swim Distance
01:43 Pool Swim Lap Detection Explained
01:58 Why Swim Distance Can Be Inaccurate
02:06 Improve Pool Swim Accuracy
02:26 Supported Swim Strokes
02:45 Endless Pool & Swim Spa Limitations
02:50 Garmin Auto Rest Feature
02:56 Garmin Drill Logging
03:13 View Drill Logs in Garmin Connect
03:30 End and Save Your Activity
03:54 Analyze Swim Metrics in Garmin Connect
04:10 Conclusion
▶ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Garmin calculate pool swim distance?
A: Garmin multiplies the configured pool length by the number of completed lengths detected during the swim activity.
Q: Why is my swim distance inaccurate?
A: Incorrect pool size settings, stopping mid-length, inconsistent strokes, or weak push-offs may affect distance detection.
Q: Which swim strokes are supported?
A: Garmin supports freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly for swim detection.
Q: What is Auto Rest?
A: Auto Rest automatically detects rest periods when you stop swimming and resumes tracking when you continue your workout.
Q: What is Drill Logging?
A: Drill Logging allows you to manually record drills such as kickboard sessions and technique work that may not generate enough arm movement for distance tracking.
Q: Can Garmin track swimming in endless pools or swim spas?
A: No. Pool Swim distance tracking is not supported in stationary swimming environments such as endless pools, infinity pools, or swim spas.
#Garmin#GarminSwim#PoolSwim#Swimming#SwimTracking#Fenix8#GarminConnect#DrillLogging#AutoRest#SwimTraining#GarminSupport#Smartwatch
▶Visit our official website: garmin.com
▶ Shop now:
https://www.garmin.com.sg/products/wearables/fenix-8-51-amoled-carbongray/
▶Need help? Visit our Support Center: support.garmin.com
