Can You Swim With a Fitbit? (Which Ones Are Waterproof?)

Fitbit is a world-renowned brand and is often compared with industry superstars like the apple watch and Samsung’s fitness trackers.

Now you probably know how good Fitbit is and how many Fitbit models are beloved by celebrities and fitness experts alike. But how well do they perform in water? Can you swim with a Fitbit without damaging it?

To jump right into the answer, yes, you can use some Fitbit devices. But there are quite a few factors that come into play. And unless your swimming workout doesn’t involve these factors, you are better off without it.

So, without further ado, let’s look at whether or not the Fitbit fitness tracker is the best option for you during your swim workouts.

1. Are Fitbits Waterproof?

Almost all Fitbit devices claim that they are waterproof. But there is a difference in how we define waterproof in this case.

Generally, when we say waterproof, we think of a device that functions properly underwater and can be used if we want to. While that’s the case, there are a lot of factors like water pressure, depth, and materials that come into play.

In Fitbit’s case, waterproof Fitbit means that the device can withstand splashes and the occasional spills.

Meaning the device that is labeled waterproof can take a few spills and splashes here and there but isn’t fully built to work for an extended period underwater. This type of water resistance is often regarded as showerproof.

So, does this mean there is no Fitbit model that you can use for swimming?

While the margin of waterproof that they set out is very low, certain Fitbit models can be great with certain swim workouts. This is because they can provide water resistance up to fifty meters.

So, if you are doing deep-sea diving or a similar water-based workout, then Fitbit isn’t going to fulfill your needs. You can stick to casual water-related workouts like doing a few laps or swimming for a set amount of time. Then, you can enjoy the facilities of Fitbit without facing any issues.

2. Resistance Level of Fitbit Fitness Trackers

Depending on the waterproof and the water-resistant stats provided by Fitbit, we can divide their devices into three categories:

1. Showerproof or resistant models
2. Waterproof or resistant models
3. Swim-proof or resistant models

3. Shower Resistant Models

We have already discussed the general concept of shower-resistant Fitbit models. Both Fitbit watches, and fitness trackers are shower resistant and withstand a few splashes or spills from time to time.

The models that are only showerproof are the older versions of Fitbit Ace, Fitbit Versa and Versa Lite, and Fitbit Charge 1 and 2. These models also don’t have any water lock setting within them.

You should never try to go swimming with any of these models because you will end up with a faulty tracker in no time. But if you do end up taking them, there are a few steps that you can apply, which we will discuss later.

4. Water Resistant Models

Except for the shower-only models, almost every Fitbit model falls under this category. These models can take a maximum depth of 50 meters and offers the water lock feature. With this water resistance, you can safely swim if you are not going deeper than fifty meters.

Very few swimming pools have a depth higher than 50 meters, so you shouldn’t have any problem using them and start your workout immediately.

Also, most of these models have an IP or ingress protection rating higher than 7. Ingress protection rating, or IP rating, is the gold standard set by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). And if a tracker scores around 7 or 8, then it is arguably a good choice when it comes to water resistance.

The models belonging to this category are:

The Sense is some of the new trackers introduced by Fitbit. This Fitbit device comes with all the latest technologies like water lock, sleep tracking, and much more. The water lock setting has also been optimized so the users can have a much easier time when tracking their movement underwater.

This device is water-resistant to 50 meters and operable from 12 degrees Fahrenheit to 1114 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thus, making it the perfect choice for a post-workout swim, sauna, or hot tub. You can also use it on both fresh water and saltwater. But freshwater is the best choice for this Fitbit device.

Luxe is more of a monitoring device than any other. That being said, it does have all the necessary features like water lock, movement tracking, pulse rating, and such. It is also resistant to 50 meters of water.

Due to the slim outlook, it has been adopted by many as their go-to tracker, from a sweaty workout to light running or swimming.

A unique feature of the water lock setting on this tracker is the water lock icon. It is colorful and much different from the others.

This makes the tracker easy to use, even in dark areas. So, if you fancy a late-night swim workout, this might be the perfect Fitbit water-resistant tracker for you!

The versa series is one of the popular models of Fitbit. There is a water lock that is optimized for heavy usage, making the device more optimal for swimming. While Versa 1 was only shower friendly, Versa 2 and 3 have good water resistance but a low heat resistance.

Meaning that this type of Fitbit device has water resistance to 50 meters but shouldn’t be taken to any sauna or hot tub. You will also get the common tracker features that the other Fitbit models have.

The charge series has seen the most updates in Fitbit’s history. While Charge 1 still hangs around in the barely waterproof area, Charge 3 to 5 all are resistant to 50 meters of water pressure. It also has a better temperature resistance than the Versa series ranging from 4 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Besides, it also offers the water lock feature, which already makes this device a good choice for water-related exercises. The stress levels monitor also can help you have a more effective and healthier lifestyle.

But that being said, we recommend wearing these trackers in a normal heat-free environment. Also, avoid wearing them in a hot environment that you might encounter in a sauna. This is especially true for Charge 4 and 5.

When the Inspire series is concerned, the only model that shines above all is the Fitbit Inspire 2. It has obtained all the important features from its predecessors, the Inspire 1 and Inspire HR, and made them much better. The model is also water-resistant to 50 meters of depth pressure. Didn’t I mention, that it is also the smallest in their lineup.

Its optimization with the exercise app is uncanny. While many of Fitbit’s devices aren’t able to synchronize with the exercise app underwater, all your notifications, even when you are underwater, can be monitored directly. It does so via the exercise app with the Fitbit Inspire 2.

These are all the current water-resistant trackers that Fitbit offers. And as you have noticed, all of them offer the same 50 meters depth resistance. Other future brands from Fitbit might have better depth pressure resistance in the future.

Also, with all of these devices, you will get instant access to Fitbit premium. It will offer you more in-depth reviews and the best tech tutorials for using Fitbit features like the water lock, multiple device setup, and many more.

5. Swim Resistant Models

These models are the ones that are certified by the company to be used during swimming or other water-related exercises. The only Fitbit device that offers this is the Ace series.

Ace is the only Fitbit device that the company classifies as a swim-resistant model. The ace series also comes with 50 meters of water resistance but what makes it stand out is the water lock feature and its optimal functionality in the water.

But do keep in mind that only Ace 2 and 3 come with water lock features. The original Fitbit Ace isn’t suited for pool usage and often is the worst device you can opt for water-related situations.

While Ace 2 and 3 are mainly made for children who are 6-9 years old, people of any age can wear them without facing any problems or skin irritation. We also do not recommend wearing them in heated environments as they might just go bad. Try to use them in a freshwater pool if possible.

6. What to Do If You Drop Your Fitbit in Washing Machine, Hot Tub, or Pool

Now, if you are using a low water resistance Fitbit device, then getting them wet is the last thing that you should do. Cause they don’t have a water lock feature, and if you start swimming with those, they will get wet and stop functioning. But don’t worry; there are a few ways to fix these water-damaged devices.

Firstly, you will need to turn off the device and get it out of the pool, tub, or machine. Then you will need to open the tracker. Remove the band and then open up the tracker. See if the insides are wet or not.

If it is wet, you will need to dry the water out. But don’t use anything like a hairdryer or sunlight as this will damage the internal circuits. Use a lint-free cloth and soap-free cleanser to clean the insides until there is no more water.

Once everything is dry, clean the device with a soap-free cleanser with the help of a lint-free cloth again, and then put everything back together. If there is no internal damage, the device will work just fine!