How to Use Garmin® Smartwatch for Swim Training with the Swim Coach App: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, swimmers and triathletes need tools that not only help them stay on top of their training but also provide personalized feedback and insights. The Swim Coach App does just that — offering tailored workout plans, progress tracking, and analytics to ensure you’re always improving. When paired with a Garmin® smartwatch, this app becomes even more powerful, enabling you to seamlessly integrate structured workouts into your routine and track your progress directly from your wrist.

This guide will walk you through the process of syncing your Garmin® smartwatch with the Swim Coach App to optimize your swim training experience. From setting up your account to completing a workout, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

Supported Garmin® Smartwatches

Currently, the following Garmin® smartwatches support structured pool workouts and are compatible with the Swim Coach App:

• D2 Series: Bravo / Charlie / Delta / Mach 1
• Descent Series: G1 / Mk1 / Mk2 / Mk2i
• Enduro Series
• epix (Gen 2) Series
• fēnix Series: 3 / 5 / 5 Plus / 6 / 7
• Forerunner Series: 245 / 255 / 265 / 645 / 735XT / 745 / 920XT / 935 / 945 / 945 LTE / 955 / 955 Solar / 965
• Garmin Swim 2
• Instinct Series
• Instinct 2 Series
• Instinct Crossover Series
• MARQ Collection
• MARQ Collection (Gen 2)
• quatix Series: 3 / 5 / 6
• tactix Series: 7 / Bravo / Charlie / Delta

For the most up-to-date list of compatible devices, refer to the official Garmin® list of smartwatches with structured pool workout support here.

If you’re using an Apple Watch®, check out this guide for setting up the Swim Coach App.

Step-by-Step Guide to Syncing Your Garmin® Smartwatch with the Swim Coach App

1. Download the Swim Coach App
   Install the Swim Coach App from the App Store (iPhone®) or Google Play Store (Android®).

2. Connect to Garmin Connect™
   In the Swim Coach App, navigate to your account settings and connect to Garmin Connect™. Ensure that you grant all necessary permissions so that your Swim Coach workouts can sync with your Garmin® smartwatch, and your completed sessions can be transferred back to the app.

3. Create a Workout or Training Plan
   Using the Swim Coach App, design a workout or build a custom training plan. Double-check that the pool length is set correctly for accurate tracking. Once your workout is ready, transfer it to Garmin Connect™ by tapping the smartwatch icon at the top or using the menu in the top-right corner. You’ll receive a confirmation message once the transfer is successful.

4. Access Workouts in Garmin Connect™
   Open the Garmin Connect™ app on your smartphone and go to Training & Planning → Workouts. You’ll find a list of all workouts, with your newly created Swim Coach workout at the top.

5. Transfer Workout to Your Smartwatch
   Select the workout in Garmin Connect™ and transfer it to your Garmin® smartwatch, or add it to your training calendar. Make sure Bluetooth® is turned on and your smartwatch is connected to your phone. Your workout is now synced and ready on your smartwatch.

6. Start Your Workout
   On your Garmin® smartwatch, open the workout by selecting Pool Swimming → Training → My Workouts → Pool Swimming. Choose the workout you’ve just synced, and you’re ready to begin! The exact steps may vary depending on your specific Garmin® model, so be sure to consult the relevant manual for detailed instructions.

7. Sync Your Completed Workout
   After you finish your swim, your Garmin® smartwatch will sync with Garmin Connect™ via your smartphone. Once synced, your completed workout will automatically appear in the Swim Coach App, with detailed statistics and performance insights. The app will also notify you if you’ve broken any personal records during your session.

The Swim Coach app creates varied and effective swim workouts for you.

By integrating the Swim Coach App with your Garmin® smartwatch, you can take your swim training to the next level with personalized plans and seamless tracking. Whether you’re a competitive triathlete or just trying to improve your swim technique, this combination provides everything you need for effective and efficient training sessions.

Excellent app with a good price point. I've seen remarkable improvements in my time trials using a generated 12-week program. Highly recommend.

- Andrew, Google Play Store

I've tried at least 4 other swim apps, and this is the best one by far... price is super inexpensive comparatively and the quality of workouts and plans are great! As an experienced swimmer, this was everything I've been looking for.

- Swim Coach User, Apple App Store

I've been using this app for a couple of months now and will gladly keep it in my swimming toolbox. Easy to use. The workouts are fun and challenging. You can customise workouts to suit your needs. It definitely helped improve my swimming and kept me motivated.

- Louisa, Google Play Store

Awesome! You get the perfect workout for you every time. I download the workout onto my Garmin watch so I can just swim without fumbling around trying to figure out what I'm supposed to be doing.

- Anna, Google Play Store

Great app to start training without being an expert swimmer.

- Miguel, Google Play Store

It has been my swimming coach for the past 3 months and I've already shaved 15 seconds off my 100m pace.

- Tari, Google Play Store

Great app for setting up and recording swimming training, even in the free version.

- André, Google Play Store

I recommend this app which motivates me enormously and I enjoy swimming more with the targeted workouts. Very complete. Thanks!

- Alice, Apple App Store

Helpful Resources to Train Smarter and Swim Faster

Looking for a way to stay motivated and take your swim training to the next level? Download the Swim Coach App today and unlock personalized workouts that help you swim faster and more efficiently. For more tips and insights, check out these additional articles on swim training:

20 tips to swim faster →
How to swim faster 50 meter freestyle
How to swim faster 100 meter freestyle
How to swim faster 200 meter freestyle
How to swim faster 400 meter freestyle
How to swim faster in a Sprint Triathlon
How to swim faster in an Olympic Triathlon
Swim Coach App and Apple Watch® - Your Ultimate Swim Training Power Duo