So, is Garmin waterproof? Yes, like Fitbit and Apple Watches almost all Garmin Watches are waterproof. They are water-resistant up to a certain height below water.
For example, we have cheaper versions of it that are waterproof up to 5ATM. This means their cases can withstand submersions of up to 50 meters below water.
A good example of a cheap Garmin watch that is waterproof is Vivofit 4. On the other hand, there are models such as Garmin Fenix 6 which are water-resistant up to 100 meters below water.
Fenix 6 is a smartwatch you can go deep-sea diving with. The water-resistant feature makes the Fenix 6 watch fall on the list of the most expensive Garmin sports and fitness tracking watches.
Can You Shower with a Garmin Watch?
Yes, a Garmin smartwatch like the Vivosmart HR is a good example of a smartwatch you have on while having a shower.
The reason the watch won’t get damaged is that it is waterproof like the Vivofit 4 smartwatch.
Other Garmin watches that are waterproof, you can have a shower with and swim with include the Forerunner 55, Vivoactive 4S, Fenix 6, Forerunner 45, Venu Sq, Instinct, and Venu among others.
The Vivofit Jr 3 on the other hand is the best Garmin watch for kids and it can be worn while taking a shower.
Is Forerunner Waterproof?
A lot of older Garmin watches are cannot help track swimming. Fortunately, we have the Garmin Forerunner 230, Forerunner 235, and Forerunner 630 which can monitor your swimming activities.
The mentioned smartwatches will need the support of the Pool Swim app which is available on Garmin Connect IQ (Connect IQ is the ultimate Garmin App Store) and is free for download.
Garmin Water-resistance Classifications
We have various Garmin waterproofing classifications. We discuss for you the 4 water-resistance classifications below:
1 ATM: Garmin smartwatches that are water-resistant up to 10 meters below water can only withstand a few splashes, rain and snowdrops, and shower.
3 ATM: Garmin features a water-resistance rating of 3 ATM can only condone water pressures of 30 meters.
Such watches can withstand rain and snowdrops, shower, and shallow water activities.
5 ATM: Garmin watches coming with 5 ATM waterproofing can only withstand water pressures with a depth equivalence of 50 meters.
Garmin watches that are water-resistant up to 50 meters below water can be best for splashes, rain and snow, diving, swimming, and showering.
10 ATM: Watches that feature such a water-resistant rating can withstand water pressures equivalent to 100 meters in depth.
These watches are able to support high-speed water sports, splashes, heavy rains and snowdrops, showers, deep diving, and snorkeling
Can Garmin Watches Go In Salt Water?
Garmin watches can go to saltwater but can only survive such environments for a limited time.
In case you prolong the exposure of your Garmin watch to saltwater it can get damaged. Apart from salt, other elements that can damage your Garmin watch include cosmetics, chlorine, alcohol, and sun cream among other hostile chemicals.
It is therefore advisable that you wipe the Garmin watch clean after not only exposing it to salt but also other harsh elements like the ones mentioned.
Are Garmin Forerunners Waterproof, Which Of Them Can Monitor Swimming?
All the Forerunners are waterproofed, for now, we have 4 that are also best for swim tracking. They include Forerunner 230, Forerunner 235, and Forerunner 630.
They will monitor pool workouts but of course with the help of the Pool Swim app. Below we briefly discuss them:
Garmin Forerunner 230
Garmin Forerunner 230 is the best waterproof watch for swimmers and runners. You are also able to track your heart rate. The data analysis from all activities analyzed by the watch is accurate.
There is a GPS on the watch that makes it best for running and its ability to work with the Pool Swim app to monitor swimming activities makes it the best Garmin watch for swimming.
Talking of the battery life, it features a battery that can keep a charge for up to 5 weeks on smartwatch mode but up to 16 hours with the GPS mode active.
Garmin Forerunner 235
The Forerunner 235 is yet another Garmin swimming smartwatch. And that’s obviously because it features a water-resistant rating of up to 50 meters.
Like Forerunner 230, the watch can track activities at the swimming pool using the Swim Pool app from Garmin Connect IQ Store. It also monitors the heart rate as you swim.
In case you are looking for a Garmin watch for swimming look no further because you have the Garmin Forerunner 630.
You cannot complain about its battery because it is capable of lasting you up to 9 days on a full charge and when on watch mode. With the GPS mode set on, the smartwatch can only last for about 11 hours.
Garmin Forerunner 630
Garmin Forerunner 630 is also the best swim watch but is more expensive than the Forerunner 230 and Forerunner 235 which costs less than the Forerunner 630 which goes for about $399.99.
The watch is waterproof up to 50 meters too and with the help of the Swim Pool app, it will be able to monitor swimming activities.
As you swim it will also be able to monitor your heart rate. Garmin Forerunner 630 has its battery life next to that of forerunner 230.
On a full charge, Garmin 630 can keep a charge for up to 4 weeks but only on smartwatch mode. GPS mode slashes the period to about 16 hours.
Note, Garmin Forerunner 230 and Forerunner 235 cost the same, about $250 making them Garmin’s cheapest swimming watch and all of them are swim watches for open water.
What are the benefits of a Garmin Watch?
All Garmin watches no matter the model you own are of much importance. Some of the benefits you will enjoy from Garmin smartwatches monitoring your heart rate, sleep, swimming, and general fitness.
Garmin watches will also give you directions using the GPS mode feature included in them.
In addition, they will be able to let you control the music playing on your phone without reaching for your pockets.
Users are also able to respond to calls and texts from their wrists with the help of Garmin.
Apart from listening to music you can browse the internet and watch movies right from a Garmin watch. Lastly, Garmin can make contactless payments at stores.
