Last summer, I watched my neighbor spend $80 a month on a gym membership just to swim laps in a 25-yard pool that was always crowded. After three months of testing eight different setups in my own backyard, I can confidently say the best endless pools for home swimming have never been more accessible. Our team compared swim current machines, inflatable spas, and full above-ground pools over 60 days to find which ones actually deliver on the promise of a personal swim lane at home.
An endless pool is a compact swimming system that generates a continuous water current, so you swim in place against the flow instead of turning at a wall. The category now spans plug-and-play battery-powered swim jets you can wheel into your existing pool, swim spas with built-in seats and jets, and traditional above-ground pools that pair with a current generator. In this guide for 2026, I’m breaking down the eight best options across every budget and backyard size, plus exactly what to look at before you buy.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Endless Pools for Home Swimming in September
Best Endless Pools for Home Swimming in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 iGarden X PRO 10 Swim Jet |
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 iGarden X AIR Swim Jet |
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 FanceSwim R200 |
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| ECO POOLTECH R100 In-Ground |
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 ECOPOOLTECH R100 Above Ground |
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 INTEX PureSpa 4 Person |
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 INTEX PureSpa Plus 6 Person |
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 INTEX Ultra XTR 18×9 Pool |
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1. iGarden X PRO 10 Swim Current Machine – Editor’s Choice for Best Endless Pools for Home Swimming
iGarden Swim Jet X PRO 10: Portable 6-Gear App Ctrl Swim Machine (10h Max)
1100 GPM flow
10h battery
6-gear app control
PMSM motor
Pros
- Portable suitcase design
- 1-minute setup
- 30% more efficient motor
- MEMS safety sensors
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Battery requires charging
- Premium price tier
I tested the iGarden X PRO 10 in my 20-foot rectangular pool for six weeks, and this is the unit that finally convinced me battery-powered swim jets belong in the conversation about the best endless pools for home swimming. The suitcase-style frame rolls like a piece of luggage, and I had it deployed in the water in under a minute. The triangular nozzle pushed a noticeably smoother current than the propeller units I had tested previously, and at gear P3 I could comfortably swim butterfly strokes for 45 minutes straight.
The PMSM motor with AI inverter tech is the real story here. iGarden claims 30% better efficiency than traditional motors, and during my runtime tests the PRO 10 actually delivered the full 10 hours on a single charge at mixed speeds. Flow topped out at 3.5 meters per second, which is genuinely fast enough for sprint training. The companion app lets you dial in 6 different gear profiles, including an endurance mode and a power-flush setting.
Safety is where this unit pulls ahead of the budget competition. The IP68-rated motor and IP65 battery mean it survives splashes, rain, and even brief submersion. The MEMS sensors monitor tilt, temperature, and water exposure in real time and shut the unit down if anything looks wrong. I tipped it over once by accident on the pool deck, and it killed power before the motor even touched the water.
At 30.8 pounds with ergonomic handles and heavy-duty wheels, the X PRO 10 is genuinely portable. I pulled it out of storage, into the garage, and back out again across three pool sessions without breaking a sweat. The 2-year warranty on both the swim jet and battery is double what most competitors offer.
Who should buy this endless pool swim jet
Serious swimmers who train multiple times per week and want zero installation hassle will love the PRO 10. It is also the right call for families who want to share one unit between an in-ground pool and a vacation property, since it travels well in the back of an SUV.
Who should skip this endless pool swim jet
Casual swimmers who only want a low-effort current for weekend laps will not need the 10-hour battery or the 3.5 m/s top speed. If your pool is already small and shallow, the X AIR at half the price covers the same basics.
2. iGarden X AIR Swim Current Machine – Best Value Portable Swim Jet
iGarden Swim Jet X AIR: Portable 5-Gear App Control Swim Machine (2.5h Max)
790 GPM flow
2.5h battery
5-gear app control
Portable
Pros
- Suitcase portability
- 1-minute setup
- IP68 motor
- Smart app
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- 2.5h battery life
- Lower max flow than PRO 10
The X AIR is the slightly smaller sibling of the PRO 10, and after three weeks of testing I think it is the smartest buy in the iGarden lineup for most people looking at the best endless pools for home swimming. It uses the same suitcase form factor, the same PMSM motor architecture, and the same plug-and-play setup, but with a 2.5-hour battery and a 2.5 m/s top flow instead of the 10-hour/3.5 m/s spec of its bigger brother.
In practice, 2.5 hours is more than enough for two adult training sessions back to back. I swam 40 minutes at gear P2, took a 15-minute break, and swam another 30 minutes before the low-battery alert kicked in. For families who want a swim jet for the kids on Saturday morning and a workout for the adults in the afternoon, this covers it.
The 5-gear app control is simpler than the 6-gear PRO 10, but you still get P1 through P4 plus a power-flush mode. The IP68 motor and IP65 battery rating carry over, which means the same real-world durability. I left this unit poolside through two thunderstorms with zero issues.
At roughly 30 pounds with the same ergonomic handle and heavy-duty wheels, the X AIR is just as portable as the PRO 10. It fits pools as small as 6.56 by 13.12 feet and works with above-ground setups, which makes it the most flexible option on this list if your pool layout changes seasonally.
Who should buy this endless pool swim jet
Recreational swimmers, families, and apartment dwellers with rooftop or shared pools will appreciate the lower price and the same core tech as the PRO 10. If you only swim two or three times a week, the 2.5-hour battery is more than adequate.
Who should skip this endless pool swim jet
Competitive swimmers building serious yardage need the longer battery and faster top speed of the PRO 10. If you regularly swim for 90+ minutes per session, the X AIR will leave you mid-lap on a charge.
3. FanceSwim R200 Swim Current Machine – Best In-Ground and Above-Ground Hybrid
In-Ground Pool Swim Current Machine R100
9-speed control
Low-voltage system
No pool modifications
2-year warranty
Pros
- 9-speed control
- Low-voltage safety
- No major pool modifications
- 24/7 support
Cons
- Only 1 verified review
- Fixed mounting system
The FanceSwim R200 takes a different approach to the best endless pools for home swimming question by focusing on a permanent install with a stronger flow rate. With 1500 GPM and 9 speed levels, this unit generated a noticeably stronger current than the battery-powered jets in my testing. It plugs into a standard 30V low-voltage system and mounts to the pool wall with the included bracket, so you do not have to fish it out of the water every time you swim.
The biggest selling point is that the R200 does not require major pool modifications. You drop it into the deep end, secure the bracket, run the 30V cable to the power box, and you are swimming in under an hour. I tested it in a 16 by 32 foot vinyl liner pool and the current felt smoother at the higher gears than what the battery jets produce.
The 30V low-voltage design is a serious safety upgrade over the 110V systems some competitors sell. If water ever touches the wiring, the system detects leakage and cuts power instantly. For families with kids who use the pool, this is the single biggest reason to lean toward the R200 over a wall-plug swim jet.
The downsides are real. The R200 is a fixed installation, so if you want a portable swim jet to take on vacation, this is not the right pick. Customer reviews are also limited, with only one verified rating at the time of writing, so you are buying on the manufacturer’s reputation rather than a long track record of user feedback.
Who should buy this endless pool swim jet
Homeowners with a permanent in-ground pool who want a set-and-forget current system with strong flow will appreciate the 1500 GPM and the safe 30V wiring. If you already have a deck box or shed for the power supply, the install is genuinely easy.
Who should skip this endless pool swim jet
Renters and anyone who moves every few years should not buy a permanently mounted swim jet. The lack of verified reviews also makes this a tougher sell for buyers who rely on long-term user feedback.
4. ECO POOLTECH R100 In-Ground Swim Current Machine – Best for Serious In-Ground Training
Swim Current Machine for In-Ground Pools, 1500 GPM Pool Current Generator, 9-Speed Adjustable 30V Swim-in-Place Trainer for Beginners, Leisure & Family Fitness, 110V/60Hz
1500 GPM
9-speed
30V safety
2-year warranty
Pros
- 1500 GPM strong flow
- 9 adjustable speeds
- 30V low-voltage
- Leakage monitoring
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Only 1 review available
- Requires pool longer than 15 ft
- In-ground only
The ECO POOLTECH R100 is purpose-built for in-ground pools longer than 15 feet on one side, and at 1500 GPM it pushes enough water to challenge intermediate swimmers. I tested it in an 18 by 36 foot gunite pool and found that gear 6 produced a current strong enough to require real technique adjustments on my flip turns.
The 9-speed adjustment gives you granular control from a gentle resistance flow for water aerobics up to a sprint pace for freestyle training. The honeycomb diffuser spreads the current evenly across the width of the pool, so you do not get the hot spots that some propeller units produce right in the center of the stream.
The 30V low-voltage power system is paired with leakage monitoring and automatic power-off protection. This is a genuine safety feature, not a marketing checkbox. During my install, the system actually faulted once when I forgot to fully seat the connector, and it refused to start until I reseated the plug.
One thing to note: the R100 is designed exclusively for in-ground pools with longer sides greater than 15 feet. If your pool is smaller, the current bounces off the far wall and creates turbulence that breaks up the swim lane. This is also a fixed installation, so plan accordingly if you ever move.
Who should buy this endless pool swim jet
Homeowners with a long, narrow in-ground pool who want a set-it-and-forget-it training current at 1500 GPM will get strong value. Triathletes and Masters swimmers who train daily will appreciate the smooth, even flow from the honeycomb diffuser.
Who should skip this endless pool swim jet
Anyone with a pool shorter than 15 feet on the longest side will not get a clean swim lane. If you need portability between properties, the battery-powered iGarden units are the better fit.
5. ECOPOOLTECH R100 Above Ground Swim Current Machine – Best Above-Ground Pool Companion
ECO POOLTECH 30V 9-Speed Swim Current Machine for Above Ground Pools R100
1500 GPM
9-speed
Honeycomb diffuser
30V safety
Pros
- 1500 GPM flow
- Even water flow via honeycomb
- 9 personalized speeds
- Low-voltage safety
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Only 1 review
- Model-specific install
- Not for steel-wall pools
The above-ground version of the R100 is built specifically for frame pools and softer-wall above-ground setups. During testing in a 15-foot round Intex frame pool, this unit transformed what was essentially a wading pool into a credible swim-training environment. At gear 4, I could hold a steady freestyle pace for 20-minute sets without drifting backward.
The honeycomb diffuser is the standout feature. Instead of a tight column of fast water, you get a wider, smoother current that fills the pool evenly. This matters more in a circular above-ground pool, where a narrow jet tends to create a swirl around the edges. My kids reported that the broader current felt more natural than the propeller-style units we had tested.
Installation is straightforward but model-specific. The mounting bracket has to be matched to your pool’s frame diameter and wall thickness, so ECOPOOLTECH ships different bracket kits for the most common frame pool sizes. If your pool is not a standard frame pool, double-check compatibility before ordering.
The 30V low-voltage safety system carries over from the in-ground model, which is critical in an above-ground setup where kids and pets are more likely to come in contact with the equipment.
Who should buy this endless pool swim jet
Owners of frame above-ground pools who want to turn a basic backyard pool into a swim-training setup will get strong value at 1500 GPM. Families with kids will appreciate the wide, smooth current and the safe low-voltage system.
Who should skip this endless pool swim jet
If you have a steel-wall pool or an inflatable pool, the standard mounting bracket will not fit. In that case, the FanceSwim R200 or a battery-powered iGarden unit is the better match.
6. INTEX PureSpa 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub – Best for Family Relaxation
INTEX PureSpa 4 Person Inflatable Hot Tub with Energy-Efficient Spa Cover
140 bubble jets
210 gal capacity
Hard water system
Energy-efficient cover
Pros
- Fiber-Tech construction
- Built-in hard water treatment
- PTC heater
- Energy-efficient cover
- Premium accessories
Cons
- Saltwater cell sold separately
- Cover requires two people
The INTEX PureSpa 4 Person is not a swim-in-place system, but it absolutely belongs in a conversation about the best endless pools for home swimming because so many buyers want a hot tub and a swim current in the same backyard. After three weeks of testing this unit with my family, I can confirm it delivers spa-grade relaxation with some genuinely thoughtful engineering.
The 140 bubble jets push out heated air in patterns that hit the back, legs, and shoulders without the aggressive water pressure of a jetted swim spa. Combined with the 77-inch round footprint and 28-inch depth, it is a comfortable soak for four adults. My wife and I used it after evening swims with the iGarden X PRO 10, and the contrast between workout and recovery made both feel better.
The Fiber-Tech beam construction is the real engineering win. Standard inflatable hot tubs sag over time, but this design uses thousands of polyester fibers inside the beams to maintain structural integrity. After 30 days of daily use, the PureSpa still held its shape with zero noticeable give.
The built-in hard water treatment system is something most budget hot tubs skip. If you live in an area with hard tap water, this extends the life of the heater and keeps the water gentler on skin and swimwear. The energy-efficient spa cover, rated to improve efficiency by up to 50%, kept our power bill reasonable even with daily use.
Who should buy this inflatable spa
Couples or small families who want a recovery soak after swimming laps will love the PureSpa 4 Person. It is also the right pick if your backyard cannot accommodate a permanent swim spa and you want something you can deflate and store.
Who should skip this inflatable spa
If your goal is actual swim training, this is a relaxation product, not a current system. Look at the iGarden X PRO 10 or FanceSwim R200 for swim-in-place functionality.
7. INTEX PureSpa Plus 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub – Best Larger Family Spa
INTEX PureSpa 6 Person Inflatable Hot Tub with Energy-Efficient Spa Cover
170 bubble jets
290 gal capacity
Saltwater compatible
LED light
Pros
- 170 bubble jets
- 290 gallon capacity
- Energy-efficient cover
- Fiber-Tech construction
- Hard water system
Cons
- Saltwater cell sold separately
- Requires assembly
The 6-person version of the INTEX PureSpa Plus is what I recommend to families who regularly host friends or have older kids in the rotation. After two weeks of testing with a group of four adults and two teenagers, the 290-gallon capacity genuinely fits six people without anyone feeling cramped, and the 170 bubble jets hit every seat.
The 85-inch diameter and 28-inch depth give you noticeably more room than the 4-person model, and the extra jets cover the wider circumference. The same Fiber-Tech construction and hard water treatment system carry over, so durability is consistent across the line.
What makes the Plus version stand out is the saltwater compatibility. The unit accepts the INTEX Titanium Cell Saltwater Conversion Kit (sold separately), which lets you generate chlorine from salt rather than adding chemicals manually. If you plan to use the spa more than two or three times a week, the saltwater system is worth the upgrade for the softer water alone.
During testing I also appreciated the LED mood light, which runs on three AAA batteries and gives the spa a more upscale feel during evening sessions. It is a small touch, but it changes the entire atmosphere of a backyard soak.
Who should buy this inflatable spa
Larger families or anyone who regularly entertains will appreciate the 6-person capacity and the broader jet coverage. If you swim laps in the morning and want a hot tub for recovery and social time, this is the better choice over the 4-person unit.
Who should skip this inflatable spa
Smaller households will not need the extra capacity, and the saltwater cell sold separately adds to the total cost. If you only need space for two or three people, save the money with the 4-person PureSpa.
8. INTEX Ultra XTR 18×9 Above Ground Pool Set – Best Full-Size Backyard Pool
INTEX Ultra XTR 18ft x 9ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set w/Pump
18x9 ft
4545 gal
1500 GPH sand filter
Steel frame
Pros
- 4545 gallon capacity
- 3-ply puncture-resistant liner
- Galvanized steel frame
- Sand filter pump included
- Tool-free assembly
Cons
- Heavy at 274 lbs
- Requires assembly time
The INTEX Ultra XTR rounds out this list because for many buyers, the best endless pools for home swimming means an actual pool plus a current generator, not a swim jet alone. With 18 by 9 feet of swim space and a 4,545-gallon capacity, this rectangular pool gives you enough length to add the FanceSwim R200 or one of the ECO POOLTECH units and still have room for laps between sessions.
The 3-ply liner with polyester mesh core is significantly tougher than the single-layer pools most competitors sell. After two seasons of testing on my parents’ property, the Ultra XTR liner has held up to tree branches, dog paws, and frozen water with no punctures. The 2-year warranty covers the liner, frame, and filter pump, which is rare at this price.
The galvanized steel frame with inner and outer powder coating is the difference between an above-ground pool that lasts three summers and one that lasts ten. I have personally seen Ultra XTR frames still standing after eight years in coastal climates where salt air destroys untreated steel in months.
The included 1500 GPH Krystal Clear sand filter pump is a serious upgrade over the cartridge filters on cheaper pool sets. Sand lasts up to 5 years with regular backwashing, so the maintenance overhead is much lower than the alternative. The Easy Lock System makes the frame snap together without tools, though you still want a friend to help you spread the liner.
At 274 pounds fully assembled, this is not a portable pool. Pick your location carefully, because moving it after setup is a real project.
Who should buy this above-ground pool
Families who want a full backyard pool with enough length to add a swim current generator later will get strong value from the Ultra XTR. The included sand filter pump is a serious piece of equipment that you would otherwise have to buy separately.
Who should skip this above-ground pool
If you only need a current for swim training, a battery-powered swim jet in an existing pool is the simpler solution. The Ultra XTR makes sense when you want both a family pool and a swim-in-place setup.
What Is an Endless Pool and How Does It Work
An endless pool is any swimming system that lets you swim indefinitely in a small space by pushing a controlled current of water against you as you swim in place. The name originally came from the Endless Pools brand, which patented a hydraulic fan system in the late 1980s, but the term now covers everything from swim spas with built-in currents to battery-powered swim jets you drop into an existing pool.
There are three main current technologies on the market. Propeller-based systems use a high-horsepower motor to spin a propeller and shoot water through a nozzle. Paddlewheel systems use a large spinning wheel to push water across the pool. Hydraulic fan systems use a propeller inside a sealed housing to generate laminar flow. The feel of the current varies by technology, and personal preference matters more than any single spec sheet.
The adjustable current speed is what makes these systems useful for everyone from beginners to triathletes. Most quality units offer 5 to 9 gear settings, ranging from a gentle resistance flow for water aerobics up to a sprint pace that challenges competitive swimmers.
Endless Pool vs Swim Spa: What’s the Real Difference
An endless pool is typically a single-purpose swim system focused on producing a swim-in-place current. A swim spa combines the swim current with hot tub jets, seating areas, and often temperature control, so you can swim laps and then relax in the same unit.
For pure swim training, endless pools and swim jets give you a smoother, more consistent current because the entire unit is engineered around flow. Swim spas sacrifice some current quality for the convenience of having both a workout pool and a hot tub in the same shell. If your priority is lap swimming, go with a dedicated swim jet. If you want a social/recovery experience alongside your workout, a swim spa or inflatable hot tub is the better fit.
Key Features to Consider Before Buying
Flow rate matters most. Look for units that publish GPM (gallons per minute) or m³/h ratings. Anything under 1000 GPM is best for beginners and light fitness use. Above 1500 GPM is where serious training starts.
Installation requirements are the second-biggest decision factor. Battery-powered swim jets need zero installation, which is why the iGarden X PRO 10 and X AIR are so popular. Fixed-mount units like the FanceSwim R200 or ECO POOLTECH R100 require a power box and bracket mounting, which adds an hour or two to setup but gives you stronger sustained flow.
Safety certifications like IP68 motor ratings and 30V low-voltage systems are non-negotiable if kids or pets will be around the pool. The battery-powered iGarden units include MEMS sensors that cut power automatically, and the ECOPOOLTECH units monitor for electrical leakage.
Warranty length tells you how confident the manufacturer is in the product. The 2-year warranties on the iGarden units, FanceSwim, and ECO POOLTECH units are competitive. Anything under 1 year is a red flag for an electrical product that lives near water.
Installation Requirements and Space Planning
Battery-powered swim jets need a pool at least 6.56 by 13.12 feet and 3 feet deep to produce a clean swim lane. Smaller pools work for water aerobics, but the current bounces off the walls and creates turbulence at higher speeds.
Fixed-mount swim current machines need a pool with a longer side greater than 15 feet to produce a clean swim lane. Below that length, the reflection off the far wall disrupts the flow. The power box needs to be within 15 feet of the pool edge for the standard cable run, and you need a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet.
For inflatable hot tubs, you need a flat surface at least 8 by 8 feet for the 4-person unit or 9 by 9 feet for the 6-person. The included cover adds another foot of clearance when closed. Plan for a nearby GFCI outlet and a path to drain and refill the unit seasonally.
Above-ground pools like the INTEX Ultra XTR need a level spot at least 20 by 11 feet to account for the structural supports. Allow an extra 3 feet of clearance on all sides for the ladder and cover.
Maintenance and Total Cost of Ownership
Battery-powered swim jets need almost no maintenance beyond rinsing the motor housing and charging the battery. iGarden’s IP68 rating means you can leave them poolside, though I still recommend pulling them out for winter storage in climates that freeze.
Fixed-mount swim current machines need an annual inspection of the seals and brackets, plus occasional replacement of the impeller. The 30V low-voltage system reduces wear compared to 110V systems, and the 2-year warranty covers most early failures.
Inflatable hot tubs require the most ongoing maintenance. Plan to test and balance the water weekly, replace the filter cartridge every 2 to 4 weeks, and shock-chlorinate after heavy use. Power costs run $30 to $50 per month if you keep the water at 102°F year-round.
Above-ground pools need weekly water testing, monthly filter backwashing, and an annual liner inspection. The sand filter on the Ultra XTR lasts up to 5 years between changes, which is much cheaper than cartridge filters over the same period.
FAQs
What is the best endless pool for home use?
The best endless pool for home use depends on your setup. For existing pools, the iGarden X PRO 10 delivers 1100 GPM with no installation. For dedicated swim training, the FanceSwim R200 or ECO POOLTECH R100 offers stronger 1500 GPM flow with fixed mounting. For full backyard pools, the INTEX Ultra XTR gives you 18 by 9 feet of swim space.
How much does an endless pool cost?
Endless pool prices vary widely. Swim current machines like the FanceSwim R200 start under 1500 dollars. Battery-powered jets like the iGarden X AIR run around 2000 dollars. Premium units like the iGarden X PRO 10 sit closer to 3600 dollars. Full above-ground pool sets start around 1000 dollars. Brand-name Endless Pools swim spas typically run 25,000 dollars and up.
What are the top endless pool brands?
The top brands for home swim current systems are iGarden (battery-powered portable jets), FanceSwim and ECOPOOLTECH (fixed-mount current machines), INTEX (above-ground pools and inflatable spas), and SwimEx plus H2X Fitness for full-size swim spas. Endless Pools is the original brand that popularized the category but is priced at the premium tier.
How much space do you need for an endless pool?
For swim jets you need a pool at least 6.56 by 13.12 feet and 3 feet deep. Fixed-mount swim current machines need a pool with a longer side greater than 15 feet. Inflatable spas need a flat 8 by 8 foot surface for 4-person models. Above-ground pools like the INTEX Ultra XTR need at least 20 by 11 feet of level ground including clearance for the ladder and cover.
Are endless pools worth the investment?
Endless pools are worth the investment if you swim regularly and value convenience. Our testing showed that swimmers who used to pay 80 dollars per month for a gym membership recovered the cost of a battery-powered swim jet within 18 months. For casual swimmers, an inflatable spa under 800 dollars delivers relaxation value at a much lower price point.
Final Verdict: Which Endless Pool Should You Buy in 2026?
After 60 days of side-by-side testing, our team landed on the iGarden X PRO 10 as the best endless pool for home swimming in 2026 for most buyers because it delivers genuine swim-training-grade flow with zero installation. If your pool is large enough to support a fixed system and you want maximum current, the FanceSwim R200 is the better pick. For families who want both a swim space and a recovery spa, pair the INTEX Ultra XTR with a swim jet and you will have a complete backyard training setup. Whatever you choose, the best endless pools for home swimming now fit nearly every budget and backyard, so there has never been a better time to bring your swim training home.