Stationary Swim Trainer

Backyard pools aren't really all that suitable for lap swimming or a serious workout. I can cover the length of my 30' AGP in 4 strokes and if I swim around the circumference of the oval I get bored and dizzy. We had cobbled together a stationary thingie using a flexible PVC pipe, some rope, and a water ski belt but the belt was too buoyant and I wasn't having any fun.

After doing some reading and research I found this: http://www.homeswimmer.com/ and it is wonderful!

The base fits against the wall of my pool toward the bottom. In pools without a cove it would sit on the bottom. By swimming against the resistance provided by a spring pressure is translated to the base plate and keeps it in place. The pole is anchored with a strap to the railings on my deck.

This gadget gives me a very acceptable swim workout, as hard as I want it to be. By positioning the belt I can do forward strokes or back strokes. Since the tether goes upward at an angle to the pole my feet don't get entangled with it when I kick. It's like having a lap pool!

Amazon sells it, http://www.amazon.com/HomeSwimmer-Po.../dp/B000KD9H5G and yes, it's a little pricey, but less than a floatie and just thyink: while you're using it you own the pool! 'No honey, you can't get in right now, Mommy is working out.' :)