Author: Beau Cormier

  • Why Are Swim Goggles Tinted

    Why Are Swim Goggles Tinted

    If you’re a swimmer and you’re wondering why your swim goggles are tinted, you’re not alone. Tinted swim goggles have many benefits for swimmers, including reducing surface glare, improving visibility, and helping those with astigmatism. Let’s take a closer look. Let’s start by defining the purpose of tinted swim goggles.

    Reduces surface glare

    Almost all swimming goggles have anti-fog technology, but it’s always worth checking to make sure it’s effective. Fogged lenses can cause temporary blindness during a race. If you swim outdoors, you may be tempted to forgo the goggles altogether, but natural waters are usually full of hundreds of different species of bacteria, viruses, and fungal pathogens.

    A good pair of goggles will be made with different materials. While most swimming goggles are made of plastic, they should come with polycarbonate lenses. These lenses are durable and usually last longer than cheaper plastics. Another option is a clear lens. A clear lens lets light in without interfering with your vision. This type of lens is perfect for indoor swimming and undercast days.

    Swim goggles for nearsighted individuals can help reduce surface glare by decreasing the size of the lenses. These swim goggles also come with three interchangeable lenses. One lens is designed for low-light conditions and another one for bright, sunny days. The lenses are mirror-coated for enhanced clarity and are available in a range of lens colors. If you’re nearsighted, you may want to opt for a pair of swim goggles that provide slight vision enhancement.

    Improves visibility

    There are several different ways to improve your visibility while swimming. If you want to see better while swimming in a pool or ocean, you may consider getting a pair of swim goggles with tinted lenses. The tints vary depending on the conditions you’ll be swimming in. Blue goggles reduce glare and enhance color perception. Orange goggles increase contrast and depth perception, and gray tints act like sunglasses.

    Most modern goggles offer a wide field of vision. Black-framed non-panoramic goggles may produce a tunnel vision effect. Clear silicone reduces this effect. They also help to filter UV rays. But you must consider the style of the goggles before buying them. While these styles are popular, some models do not offer a wide field of vision. Some are framed on both sides, which limits the field of vision.

    Helps with astigmatism

    Tinted swim goggles are one option to treat astigmatism. These are made with a corrective lens similar to those found in glasses. The prescription for glasses is transferred to the goggles’ lenses, which change the way light passes through them. The proper lenses focus the light on the retina to correct astigmatism. A swimming goggle has slightly different lenses than a pair of glasses, but they’re equally effective in improving your vision in the water.

    Some goggles are designed to correct astigmatism while others are only for distance vision. You’ll need a prescription for your goggles to ensure they’re right for you. Most of these goggles don’t take bifocal lenses, but many do. It’s best to have at least three or four different types of goggles in your collection so you can switch them out frequently and find one that is more comfortable. By changing your goggles often, you’ll also have a variety of options and reduce your chance of allergic reactions.

    Makes swimming easier

    When you’re learning to swim, remember to breathe after every stroke. If you’re doing three strokes, you should breathe on each side. This will lessen the strain on your neck and shoulders. Try swimming with your head down, too. Then alternate sides, and it will be easier to breathe. This will make swimming more effective. You should always keep your chin low. Tilting it forwards while swimming will cause you to breathe harder, so keep it low in the water.

  • How to Swim Without Swim Goggles

    How to Swim Without Swim Goggles

    When you want to teach your child how to swim without goggles, the first step is to remove their flotation devices. Your child must have an adult in the water with him or her when testing their swimming abilities.

    Then, slowly introduce water on the face. While this may be scary at first, you should gradually introduce water on the face to your child.

    Then, you can teach your child how to swim without goggles by taking the time to get used to it.

    Eye drops are a lifesaver if you swim without goggles

    When swimming without goggles, eye drops come in very handy. In some cases, they will reduce the irritation caused by chlorine and other elements in the water. This can lead to dehydrated and dry eyes, and you may even experience blurred vision. To avoid these problems, you should wear goggles whenever you go swimming. This will minimize the risk of eye infections while swimming without goggles.

    Chlorine in swimming pools is a major cause of swimming eye infections. Chlorine prevents bacteria and mold from growing in public swimming pools. If you wear contact lenses, even if you think you’ve just contracted swimmer’s eye, you should immediately seek medical attention. Contact lenses are especially dangerous if you’re not wearing goggles when swimming. Use eye drops to treat your eyes before heading back to the pool.

    Avoid dirty water

    The best way to avoid infection when swimming without goggles is to stay away from dirty water. Although some pools contain chlorine, it’s still advisable to wear them to reduce the concentration of bacteria that can cause eye problems. Without goggles, you’ll be at risk of red, bloody eyes. You also run the risk of allergic reaction to chlorine. Goggles can prevent this from happening, but they don’t eliminate it completely.

    Wearing goggles is the most important thing you can do to protect your eyes. If you swim without goggles, you can risk getting your eyes wet or getting them kicked by other swimmers. You’ll also need to keep an eye on where you’re going – it’s crucial to stay aware of which directions lead to deep water. If you’re in a busy pool, wearing goggles will ensure that you don’t get kicked by other swimmers.

    Avoid intraocular pressure

    Wearing swimming goggles can increase intraocular pressure, a condition that can lead to irreversible eye damage. Researchers found that swimmers with goggles experienced an average increase of 4.5 points in intraocular pressure. The normal range is between ten and twenty-one points. Anything above that range can cause damage to the optic nerve. Here are some tips to keep your eyes healthy while swimming without goggles.

    To lower the risk of developing intraocular pressure, don’t wear goggles while swimming. This is because the seal around the periorbital tissue of the orbit reduces blood flow to the eye. In a study, swimmers who wore goggles experienced an average IOP increase of nine mm mercury per eye. Since intraocular pressure is normally fifteen millimeters-high, this increase represented a six-seven percent increase in eye pressure. Some individuals experienced a seventeen-mm-hg increase.

    Avoid putting your face in the water

    Some people choose to swim without goggles. Although this isn’t very difficult, you should avoid putting your face in the water until you are completely comfortable with the sensation. Before you swim without goggles, try splashing water on your face for a few seconds to acclimatize your eyes to the water. It may seem silly, but it will help you avoid any eye irritation later on.

    It’s also a good idea to swim behind someone wearing goggles so they can check your bearings. While swimming behind someone without goggles, try to keep calm. Be sure that you’re not causing any discomfort to them and that they’re not going to be injured. Remember that you can surface at any time and apologize if they accidentally see you’re swimming without goggles.

    Wearing goggles in the pool encourages swimmers to put their face in the water

    Adding goggles to swim lessons can be beneficial to kids who are prone to sensory issues and are not as comfortable putting their face in the water. However, children who are sensitive to water will often remove their goggles right away and wipe the water from their face. Also, goggles can trigger tension and pressure in children who are sensitive to the water. Keeping these issues in mind, it’s best to add goggles only after the swimmer has overcome the fear of drowning.

    It’s possible to swim without goggles. Some swimmers prefer to wear goggles under their caps. Others worry that the goggles will fall out and fill with water, making it impossible to see during the race. Katie Ledecky, a gold medalist at the 2012 Summer Olympics, wears goggles under her cap. Some swimmers wear prescription goggles, and many wear them only in the pool.

    Wearing goggles in the ocean helps protect eyes

    When in the ocean, wearing goggles is crucial for your safety. They protect your eyes from the harsh rays of the sun. Goggles may seem like an unnecessary accessory, but they help protect your eyes from further damage. The first step is to find a pair that fits properly. A pair that fits poorly could squeeze your eyes and damage them permanently. Also, goggles that are too big or too small may be uncomfortable, and you’ll most likely lose them during your time in the water.

    Seawater and pool water contain chemicals that can irritate your eyes. The pH balance in a pool is also not balanced, so the chemicals can cause irritation. Ocean water contains high amounts of salt, which can dehydrate your eyes. Wearing goggles will prevent water from getting into your eyes and causing irritation or pain. It’s also important to wear eye drops while swimming to keep your eyes hydrated.

  • How to Keep Swim Goggles From Fogging

    How to Keep Swim Goggles From Fogging

    Do you often have to deal with fogged swim goggles?

    You may want to try some of these suggestions to keep your glasses from fogging up. If they’re a bit too tight around your eyes, you may want to try anti-fog sprays or saliva.

    In addition, you might want to consider sitting a bit further away from your face.

    Regardless of what method you decide to try, it’s always better to avoid the problem than to suffer through the effects of fogging goggles.

    Anti-fog spray

    If you’ve ever experienced swim goggle fogging, you know how annoying it can be. But there are some simple tips you can follow to keep your goggles fog-free, no matter what time of day it is. Use an anti-fog spray on your swimming goggles and enjoy your swim session! Moreover, you can also try spitting in the water or applying baby-shampoo on your goggles.

    Using an anti-fog spray will help you stay focused when swimming. Whether it’s a swimming pool or freshwater pool, you can apply it on your swim goggles to prevent them from fogging. Then, rinse your goggles quickly in fresh or pool water to rinse off the anti-fog solution. If the goggles still fog, you can reapply anti-fog spray to prevent them from fogging again.

    There are many types of anti-fog spray available for use on swim goggles. Using SWANS or other anti-fog spray will prevent your goggles from fogging. Make sure to rinse them under water immediately after using it to prevent chemicals from getting into your eyes. The anti-fog coating will last a longer time if you rinse them under water after using the spray. Some scuba divers also recommend using toothpaste to defog their goggles. The toothpaste will prevent condensation from forming on the lenses.

    Saliva

    If you’ve ever had a pair of swim goggles that fog up, you’ve probably wondered how to keep them clear. While commercial antifog solutions are a good choice, some swimmers swear by saliva, a natural solution that prevents the lenses from fogging. Some people even use toothpaste or baby shampoo to avoid fogging while swimming. It might sound a little gross, but it’s a proven method that keeps your goggles from fogging.

    The first trick is very simple: spit on them. Not only does saliva help keep swim goggles fog free, it also helps prevent swimmers from getting foreign objects in their eyes. When you spit on your goggles, a layer of water forms on the lens, preventing condensation. Using saliva in your goggles may sound embarrassing, but it works! Spit is free, so it’s definitely worth trying. If you’re worried about contaminating the goggles, however, you can try some anti-fog sprays.

    Another solution is baby shampoo. Many swimmers use this product, spreading a small amount on the lens before rinsing them off. Baby shampoo has a clear film that prevents condensation on your goggles, so you’ll be less likely to end up spitting in your eyes. This method also removes chlorine, which is harmful to your eyes. In addition to using baby shampoo, many swimmers carry a small bottle of baby shampoo with them. To clean their goggles with the help of baby shampoo, they simply insert a few drops into the lenses of their swim goggles and let it sit for fifteen minutes. Rinsing the goggles afterwards leaves a clean, transparent film on the lenses.

    Sitting further away from your face

    Most swimmers wash their swim goggles after swimming. While this can be effective, spitting into your goggles is distracting. This method is not recommended for competitive meets. If you are concerned about spitting into your goggles, you can use hair conditioner or baby shampoo. These solutions are gentle on your goggles and can help prevent fogging. They can be effective during 15 minutes of hard swimming, though they may not last for that long.

    A common cause of fogging swimming goggles and diving masks is condensation. The same process occurs when a cold glass or mirror comes into contact with warm air. This moisture condenses into water droplets. As a result, swimming goggles fog up. There are several ways to prevent this from happening. The most obvious way is to sit further away from your face during swimming.

    Another quick anti-fog solution is shaving cream. It is thicker than toothpaste or shampoo, but has the same anti-fog effect. Use a soft towel to wipe your goggles afterward to remove any leftover shaving cream. Rinsing them in the shower or sink afterward is another way to keep your swim goggles fog-free. Just be sure not to get soap or shampoo in your goggles.

  • How to Clean Swim Goggles

    How to Clean Swim Goggles

    If you want to keep your swimming goggles in tip-top shape, learn how to clean swim goggles. You can use baby shampoo, alcohol wipes, or FOGGIES anti-fog towelettes. Read on for tips and tricks. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is!

    Just follow these simple steps and your goggles will be sparkling and ready for your next swim session! And you can be sure to keep them looking their best for many years to come!

    Cleaning with baby shampoo

    If you’re looking for a simple way to clean your goggles, you should consider using Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. It’s designed for babies, so it doesn’t make them water, which is important to avoid if you wear goggles in the water. To clean them, simply mix about one teaspoon of baby shampoo with ten parts water and spray the goggles. Rinse them with water to remove any residual baby shampoo.

    A solution of three tablespoons of borax and one cup of warm water will clean your goggles without scratching their lenses. To clean the goggles effectively, you should saturate the lenses with the solution and allow them to soak for about 15 minutes.

    Rinse thoroughly with warm tap water, and use a soft lens cloth to dry them. You can also use a solution of baby shampoo or hair conditioner mixed with liquid dishwashing soap in a 4:1 ratio. Then, spray the inside and outside lenses with the mixture and allow them to dry.

    Another alternative to cleaning your goggles with baby shampoo is saliva. The anti-fog coating on these goggles can be damaged by saliva, and swimming is more difficult if your goggles become foggy. However, using saliva can help you remove the fog from your goggles. Another solution to clean goggles with baby shampoo is to dip a Q-tip into the mixture and apply it all over the frames. Allow your goggles to air dry before putting them back in your swim bag.

    Cleaning with alcohol wipes

    If you do not want to spend money on purchasing new swim goggles, you can clean them yourself using a solution of vinegar and water.

    Alternatively, you can soak your goggles in the vinegar solution for about two hours before washing them with cold water. After the cleaning process, rinse the swim goggles well and place them back in their box. You can also buy eyeglass cleaners that can help you clean your goggles.

    Before you clean your goggles, remove any gaskets or lenses. You should also take them off and let them air dry. Manually drying the goggles will stretch the straps and cause them to snap. You may also notice some scratches on the lens. To prevent this problem, take care to clean the goggles thoroughly. Always make sure the straps and lenses are clean before you rinse them.

    To keep your swim goggles in top condition, make sure you clean them properly before using them. Alcohol wipes are widely used for cleaning eyeglasses and safety glasses. After using alcohol wipes, wipe them gently on the lenses in a circular motion. Be sure to wipe the inner part of the lenses as well, as dirt particles can get inside. Afterwards, you can wipe the glass with a soft lint-free cloth to remove any streaks.

    Cleaning with FOGGIES anti-fog towelettes

    You may be surprised to know that a single anti-fog towelette can be used to clean lenses and goggles at the same time. This revolutionary product was created and tested by athletes and is perfect for swimming goggles, snowboarding goggles, cycling or running lenses, and scuba masks. However, it can be used for other types of visors as well, including industrial ones. It cleans quickly and leaves your lens and goggles clear and sparkling, and it’s safe to use multiple times.

    To clean swim goggles with a Foggies anti-fog towelette, remove any residue and wipe them with a soft cloth. The wipes should also be soaked in water before use to prevent further fogging. You can also clean the lenses with toothpaste, which is highly effective for removing dirt and debris. Afterward, simply wipe the goggles with a soft cloth and allow them to air-dry.

    If you don’t have anti-fog towelettes, you can use shaving cream. Shaving cream is thicker than shampoo, but still provides the same anti-fog protection. Apply a small amount to the goggles before rinsing them in the sink or the shower, and then rinse them thoroughly. You can also use hair conditioner, which has a similar effect.

  • 11 Reasons to Love the MP Michael Phelps Focus Swim Snorkel [Review]

    11 Reasons to Love the MP Michael Phelps Focus Swim Snorkel [Review]

    Looking for a swim snorkel that won’t wobble when you are ripping up and down the pool? Here’s a review of the MP Focus Swim Snorkel.

    Swim snorkels have become an essential tool for competitive and recreational swimmers.

    Not to be confused with the tube-to-the-side diving snorkels that you see at the beach, the swimmer’s snorkel is a front-mounted, hydrodynamic piece of awesomeness.

    The benefits of a swim snorkel include evening out muscle imbalances, learning better body position, and giving your necks and traps a break during long swim practices.

    And one of the best swim snorkels on the market right now is from the GOAT himself, Michael Phelps’ line of swim gear, MP.

    Recently I bought an MP Focus Swim Snorkel and had a chance to try it out at my local pool.

    Here’s my review of this swim snorkel, including things that I really liked about it, who will benefit the most from it, and more.

    Let’s dive right in!

    MP Focus Swim Snorkel – The GOAT’s Snorkel of Choice

    At the Rio Olympics in 2016, Michael Phelps debuted his line of swim gear and swimsuits on the international stage.

    The line, which he developed with his coach Bob Bowman, was developed in partnership with Aqua Sphere and included racing and training gear for competitive (and recreational) swimmers.

    Tech suits, swim goggles, swim caps, training fins, hand paddles—if you found it on the pool deck, the MP line has it.

    Including the MP Focus Swim Snorkel, which Phelps himself had a hand in designing and testing before releasing it for the rest of the swimming world to try.

    MP Michael Phelps Swim Snorkel
    Realized while taking this picture that I am apparently a big fan of orange and black swim gear.

    MP Focus Snorkel – Things I Like:

    I swam with the snorkel a few times over the course of the week. Both short course and long course, swimming slowly, swimming fast, sculling at a snail’s pace, and blasting off the wall with fins.

    Here are the 11 things I liked most about the Focus:

    🏊 It was ready to go out of the packaging. No assembly (save for sliding the mount down the tube) and I didn’t even need to tighten the head strap. Onto the head and into the pool.

    🏊 The tube of the snorkel is very hydrodynamic and wraps tightly over the top of the head for improved drag reduction. The “tight” bend over the top of the head meant I was less likely to bang my shoulder or arm into the tube when doing single-arm drills.

    🏊 Very stable mount. The tube didn’t wobble at all when pushing off or going fast with fins on. This was the biggie that stood out. No matter how fast I was going, the snorkel remained parked in a vertical position.

    🏊 The triangular tube shape parts the water which helps apply pressure on the tube, pinning it to your head and reducing tube wobble. I’m not sure if this was intentional when they designed the tube, but it’s smart if it was!

    🏊 The mouthpiece is made of silicone. It can also be lightly twisted away from the mouth when resting at the wall. I like this as it means I can pull a sip from my water bottle without having to twist the whole snorkel.

    🏊 Head-strap splits at the back of the head. I find this gives a more secure and slip-free fit compared to swim snorkels that only have one strap.

    🏊 Purge valve to get rid of excess water in the tube after pushing off the wall and underwater kicking. For those who are intimidated by the idea of using a snorkel, having a purge valve reduces the likelihood you’ll accidentally breathe in water that hasn’t been cleared from the tube.

    🏊 It looks great—the Focus Swim Snorkel is a slick-looking piece of swim gear. While looks aren’t everything, this swim snorkel does check the aesthetics box.

    🏊 Simple design with few moving pieces—which generally means that it will last a long time. The bracket on the head mount feels like it’s going to last a long time.

    🏊 Comes in two different sizes, regular and small.

    🏊 Five different color combinations.

    MP Focus Snorkel – Things that could be improved:

    The bracket on the head mount (the vertical piece of plastic that meets your forehead) was a little stiff.

    Once you find that sweet spot on your forehead (mine was right above the eyebrows), you get used to it, but I did wince a little the first time I put the snorkel on.

    The Bottom Line

    Experienced swimmers who want a hydrodynamic and stable swimming snorkel will love this snorkel. Once on, it felt like it had melted into my head.

    With very limited wobble when swimming all-out with fins on, the MP Focus Swim Snorkel is a great addition to your training arsenal.

    The MP Michael Phelps Swim Snorkel is available at Amazon in both sizes and in a variety of colors and color combinations.

    MP Focus Swim Snorkel Reviews

    More Swim Snorkel Guides

    6 Best Swim Snorkels for Lap Swimming. Looking to up your training in the pool? Dive into this expert-recommended guide for the best swim snorkels for lap swimming.

    7 Benefits of Using a Swimmer’s Snorkel at the Pool. Curious about how a snorkel can help improve your swimming? Here are 7 reasons to strap a swim snorkel to your face the next time you hop in the water.

    8 Reasons to Love the TYR Ultralite Swim Snorkel 2.0 (Full Review). Here is a swimmer’s complete review of the TYR Ultralite 2.0 Swim Snorkel, including things to love (and not love).

  • How to Use Swim Paddles

    How to Use Swim Paddles

    Curious about how you can use swim paddles to become a stronger and more efficient swimmer? Read on and take your hand paddles, and your swimming, to the next level.

    Swim paddles are one of my favorite all-time tools for swimming better, faster, and more handsomer.

    But for as simple a piece of swim gear it is, the way that paddles are used isn’t always clear.

    Or fully understood.

    Every swimmer is different (obviously) and so are their needs in the water.

    Paddles have two main uses:

    Getting stronger in the water and improving your swim technique.

    How you use swim paddles is ultimately up to you, but here are some tips for getting the most of the time you have the paddles strapped to your hands.

    How to use hand paddles for getting stronger

    Hand paddles are primarily a power development tool.

    Or at least, that’s the way I always viewed them when I was an age grouper. I always reached for the largest paddles I could find in the equipment bin as I figured this would immediately transfer into super gainz in the water.

    While I was only about half right (going super large with your paddles is almost always counter-productive), there are some awesome ways to power up your swimming with paddles:

    • Paddles and fins. Everyone’s favorite! Combine with swim training fins for some super speed in the water. Paddles, plus fins, has you swimming at top speed, quickly teaching your nervous system what it takes to swim at that position.
    • Use paddles strategically. Use your hand paddles in short durations for power development. Any kind of resistance work in the water should be done with adequate rest to ensure that you are getting maximal effort and benefit.
    • Long, easy swims can be done with paddles, but should be increased gradually and with total emphasis on swimming with proper form. Consider pairing with a snorkel to reduce the strain on your shoulders.
    • My favorite way to do pull sets. Shoulder strengthening can be done swimming solely with paddles (my preferred way to do “pull” sets as it more closely resembles swimming) or with a pull buoy to make it a fully upper body workout.
    • Power 9000. Paddles can also be used with a swimmer’s parachute, DragSox, or tethered rubber tubing. Take lots of rest when doing this kind of set (8×25 all out @2:00, for example) to avoid overloading the nervous system. This is a more advanced form of training and your shoulders should be prepared for this level of resistance and stress.

    How to use swim paddles for improving your technique

    Paddles aren’t just for power work! They can also be used to improve your technique in the water. Forget the pace clock and experiment moving through the water while wearing them.,

    Here are some ways that you can do this:

    • Boost your feel of the water. “Feel” the water when initiating the pull movement to encourage a flat hand and fingers pointing at the bottom of the pool
    • Clean up the hand entry. Remove the wrist strap to encourage a cleaner hand entry. By removing the wrist strap, you coach yourself to enter the water cleanly, or else the paddle will slip and slide sideways or even fall off.
    • Strengthen the top of the catch. Reach out with the paddle at the top of your stroke and see how much water you can catch. This is a great way to encourage a strong and early vertical forearm.
    • Power up your grip in the water. Use paddles when sculling to strengthen your “grip” on the water. Catching more water means you can take less strokes per length to swim the same speed. Efficiency!
    • Improve your finish. Paddles encourage you to finish the full pulling motion, particularly when you have the wrist straps removed. This is similar to the point above about having a cleaner hand entry—when your hand exits the water, if not placed properly the paddle will twist and fall off.
    • Use them for drill work. Drills are a great way to over-emphasize parts of your technique that you want to improve. Paddles add another element of exaggeration. For example, if you are trying to sharpen that early vertical forearm, you could strap on a snorkel and do long dog free drill, really sinking the fingers at the bottom of the pull and pulling yourself through the water forcefully.

    How to choose the correct hand paddle size

    When using paddles for strengthening, there’s no need to be a hero on day one.

    Progress and take your time building up the meters and intensity with them.

    How big should the hand paddles be to get faster in the water?

    Although it may be tempting to grab the biggest paddles you can get your hands on, choose a paddle that is slightly larger than the palm of your hand. Protecting your shoulders is crucial when using paddles.

    On top of placing undue strain on the arms, choosing a paddle that is too large will slow your tempo to a crawl, reducing any performance improvement you would derive from using them.

    More Swim Paddle Guides

    🏊 6 Benefits of Hand Paddles for Swimming. Using swim paddles can help you do a ton of different things in the water. Here is a look at the six benefits of hand paddles for swimming.

  • How to Care for Swim Goggles

    How to Care for Swim Goggles

    Get the most from your time in the pool with these tips for how to care for your swimming goggles.

    One of the best tools you have for a good workout at the pool is a set of quality swim goggles.

    They help you see the pace clock properly, time flip turns and finishes, and can even protect your eyes from UV rays when swimming outdoors.

    But, like all good things, swim goggles have a shelf life.

    Whether it’s the straps cracking and breaking, the lenses getting scratched, or the anti-fog layer fading to the point of zero visibility, our goggles can start to fail us.

    Fortunately, there are some very easy things you can do to significantly extend the lifespan of your swim goggles.

    Let’s dive right in and look at some ways for how to care for swim goggles.

    Protect the anti-fog coating.

    Every decent set of swim goggles comes with a thin anti-fog coating on the inside of the lenses. This delicate finish helps reduce the accumulation of condensation inside your goggles so that you can swim with crystal-clear vision.

    Over 30+ years of swimming, I still find it difficult to not rub the inside of the goggle lens when moisture begins to accumulate.

    But rubbing the inside of the goggles with your fingers mid-workout will tear the anti-fog coating off, making the fogging worse.

    Use an anti-fog spray (or saliva)

    If, like I’ve done countless times, you succumb to that natural goggle-rubbing instinct and peel off most of the anti-fog layer, consider investing in a simple anti-fog spray.

    These defogging sprays are super cheap (usually around $6-10 per bottle) and can be used repeatedly on the same swim goggles. Apply the spray quickly before getting into the water.

    Another option, which is free and totally organic, is using spit from your mouth to help keep the lenses clear. Sounds goofy, I know, but spit can be a somewhat effective way to keep your swim goggles from fogging up.

    Rinse after use

    Swimming pools are full of chemicals and the most common one is chlorine. Chlorine is a gangster for helping keep the pool water clean and disinfected.

    But at the end of the day, it’s still a solvent, which means over time and with repeated exposure, it will degrade and corrode our swimming equipment (and also cause some of our body hair to thin out).

    Once your epic swim workout is completed, give your swim goggles a quick rinse with some freshwater. This step takes just a couple of moments and can be done in the shower when you rinse off the smell of chlorine from your skin.

    The main benefit of rinsing your goggles with freshwater is extending the life of the silicone or latex that is used in the head straps. Latex, in particular, thins and stretches from chlorinated pool water.

    Store them properly

    Finally, we have some basics on proper swim goggle storage.

    Let them dry out. Bacteria and mold can grow on soggy swim equipment when stored wet. Give your swim goggles a chance to dry out before tossing them into the depths of your swim bag. Mesh swim bags can be helpful in this situation as they allow some airflow.

    Avoid direct sunlight. Although the right lenses for your swim goggles can protect the eyes from glare and UV rays when swimming outdoors, that doesn’t mean you want to leave them out in direct sunlight for hours on end. Latex and silicone are not immune to UV degradation, which can cause the materials to lose color, become rigid and even crack.

    Case them. Like sunglasses, swim goggles aren’t immune to scratches. Fortunately, this is a pretty easy situation to avoid. Once your swim goggles have been rinsed and dried, store them in a sunglass case or pouch to prevent them from getting scratched by the rest of your gear in your swim bag.

    The Bottom Line

    Your swim goggles are one of the best training aids you will have in the pool.

    They keep you focused on the pace clock, help you dodge the occasional head-up breaststroker, and they help you perfectly time those flip turns.

    Hopefully, this guide helps you take care of the piece of swimming equipment that takes care of you.

    More Swim Gear Guides

    We’ve got a ton of guides and FAQs on swim goggles on this site. Here are a few more of them:

    🏊 Why You Should Wear Swim Goggles at the Pool. The right swim goggles don’t just make you look cool in the pool, but they protect your eyes and help you swim with better technique.

    🏊 How to Stop Swim Goggles from Leaking. One of the most frustrating parts of swim goggles is when they leak. Here’s how to troubleshoot this common issue with swimming goggles.

    🏊 Should You Wear Swim Goggles Over or Under a Swim Cap? One of the most timeless questions we get from swimmers is where they should position the head straps of their swim goggles. Here’s the perks of both.

    🏊 What Swim Goggles Do Olympians Wear? Curious about what kind of goggles the fastest swimmers on the planet wear? Here’s a look at the brands and goggles the best swimmers in the pool use.

  • How to Choose the Right Pair of Swim Goggles

    How to Choose the Right Pair of Swim Goggles

    Feeling overwhelmed by all the different brands and features of swim goggles? Here’s your ultimate guide to choosing an awesome set of swim goggles.

    Looking for a set of awesome swim goggles but aren’t sure what you need to know before punching the “add to cart” button?

    With so many different options, brands, and features, it can be surprisingly difficult to find the right goggles for your next swim.

    And every swimmer knows the frustration of a pair of swim goggles that don’t work as they should.

    Whether that’s springing a leak when you push off, the anti-fog disappearing after a swim, or head straps that need to be constantly adjusted.

    Here’s a complete guide to choosing the best swim goggles so that you can spend more time crushing personal bests in the water and less time trying to get the goggles to fit right.

    Let’s jump right in.

    What kind of swimming are you going to be doing?

    First off, let’s start with what you are going to be using your goggles for.

    Swimming, obviously.

    But what kind of swimming?

    Swim goggles are primarily built to protect your eyes and help you see, but it’s the other features of the goggles that make them ideally suited for a specific type of swimming.

    Racing goggles.

    Competition swim goggles are designed to help you make the most of your hard work at practice when you step up on the block on race day.

    They have a very low profile fit that helps to reduce resistance and drag in the water.

    Premium racing goggles include the Arena Cobra Ultras and the Speedo Hyper Elite FastSkin. These are “technical” goggles which can get quite pricey, with the Elite FastSkin retailing for around $70-80, making them less than ideal for daily training.

    Some goggles combine the best parts of premium goggles and combine them with a reasonable price tag.

    An example of this kind of goggle is the Speed Socket, which is an excellent hybrid goggle that can be used for both training and competition and won’t break the bank.

    Training goggles.

    This is the broadest category of swim goggles and cover a huge range of shapes and forms.

    The main considerations are comfort and durability. You want a goggle that can be worn for extended periods of use and won’t fall apart after a couple of weeks of swimming.

    See also: The Best Antifog Swim Goggles for Lap Swimming

    Look for a rubber gasket on the lens that makes them more comfortable on the skin and a silicone construction. Silicone is an excellent material that takes forever to fade, which means they will keep rockin’ with you over the course of the season.

    Lastly, there is also a batch of “smart” swim goggles like the FORM and FINIS Smart goggles that include a heads-up-display, giving you heaps of data and results as you train in the pool.

    Open water swim goggles.

    Open water swimming is a great way to get your strokes in while also getting fresh air and sunshine. There are some excellent goggles that are uniquely designed for this purpose.

    The things setting them apart from pool goggles include a wider, curved lens that increases peripheral vision, helping swimmers sight their location.

    Open water goggles tend to be a little bulkier and they almost have mirrored or polarized lenses to protect the eyes from UV rays.

    Recreational goggles.

    Finally, we have goggles that are primarily designed to protect the eyes while splashing around in the pool.

     While they aren’t ideally suited for extended swimming, they are inexpensive and check the boxes when it comes to protecting the eyes from both pool water and UV rays.

    How adjustable are the goggles?

    Every swimmer’s head is a little different. Fortunately, swim goggles are generally very adjustable.

    The two key things you want to be able to change out include:

    1. Nose bridge.

    Troubleshooting leaky swim goggles should always start with adjusting the width of the nose bridge.

    When the string, strap or nose piece that connects the two goggles lenses is too narrow (digging into your nose, too) or too wide, the goggles are inevitably going to leak.

    Swim goggles should be fully adjustable between the eyes.

    Most popular goggles, like the Vanquisher and Speed Socket come with a variety of differently sized nose bridges (usually each set of goggles come with 4-6 bridges).

    Swedish-inspired goggles like the Rocket Socket and the old-school Malmsten or Speedo Swede goggles have holes in the lens where you can insert either string or a section of goggle strap to create a custom fit.

    2. Head straps.

    The lenses of the goggles need to stay in place while you are swimming around, doing flip turns, diving into the water, and so on. This is achieved in part thanks to the head straps. They come in single and double strap options, and they usually include either a buckle at the back to adjust length or buckles on the side of the goggle frame.

    What kind of gasket do the goggles have?

    The shape of the gasket and lens and how it fits on your face is up next.

    Goggles are available with either a rubber gasket or rely on the actual goggle lens to create a seal around your eyes.

    The old school Speedo goggles from my earliest days in the pool (back in the late 80s’) had a foam gasket that made goggles comfortable and helped create a seal to keep water out of the goggles.

    Nowadays, most swim goggles have a rubberized gasket around the lens (see: Vanquisher, Cobra Ultras, etc) that creates a gentle suction on your face. This gasket eliminates any gaps that would allow water to pass into the goggles, creating a custom fit.

    Some goggles, and there aren’t many, don’t have a rubber gasket at all. An example is Swedes, which rely on the plastic lens sticking to the skin to create a watertight seal. For newer swimmers, this kind of goggle can leave the face feeling a little sore.

    What type of lens matches the kind of swimming you are doing?

    The right lenses for your swim goggles can really make a difference when it comes to your swim workouts.

    The lenses should have features that line up with the kind of swimming you are doing and the environment you are doing it in.

    For example, a clear lens goggle will result in you in squinting like crazy from the glare and UV rays at an outdoor pool.

    I’ve written a more detailed guide on the different kinds of swim goggle lenses in this post, but here are the basics:

    Clear or colored lenses. These work best for indoor pools. They increase contrast, making them ideal for dimly-lit pools.

    Metallic or polarized lenses. Metallic, mirrored and polarized lenses are awesome for outdoor pools and brightly lit swim pools. Polarized lenses in particular almost completely eliminate glare off the surface of the water.

    Smoke lenses. This tint of goggles provides a balance between colored and metallic lenses. While a darker smoke lens isn’t ideal for a swim pool that is poorly lit, a smoke-lensed goggle can usually work well with both indoor and outdoor pools.

    The Bottom Line

    Swimming is one of the most rewarding activities you can learn.

    Beyond the fact that it’s an essential life-saving skill, it’s a great way to burn calories, build muscle and even improve mental health.

    Now that you’re certified as a swim goggle expert, it’s time to plunk down on a set of swim goggles and take it to the pool!

    More Swim Goggle Guides

    Looking for more information on swimming goggles?

    I’ve got ya covered:

    🏊 Why You Should Wear Swim Goggles. Thinking about swimming without goggles? Here’s a basket full of reasons that you absolutely should.

    🏊 7 Best Swimming Goggles for Lap Swimming. Here is a detailed look at the best goggles on the market for every kind of swimmer.

    🏊 Should You Wear Swim Goggles Over or Under a Cap? Swim caps are another essential piece of your swimming tool kit. Here’s a look at the benefits of wearing goggles under and over a swim cap.

    🏊 What Swim Goggles to Olympic Swimmers Wear? Wondering what swim goggles your favorite swimmers use on race day? Here’s a breakdown of the preferred goggles of the fastest swimmers on the planet.

  • Should You Wear Swim Goggles Over or Under a Swim Cap?

    Should You Wear Swim Goggles Over or Under a Swim Cap?

    Everyone knows how critical swim goggles are. But what’s the best way to wear them, over or under a swim cap? We tackle this time-tested question.

    One of the most essential pieces of equipment for any swimmer is their trusty set of swim goggles.

    They perform a variety of functions, not limited to improving visibility in the water, reducing those pesky red and itchy eyes, and even helping you swim with better technique.

    It’s rare to meet a swimmer who doesn’t grasp the utility of swim goggles.

    But when it comes to swimming goggles being under or over your swim cap, that’s where things start to get tricky.

    There are some excellent arguments for both, and ultimately, it comes down to the kind of swimming you are doing and your comfort levels.

    In this article, we will look at both sides of this debate.

    Let’s dive right in!

    Swim Goggles Over the Cap

    Let’s start with what could be considered the more traditional approach—wearing your favorite set of swimming goggles over a swim cap.

    🏊 Easy to adjust the goggle straps and sockets.

    For novice swimmers who are getting used to swimming goggles, placing the straps over the swim cap gives you easy access to the head straps.

    It’s a reality that sometimes you need to tighten your goggles mid-workout, and removing both the cap and goggles to make an adjustment can eat up time that is better spent swimming.

    Additionally, there may be a time when you need a wholesale adjustment of the angle of the straps leading into the goggle sockets.

    Fixing these issues, which are common to both novice and experienced swimmers, is a piece of chlorinated cake when the straps are sitting on top.

    🏊 Less restrictive.

    Wearing your goggles for two hours straight can leave your face and eye sockets feeling a little sore.

    There will be times when you want to take off your swim goggles, whether that’s for some social kicking with your teammate or during a break between sets.

    Related: Why You Should Always Wear Swim Goggles When Lap Swimming

    When the cap is over the goggles, you can’t take the swim goggles off for a “breather” without having to reapply everything.

    🏊 Goggle straps won’t pull or tug on the hair.

    For swimmers with long hair, wearing your swim goggles over the cap is a big win.

    Goggle straps move around on the head when swimming, doing kick on a board, flip turns, and all the rest.

    Placing goggles over the cap mean the straps aren’t tugging and pulling on your hair over the course of your workout.

    Swimming Goggles Under the Cap

    Next up, is the more “competitive” style of strap and cap placement.

    Here’s why swimmers put goggles under their caps when hitting the water.

    🏊 Keeps your swim goggles in place.

    Know what every swimmer’s worst nightmare is? Goggles leaking or outright falling off when they dive into the water on race day.

    Wearing goggles under a cap will *almost* completely eliminate this possibility.

    The cap locks the straps into place, so they won’t slide and move when hitting the water or when swimming at high speed. Goggle straps can catch water and fold over at very high speeds.

    Competitive swimmers cannot waste a moment adjusting their goggles on race day, so securing their goggles under the cap makes logical sense and gives swimmers a little confidence knowing that their equipment won’t fail them when it matters most.

    🏊 Creates a more hydrodynamic profile in the water.

    This again applies primarily to serious swimmers who are out to maximize every last ounce of their preparation and hard work. However small, goggle straps create a tiny bit of resistance and drag in the water. When swimmers are moving at peak speeds, they are streamlined and trying to be as efficient as possible.

    The fewer obstacles swimmers give the water to hit and bounce off of, creating more drag and slowing them down, the better.

    What about putting your goggle strap between two caps?

    Want the best of both worlds?

    The reduced hair tugging of wearing a cap over your goggles combined with the strap security and drag reduction of wearing your goggles under your cap?

    Then consider wearing two caps and putting the goggle straps between them.

    Here’s how this works:

    • The bottom layer (usually a latex or Lycra cap, which is comfortable and won’t tug on the hair) is put on.
    • Then the goggles.
    • And then a silicone swim cap, locking your swim goggles into place.

    Voila, a swim goggle/swim cap sandwich!

    Plenty of elite swimmers do this, including among them Katie Ledecky, who wore two caps with her goggles between them at the Tokyo Olympics.

    This method is generally reserved for competitive swimmers, but if it’s what makes you comfortable at the lap pool, go for it!

    At the end of the day, whether you put your goggles under your cap, over your cap, or between a pair of caps, you wanna hit the water with confidence.

    Got more questions about swim goggles?

    I’ve got answers!

    Check ‘em:

    ✔️ Frustrated with goggles that keep leaking? Here is a simple step-by-step guide to troubleshooting leaky swim goggles.

    ✔️ Swim goggles come in a variety of tints and lenses. Here’s a detailed look at figuring out which lenses to get for your next set of swimming goggles.

  • Which Lens Do I Need for My Swimming Goggles?

    Which Lens Do I Need for My Swimming Goggles?

    Confused about the different types of swim goggle lenses? Here’s a detailed look at every type of swim goggle lens so that you can find the one that is perfect for you.

    Swim goggles come in a huge variety of sizes, materials, colors, and yup… lenses!

    Which can make a difficult decision ever trickier.

    After all, choosing the best swim goggles for you is hard enough. Sorting through all of the different types of head straps, adjustable nose bridges, peripheral vision, gasket material, drag profile, and much more.

    Fortunately, choosing a goggle lens is much more straightforward.

    Especially when you have a good understanding of the different types and which lenses are best for specific situations.

    Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the right swim goggle lenses for you.

    Clear swim goggle lens

    Want super X-ray vision at the pool? Maximum brightness?

    Clear goggle lenses are your best friend in this scenario.

    A clear lens allows the maximum amount of light to pass to your eyes, making these types of lenses best suited for darker, indoor swim pools.

    Some clear lens swim goggles offer a UV coating that can induce some reflection, they won’t help reduce glare or brightness when swimming outdoors.

    Best for: Darker and indoor pools.

    Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 with clear lens.

    Prescription swim goggle lens

    There are a lot of reasons you should wear swim goggles, not the least is that they help you accurately see the environment around you.

    For a long time, this clarity wasn’t available to the countless people who use corrective lenses on the dry side of the pool.

    Not anymore.

    Prescription swim goggles are now available in a decent range of goggle types and a range of diopters.

    Most prescription swim goggles come with a clear lens (some brands, like the Speedo HydroPure pictured below, also have smoke or blue lenses), which does limit the range of lens tints available, but something is better than nothing in this case.

    Best for: Swimmers with a prescription

    Speedo HydroPure Prescription goggles with blue lens

    Mirrored swim goggle lens

    Mirrored swim goggles are a long-time personal favorite of mine.

    Most, if not all of my swim goggles since my early days of swimming have been mirrored.

    They simply look badass.

    In more practical terms, mirrored goggle lenses reflect light away from the eyes and turn down the brightness of the sun and bright pool lights.

    They also do a great job at reducing glare (but not as effective as polarized lenses, which we will look at next).

    That said, like any kind of darker lens—and this goes for smoke and polarized lenses as well—this kind of tint can make it harder to see in darker pools.

    Best for: Bright and outdoor pools and psyching out the competition on race day

    The old-school Swedes with mirrored/metallic lens

    Polarized swim goggle lens

    Spend a lot of time swimming outdoors? (Lucky!)

    Fed up with squinting from the sun’s glare bouncing off the surface of the water? (Fair enough!)

    Swim goggles with a polarized lens are your best bet.

    They almost completely eliminate the glare (up to 99% according to the folks at TYR) that happens from the sun while churning up and down the lane.

    This reduces eye strain and also protects your eyeballs from the sun’s rays.

    Unlike mirrored or metallic goggle lenses, I’ve always found that polarized lenses are a little better for darker, indoor swim pools.

    Best for: Reducing glare when swimming outside

    TYR Socket Rockets with polarized lenses for maximum glare reduction.

    Smoke swim goggle lens

    Another entry in the “turn down the brightness” category of swim goggle lens is our old friend and pal, smoke.

    As you can guess, they are designed to reduce brightness when swimming in outdoor pools or the stadium-lit indoor swim pool.

    Most decent swim goggle makers construct all of their goggles with some sort of UV coating, so smoke goggles are also ideal for sunny days swimming outside.

    How smokey the lenses are depends on the goggle manufacturer, with some going nearly black-out while others produce lenses that have a light touch of smoke.

    With the exception of really dimly lit indoor pools (my high school team’s pool was an excellent example of this—orange overhead lighting and no natural light), smoke goggles are great for just about every kind of pool environment.

    Best for: Bright indoor pools and outdoor swimming

    Smoke goggle lens on the Speedo Vanquishers.

    Colored swim goggles lenses

    Finally, we have a mixed bag of lens colors that include blue, pink, orange, green, red and yellow.

    Colored lenses are a little rarer on pool decks and in the water, but swimmers who choose them tend to stick with them.

    Colored goggle lenses help make things around you “pop,” making them a solid choice for swimmers who want more contrast in what they are seeing in the water.

    Red, orange, yellow, or pink lenses are a good choice for dimly-lit pools as they can help to increase the contrast of the environment around you.

    Blue or green lenses, like smoke, are good all-environment lens colors that can boost brightness and in some cases can also reduce glare.

    Colored lenses are also available on mirrored goggles. The TYR Rocket Sockets, for example, have a mirrored and red google lens.

    Best for: Increasing contrast

    Arena Cobra Ultra swim goggles with a pink lens.

    The Bottom Line

    We made it.

    We laughed. We cried. We learned all about google lenses and what kind you should get.

    At the end of the day, swim goggles are a tool to help you swim better, swim safer, and to get the most from your time spent in the pool.

    For more information on swimming goggles, check out these other guides:

    🏊 Why You Should Wear Swim Goggles When Lap Swimming. Swim goggles protect your eyes and help you swim better. Here is a deeper look at the benefits of wearing swim goggles at the pool.