Best Swim Lap Counter Devices for Swimmers
/In my years as a swim coach, I've seen countless talented swimmers lose track of their lap count mid-workout. Trust me, it happens to everyone—from beginners to Olympic-level athletes I've trained. There's nothing more frustrating than hitting your rhythm only to think, "Wait, was that lap 14 or 16?"
As a CSCS-certified coach, I know that accurate tracking is fundamental to effective training. When you're pushing through a challenging set, the last thing you need is the mental distraction of counting laps. That's where swim lap counters come in.
Don't count the laps, make the laps count! Stop losing track during your workouts!
Why Every Serious Swimmer Needs a Lap Counter
After working with hundreds of swimmers, I've noticed that mental fatigue often sets in before physical fatigue. When you're focusing on technique, breathing patterns, and pacing, adding "lap counting" to your mental load can be overwhelming.
Here's what I tell my swimmers about why investing in a good lap counter is worth it:
Mental clarity: Focus completely on your technique and effort, not on whether you're on lap 7 or 8
Training accuracy: Your workouts are only effective if they're done as prescribed—missing laps means missing training benefits
Performance data: The best swimmers I've coached are meticulous about tracking their progress
Workout efficiency: No more wasted time trying to remember where you were in your set
One of my triathlete swimmers improved her 2000m time by nearly 3 minutes after we addressed how she was tracking her laps and volume. The mental relief of outsourcing that task to a device was genuinely game-changing for her performance.
Types of Swim Lap Counters: Finding Your Perfect Match
For Apple enthusiasts: Apple Watch Ultra 2 swim lap counter
Through years of poolside coaching, I've tested dozens of lap counters with my swimmers. Here's my breakdown of what works best for different swimmer types:
High-Tech Wearables: Swim Watches That Count Laps
If you're a data-driven swimmer (like many of my triathletes), a swim watch might be your ideal lap counter swimming solution.
Several of my competitive swimmers have upgraded to the Apple Watch Ultra, and I've been genuinely impressed with its swim tracking capabilities. This swim lap counter watch has become a favorite among my tech-savvy athletes.
What makes it stand out in my coaching experience:
Automatically detects stroke type with remarkable accuracy
Tracks not just laps but also precise stroke counts (great for tempo work)
Water-resistant up to 50 meters - perfect for all pool and open water training
Seamlessly integrates with other fitness data, like Training Peaks and Strava for complete training analysis
One coaching tip I always share: Double check your pools distance: 20yd, 25 (yards or meters) 33m, 50m. Pool, particularly in New York City vary wildly in distance and yards or meters.
Simple and Reliable: Mechanical and Digital Counters
Not every swimmer needs (or wants) a high-tech solution. Some of my most accomplished masters swimmers prefer straightforward, reliable counters.
I've equipped my coaches with TYR Z-200 Stopwatch and they've become an essential part of our training toolkit. The ability to capture stroke count and splits overs pro-level insight for training and race feedback.
FINIS 3X100M STOPWATCH
What I appreciate as a coach:
Track performance is precisely measured with 60 dual split automatic memory and stroke frequency counter for detailed analysis during training or racing.
Capture key race metrics like entry/exit times and lap splits with advanced timing configurations tailored for swimmers and coaches.
Quickly review results on deck or post-session with rapid memory recall and calendar display options for organized record-keeping.
Train confidently in any environment, thanks to water- and shock-resistant construction and an adjustable lanyard for easy access on the go.
Looking for even more memory and functionality?
Meet the FINIS 3X-100M Stopwatch – a powerful tool for coaches who need high-capacity split tracking and easy, on-the-fly review.
Use the code DALY25 at checkout to save 25%. - LINK
Finger Counter: The Minimalist's Choice
For my swimmers who want zero distractions, I often recommend a simple Finger Counter. I've found these particularly effective for my distance swimmers who need to track high lap counts without breaking focus.
One coaching tip: I teach my swimmers to click after each flip turn becomes as automatic as their breathing pattern—building a consistent lap-completion habit that becomes second nature.
Cutting-Edge Innovation: Smart Goggles
The most exciting development I've seen in swim tech recently is the emergence of smart goggles with built-in displays. FINIS Smart Goggle Max Kit: Swimming's Game-Changer
Last season, I introduced these goggles to my triathlon training group, and the results were remarkable. These swimming lap counters take technology to an entirely new level.
The heads-up display shows real-time metrics directly in your field of vision—lap count, split times, even stroke efficiency data. No more checking wrists or poolside counters; just uninterrupted swimming with complete awareness of your performance.
For technique refinement, these goggles have transformed how I coach. I can have athletes focus on precise technical adjustments while maintaining perfect awareness of their metrics. During a recent training camp, one of my national-level swimmers shaved 4 seconds off her 200m time after we identified and corrected a tempo inconsistency using the real-time feedback from these goggles.
Budget-Friendly Options That Still Deliver
Not all of my swimmers can afford premium tech. Here are the lap counters for swimming that I recommend to swimmers on a budget:
At under $40, the SportCount is my go-to recommendation for swimmers who need reliable tracking without breaking the bank. The lap counter swim design fits comfortably on your finger and operates with a simple click.
What I like about it from a coaching perspective:
One-handed operation doesn't disrupt stroke mechanics
Waterproof reliability that matches more expensive options
Small enough to fit in any swim bag
No complicated setup or learning curve
Precision Tools for Serious Training
For swimmers focused on interval training and precise timing, I recommend specialized tools to improve stroke tempo and interval work.
FINIS Tempo Trainer Pro
Beyond technique, there’s tempo—and it’s often the missing link in a swimmer’s performance toolkit. Many athletes get stuck at the same stroke rate, without the awareness or ability to adjust tempo based on race distance, fatigue, or water conditions.
The FINIS Tempo Trainer Pro changes that. This small, waterproof device fits comfortably under a swim cap or clips to goggles and emits an audible beep to guide your stroke rhythm. With three customizable training modes, swimmers can fine-tune stroke rate, lap intervals, or cycles per minute to dial in their ideal pace. The tempo is adjustable to the hundredth of a second, allowing for incredible precision whether you’re sprinting a 50 or grinding through a distance set. Durable, shock-resistant, and now with a replaceable battery for long-term use, the Tempo Trainer Pro also includes a dryland clip - making it a go-to tool for pace training across sports like running, cycling, or even golf. It’s not just for swimmers—it’s for anyone chasing rhythm, consistency, and performance.
What makes it invaluable for serious training:
PERSONAL PACE COACH: A Waterproof device that transmits an audible tempo beep to eliminate lulls in workouts and races
3 DIFFERENT MODES: Monitor and set stroke rate and tempo; Monitor and set pace times for laps/intervals; Monitor and set rates using strokes/cycles per minute
CUSTOMIZE YOUR PACE: Tempo is adjustable by 1/100th of a second, giving you the ability to identify and maintain your ideal pace
VARIETY OF TRAINING USES: The dryland clip allows it to be used for multiple sports, in and out of the water (swim, bike, golf, running, and more)
WATERPROOF: Tested to perform at a depth of 10 meters
Use the code DALY25 at checkout to save 25%. - LINK
I've found this an effective tool for all strokes and distances, all of which require a very specific stroke rate to swim your fastest.
Common Lap Counting Mistakes I See Poolside
After thousands of hours coaching swimmers of all levels, I've noticed some common mistakes when it comes to lap counting:
Relying purely on memory: Even elite swimmers lose count during intense sets
Choosing the wrong counter type: Trying to check a watch mid-stroke disrupts technique for some swimmers
Inconsistent usage: A lap counter only works if you build the habit of using it every session
Not backing up data: For my tech-savvy swimmers, forgetting to sync their devices means losing valuable training insights
How to Choose Your Perfect Swimming Lap Counter
Based on my coaching experience, here's a quick guide to finding your ideal lap counter:
For data lovers: Go with a dedicated swim watch like the Garmin Swim 2
For technique-focused swimmers: Consider smart goggles that don't disrupt your stroke
For budget-conscious athletes: A simple finger counter delivers reliable tracking without the cost
For open water swimmers: Choose a GPS-enabled watch that works beyond the pool
For pure distance swimmers: A poolside lap counter with a pole provides clear visual feedback
My Personal Coaching Approach to Lap Counting
In my training programs, I typically introduce tempo and volume education after swimmers have developed basic stroke efficiency but before they begin high-volume training. This timing ensures they can focus first on technique, then on endurance, without the mental burden of counting strokes or total volume.
For my competitive swimmers, accurate stroke and lap counting isn't optional—it's as fundamental as proper nutrition or adequate rest. You simply can't optimize what you can't measure.
Essential swimmer gear including goggles, swim cap, and training fins for open water swimming
Your Next Steps: Implementing Better Lap Tracking
If you're ready to improve your training quality with better lap tracking, here's what I recommend:
Assess your primary swimming goal (technique improvement, endurance, competition)
Consider your budget and technical comfort level
Choose the appropriate counter type based on the guidance above
Build the habit of using your counter in every session
Periodically review your data (if using a digital device) to track progress
Remember that the best swim lap counter is the one you'll actually use consistently. Don't be seduced by features you don't need—focus on what will genuinely improve your training quality.
Let's Talk About Your Experience
I'm always curious about what works for different swimmers. Have you found a lap counter that's been game-changing for your training? Or are you struggling with a particular aspect of lap tracking?
Drop a comment below or reach out through my coaching contact form. I read every message and love hearing about your swimming journeys.
Until next time, keep counting those laps and making every stroke count!