Is the HRM on the Timex Ironman Triathlon 30-lap waterproof? Can I wear it in the pool?

Question

I checked the manual but all I can find for sure is that the watch is waterproof. I would think if it's for a Tri, the HRM would have to be waterproof, too, right???

Answer 1

It's considered water resistant so it should work just fine for swimming on the surface of a pool (not good for diving). But don't expect good heart rate readings while swimming. The transmission doesn't work well in the water, and the contact between the monitor and your body will be constanty interrupted by the water flowing by.  Normally it's best to guage your swim by percieved effort on a scale of 1-10.

When I do triathlons I sometimes wear my HRM strap under my wetsuit so I don't have to put it on when I get out of the water.  But I never get good readings during the actual swim.