How to Choose the Right Swim Jet Model for Your Pool?

With so many swim jet models on the market, pool owners often struggle to choose the right one for their needs. Swim jets create a strong, controlled current that keeps you swimming in place.However, not all swim jets deliver the same level of power or support the same goals. Today’s market offers a wide range of swim jet options—from gentle, family-friendly currents for casual exercise and play, to high-powered systems designed for serious swim training and resistance workouts. Here is how to pick the swim jet to meet pool needs.

What Is a Swim Jet?

A swim jet is a motorized device that creates a counter current in your pool, allowing you to swim in place, which is like a treadmill for swimming. A powerful BLDC motor pushes water at adjustable speeds, creating resistance you can control based on your fitness level and workout goals.

The benefits are compelling:

• Space-saving: Enjoy a lap-pool experience without needing a long pool or major construction.
• Adjustable resistance: Suitable for everyone—from beginners and casual swimmers to serious, competitive athletes.
• Multi-purpose: Fitness, therapy, teaching kids, and family fun
• Property value: A high-end upgrade that can make your home and backyard more attractive to future buyers

Modern swim jets feature smart controls, energy-efficient motors, and sleek designs that integrate seamlessly with residential pools, transforming what started as professional training equipment into an accessible home fitness solution. The iGarden P Series exemplifies this evolution, accommodate both playful family activities and dedicated athletic training.

Three iGarden P Series Models Comparison

The iGarden Swim Jet P Series offers three carefully engineered models, each designed for specific pool sizes and use cases. The comparison table below shows how each model's specifications align with different swimming scenarios (specifications based on U.S. models).

All three models share a critical engineering advantage: a stainless steel IP68-rated motor that's quiet, tough, and pool-proof. This corrosion-resistant design delivers smooth, reliable performance year after year. It also operates on a safe 12V low-voltage system with no risk of electrical leakage.

The Key Specifications

The specifications reveal clear performance tiers across the series:

• Power (measured in watts) determines current strength and consistency. The P200's 900W delivers 50% more force than the P160, while the P230's 1,200W provides double the entry-level power. Entry-level models around 600W suit recreational use, 900W provides genuine workout intensity, and 1,200W+ delivers professional-grade resistance.
• Flow Rate (GPM) measures the volume of water moved per minute, creating either a gentle stream or a powerful river-like current. Casual swimming needs around 600-700 GPM, while serious athletes require 1,000+ GPM for adequate resistance.
• Flow Speed (m/s) represents the actual water velocity you swim against. The jump from 2.9 m/s to 4.0 m/s makes a dramatic difference in workout intensity—speeds range from gentle currents to high-intensity training conditions.

These graduated specifications mean you're not just buying more power, but you're choosing genuinely different swimming experiences. The P160 creates comfortable conditions for learning and play. The P200 generates real resistance that challenges your cardiovascular system. The P230 simulates open-water swimming conditions that test even experienced athletes.

5 Steps to Choose Your Perfect Model

Follow this decision framework to quickly identify which swim jet matches your needs.

Important Fit Check Before Purchase

To avoid installation problems and unexpected returns, please make sure your pool meets these basic requirements:

①In-ground pool with ideal coping

②Height limit: The vertical distance from the pool edge to the water surface must be less than 8.1 inches (0.2 m).

Step 1: Measure Your Pool Dimensions

This is non-negotiable. Measure your pool's length, width, and depth before anything else. A mismatched jet-to-pool ratio ruins the entire experience.

Installing a high-powered jet in a small pool creates chaotic turbulence—water bounces off walls, making swimming uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. Conversely, an underpowered jet in a large pool produces weak, ineffective currents.

The general guidelines are:

• Small pools (15-20 feet): P160 recommended
• Small to medium pools (20-30 feet): P200 ideal
• Medium to large pools (30+ feet): P230 optimal

Consider both length and width when evaluating compatibility.

Step 2: Define Your Primary Swimming Goals

Be honest about how you’ll really use your swim jet most of the time. All three P Series models work for family recreation. The key difference is whether you need additional training resistance.

Leisure & Recreation means having family fun, teaching kids to swim, or casual water play. You don't need maximum power here. A gentle, controllable current works better and costs less to operate. Think weekend pool parties and relaxed evening swims.

Fitness & Regular Training involve cardio workouts, weight management, and general fitness goals. You'll want enough resistance to raise your heart rate and build endurance over time. This requires moderate to substantial power output that can sustain 30-60 minute workout sessions.

Serious Athletic Training is for competitive swimmers, triathletes, and dedicated fitness enthusiasts. You need maximum resistance to simulate real swimming conditions and maintain your performance edges. High-intensity interval training demands the strongest currents available.

Step 3: Assess Your User Mix

Will everyone in the family use it?

• Primarily young children: P160 delivers the right balance for smaller households
• Mixed-age household with varying skill levels: P200 offers the best adjustable range
• Dedicated adult athletes: P230 provides professional-grade challenge

The P160's gentle flow is safest for families with young kids, while the P230 demands responsible adult oversight.

Step 4: Make Your Final Decision

Use this quick checklist:

Choose P160 if:

• Small pool (15-20 feet) with limited width
• Primary use: entertainment, relaxation, light exercise
• Budget consciousness matters
• First-time swim jet buyer

Choose P200 if:

• Medium pool (20-30 feet)
• Primary use: regular fitness workouts
• Multiple family members with varied skills
• Want versatility and best value
• Balance between performance and cost

Choose P230 if:

• Large pool (30+ feet)
• Primary use: serious athletic training
• Competitive swimmer or triathlete
• Maximum resistance is priority
• Willing to invest in top performance

Make Your Pool Work Harder for You

Your perfect swim jet exists! It merely needs to complement your pool size, fitness needs, and budget. For small pools, there needs to be less current resistance. For medium pools, there needs to be harmonized power performance. For large pools, there can be complete current resistance. There needs to be calculation of both capital outlay and electricity costs, taking into consideration who shall use the swim jet. Make the correct choice, and you shall enjoy fitness all year round without leaving your house!

The iGarden Swim Jet keeps our whole family active — energy before dinner!

FAQs

Q1: Will a Swim Jet Damage My Pool's Plumbing or Filtration System?

No, swim jets function in addition to your current filtration components and do not affect any of your pool plumbing. They can easily be installed on your pool deck or coping and come equipped with in-line motors that distribute the water in your pool without stressing your pool filter and pump. In fact, it is important to make sure your pool return jets and skimmers are working correctly before installing swim jets because they function best in conjunction with good water circulation. In fact, many pool owners have found swim jets increase pool water quality because the current helps distribute pool chemicals.

Q2: Are iGarden Swim Jets Safety Certified?

Absolutely. All P Series models carry ETL, FCC, and RCM certifications, meeting strict electrical safety standards. The motor operates at an ultra-safe 12V (below the 15V UL standard and traditional pool equipment voltages), with leakage protection that instantly cuts power during electrical faults. This multi-layer safety design, combined with a 3-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and performance issues, ensures worry-free operation.

Q3: How does the iGarden Swim Jet ensure safety during use?

To ensure safety, the iGarden Swim Jet feature multiple layers of protection.

①Top-Notch Waterproofing (IP68)The motor is fully waterproof thanks to potting and advanced multi-layer sealing technology, while the cables are double-insulated to resist UV rays and corrosion. With this level of protection, water and electricity are kept completely separated. The motor can run safely and reliably for over 5,000 hours.

②12V Ultra-Low Safe Voltage

The Swim Jet motor runs on Safety Extra-Low Voltage (SELV) 12 volts, meeting the UL safety standards. In many countries and regions, 12V is listed as one of the levels of “safe voltage.” Generally speaking, 12V is considered an absolutely safe or especially safe voltage for the human body.

③Leakage Protection with Automatic Shut-Off

The iGarden Swim Jet(Only U.S. models are equipped with a GFCL.) includes a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). If there’s ever a leakage, which is extremely rare, the power cuts off immediately to prevent accidents.

With triple protection, top-notch waterproofing, low-voltage power, and GFCI leakage protection—you’re completely safe.

Q4: How Does a Swim Jet Compare to Resistance Bands or Tethers?

Swim jets offer much better training experiences than what you can get from using tethers or resistance bands. Using tethers will limit your movements in addition to promoting incorrect swimming motion because you will be pulling against the force of the resistance. Resistance band snapping or uneven tension can also happen when using these devices. For swim jets, the actual water current allows for real swimming experience because you can keep practicing proper swimming motion, position, and breathing exercises.

And visit iGarden Swim Jet P Series to choose your swim jets now!