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Fitbit smartwatches and fitness trackers are now much more than just activity trackers. They offer the possibility of sleep tracking, measuring your heart rate while being smart fitness tracking devices. Like me, you are probably wearing yours all the time and making the most of the app and Fitbit Pay.
A very legitimate question relates to the devices’ water resistance, especially of the Fitbit Versa 2. Do you need a screen protector, or is your Fitbit waterproof?
This article will guide you through the differences between being water-resistant or waterproof. As you will see, most of the Fitbit devices will not mind a little dive from time to time, even though these fantastic devices will need some after-bath care to preserve the quality of their recordings, life-expectancy, and also not to void the warranty.
Ready. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the difference between waterproof and water-resistant
We all heard of watches manufacturers touting the waterproofness of their products. Is it true? It all lies in the definitions.
What is the meaning of Waterproof?
In theory, a waterproof watch or product is so tightly sealed that it makes it virtually impenetrable to water whatever the time being submerged and the deepness. However, in reality, even waterproof watches will, with time, become sensitive to water. It is linked to the fact that the joints, mainly made of rubber, used to ensure the waterproofness will age, degrade and lose some of their water repulsive properties.
What is the meaning of Water-resistant?
Water-resistance is different and comes with a rating meant to express the properties of a watch to handle submersion. Three units are commonly used. Bar and ATM (short for Atmosphere) as units of pressure or M (Short for meters) which is, in a nutshell, another indication of the amount of pressure endures by the watch.
Because one Atmosphere is generally comparable to ten meters, 10ATM equals 100M. One bar also represents one Atmosphere. Thus ten bars equal ten ATM and one hundred meters. The higher the rating, the more water-resistant a watch will be.
Considering that no watch is truly waterproof, water resistance is the rating to check when willing to ascertain the behavior and capabilities of a watch regarding water.
5 ATM/5 Bar/50M is a standard rating that will prevent most water damages when swimming, taking a bath, or a shower. Below this rating, even if a watch can, in theory, sustain up to 30 meters of water, we will consider them as splash resistant and do not advise putting them in water.
Is the Fitbit Versa 2 waterproof or water-resistant?
The Fitbit Versa 2 is rated 5 ATM water-resistant, which means it could resist diving down up to 50 meters. But don’t let these numbers fool you. Yes, the Fitbit Versa 2 can resist a bath, a shower, or even a swim. However, it doesn’t mean that you should wear it all the time and anywhere. For example, Fitbit recommends not to wear any of their smartwatches or fitness trackers in a hot tub or sauna.
Water resistance can also deteriorate over time and be harmed by any of the following:
- The watch has been dropped.
- Exposure to soaps, shampoos, conditioners, perfumes, insect repellents, lotions, or sunscreen.
- Exposure to high-velocity water (think water-sports or jet bath)
When swimming in the sea, the salt can also crystalize around the sensors and impact the accuracy of the readings. So always rinse your smartwatch or fitness tracker afterward with fresh water.
It is also not wise to bathe regularly, wash or shower when wearing your Fitbit Versa or any other Fitbit device. Soaps can leave a residue on the watch that could cause skin irritation and rashes.
It is always best not to wear your watch while showering. It will give time for your skin to breathe and could be a good opportunity for charging your device and taking care of its battery life.
Can I wear my Fitbit Versa 2 in swimming pools while exercising?
Absolutely! The Fitbit Versa 2 is great for monitoring your swimming exercises. It includes a “Swim” mode that automatically tracks swim lengths, duration, distance, and pace.
Other models such as the Fitbit Charge 3, 4, 5, Fitbit Flex 2, Fitbit Inspire, Inspire HR, Fitbit Luxe, Fitbit Sense, and Versa 3 also offer access to the swim mode. Do not forget to set the pool length for accurate measurement of the overall swimming distance.
The Fitbit Versa 2 can detect freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly even though Fitbit recommends swimming freestyle for more accurate results.
Interestingly, Fitbit devices are smart enough to count your swimming exercises as part of your active minutes, and calories burnt objectives. However, swimming will not count as steps. It makes sense, doesn’t-it?
Once you have finished exercising or if your device gets wet, Fitbit also recommends removing it and thoroughly drying it. If your device comes into touch with anything other than freshwater, clean it with fresh water and a soap-free cleanser before drying it with a lint-free towel and putting it back on.
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Last update on 2023-01-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What is the water lock setting on your Fitbit device?
The water lock setting is available for the Fitbit Inspire 2, Ace 3, Charge 5, and Luxe only. This mode will turn on automatically when swimming and will prevent the buttons or the screen from activating. Notifications will still appear on the screen, but you will need to deactivate the water lock setting to start interacting again with your device.
You will need to tap twice the icon on the screen to unlock the water lock feature.
Additional considerations
Like most of its smartwatches and Fitness Trackers, the Fitbit Versa 2 is not truly waterproof but is water-resistant. As a result, the smartwatch is perfectly capable of handling sweaty jogging, a tropical rainstorm, a swim, or even a bath or a shower.
Somehow, as we already mentioned, wearing a 5ATM Water-Resistant watch does not mean you have to wear it when having a bath or a shower. Soaps, Shower gels, and even the Chlorine contained in a swimming pool can also damage the casing and sensors.
Always rinse your watch after a sweaty workout. It will guarantee the longevity of your tracker.
The final point to consider relates to the wristbands. When swimming, make sure to use a band compatible with water. A sport silicone band is an ideal option. The Fitbit Versa allows changing the standard band for a more stylish third-party metal band or even a leather one.
We all know that leather and water are not the most compatible elements in the world. So forget about style and wear a water-compatible silicone band. Your Fitbit will thank you for that.
