Swim pace clock

How to use a pace clock

A pace clock lets swimmers leave the wall on a fixed rhythm without a coach calling times. Choose a send-off interval — say 1:30 — and everyone starts each repeat on the same beat. Your rest is whatever is left of the interval after you finish the swim, so swimming faster earns more rest and swimming slower shortens it.

Press Start and the clock runs continuously. If you set a lead-in, it counts down 5 or 10 seconds with beeps first. A higher beep marks every send-off, and a line under the clock shows the interval you're on and the seconds until the next send-off.

Setting it up on the deck

• Open the page on a tablet or laptop and press F for full screen. A large display placed where the lane can see it is easiest; a TV or projector works well.
• Pick a face. The pool pace clock has two sweep hands 30 seconds apart, like the wall clocks; other faces — a station clock, a chronograph, an LED display — are there if you prefer them.
• Set the sound to suit the pool, or turn it off and watch the hands.

Good to know

The beep comes from your device, so turn the volume up; echo and splashing can swallow a quiet tone. Keep the screen awake — the page asks your device to keep the display on while the clock runs, but a tablet's own power settings have the last word.

For other training formats see the interval timer (work and rest rounds), the multi-stopwatch (time several swimmers at once) and the main stopwatch for laps.