Slipstream is a portable, battery-powered swim-in-place machine that creates a smooth, even current for swimming in home pools. It weighs about 35 lbs (the swim unit) and rolls on wheels for easy placement​, and uses a rechargeable 24 V lithium battery pack (≈25 lbs) to power the propeller based propulsion base generating 2,500 - 3,000 gallon per minute (GPM) swim current. 

It offers fully adjustable resistance: swimmers control the speed from zero up to a 1:20 100 yard swim pace via a simple dial.  The dial has settings from 0 to 11 so you can dial in your swim pace. 

This design engages the whole body without impact on the joints, making it ideal for lap swimming, triathlon training, aquatics fitness, and even playful family use. 

Key features include a broad deep current (minimized turbulence via turning vanes and conditioning grills), a digital battery-level display, USB charging ports on the power box, and an optional debris-collection screen (cleaning the pool as you swim).

Experienced swimmers will recognize this as equivalent to four lengths of a 25 yard pool in 80 seconds. Many can swim faster than this for a lap or two but not for long. To get a sense of how fast this is try swimming laps at a 25 yard pool to get a sense of how fast you swim.

Slipstream comes in two models: Sport and Performance. The most popular Performance model provides up to a 1:20 100 yard pace and provides 2.5+ miles of swim time per charge.  The Sport model provides up to a 1:45 per 100 yard pace and about 2.0+ miles of continuous swim on one charge​.  Both models have the same portable design, similar weight (32–34 lb), and features (adjustable speed, cover, cleaning screen, etc.), but the Performance has a more powerful battery and a higher output motor for faster swim currents and longer battery life.  The Performance model also features a smoothing current as it has a second conditioning grill. 

Slipstream lets you swim in place in your existing pool without renovation. You avoid busy public pools, lane sharing, and flip turns. It engages all the major muscle groups with a natural water resistance (water is much denser than air). Compared to jets or tethers, Slipstream provides a smooth, even flow that closely mimics open-water conditions. It’s also far more compact and lower-cost than built-in swim jets or swim spas (which can be $15K - $40K+ more expensive).  Review our Slipstream vs The Alternatives page to compare the cost and features of a Slipstream other swim in place alternatives. 

Because it’s battery-powered, there’s no plumbing or permanent electrical installation required​. This makes Slipstream easy to set up, move, and store. In short, you get an amazing swim workout (or low-impact aquatic exercise) at home with no hassle.

Slipstream is great for all levels — including novice swimmers! You don’t have to be a strong swimmer to enjoy or benefit from Slipstream. In fact, many customers use it to help new swimmers build endurance, develop better technique, and gain confidence in the water.  If you need to start swimming or do aquatic fitness due to aging joints or rehabbing from an injury, Slipstream is a perfect addition to your pool.

The key is adjustability: you can set the current to a very gentle pace, and beginners can start farther back from the unit where the flow is wider, smoother, and less intense. The consistent, even current helps swimmers learn to maintain body position and rhythm without having to stop and turn at the wall like in a traditional pool. Many parents, adult learners, and swim instructors love Slipstream because it offers a forgiving environment to practice safely at your own pace — and as your skills grow, you simply dial up the challenge!  Best of all you can skip traveling to community pools or swim clubs, waiting for lanes or feeling uncomfortable swimming in lanes with other swimmers.

Yes! Slipstream is an incredible tool for swim instruction and coaching. Because swimmers stay in one place while swimming, coaches can easily observe stroke technique, body position, and breathing without having to move alongside the swimmer. This makes it ideal for real-time feedback and focused correction.

Slipstream’s adjustable speed lets instructors tailor the current to each swimmer’s skill level — from beginners learning basics to advanced swimmers fine-tuning race techniques. Coaches often pair Slipstream with the Underwater Swim Mirror (sold separately) so swimmers can immediately see and correct their form. Whether you’re teaching freestyle, backstroke, or advanced skills like bilateral breathing, Slipstream creates a consistent environment that accelerates learning and builds confidence.

Add underwater headphones (i.e. Zygos or other brands) and coaches and talk to their swimmers while they are swimming to provide real time feedback! 

While Slipstream was designed for swim training, our customers have found all kinds of creative ways to use it! Beyond lap swimming and triathlon prep, many families use Slipstream to create a mini "lazy river" effect for fun pool days — kids love trying to body board or floating on tubes in the current.

Slipstream is also a fantastic tool for aquatic fitness: you can walk, jog, or do water aerobics against the current for low-impact cardio that’s easy on joints but great for strength and endurance. Some customers even use aquatic dumbbells, belts, or resistance bands to turn their pool into a full-body workout zone.

Therapists and rehab specialists have also incorporated Slipstream into aquatic therapy programs to help clients recover strength and mobility after injuries.

We even have customers that use sea khakis, paddle boards and even surfers that want to train their muscles for paddling out to waves. And we also have some happy dogs that get in on the swimming action!    

In short, Slipstream transforms any pool into a versatile, dynamic aquatic environment — perfect for fitness, family fun, and serious swim training alike!

Yes. Slipstream comes with a 30-day Satisfaction Guarantee​. If the machine does not meet your needs, you may return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund (minus any shipping costs). We also include a full 2-year manufacturer’s warranty on the unit and a 5-year warranty on the batteries. Read our full Warranty & Customer Satisfaction Guarantee. 

Slipstream fits almost any inground or above-ground pool. We developed this Planning Guide, to allow you to quickly understand what location may be best in your pool.  The guide also identifies pool situations that may require us to make a modification to the unit to allow it to be compatible with your pool.  For example if you have a ledge around your entire pool we may need to provide set backs so the Slipstream contacts the pool wall best.

The Slipstream extends about 35 inches below the water line, so your pool must be at least 3 feet deep. The adjustable rail lets you accommodate pools with 3–12″ of “freeboard” (deck-to-water distance) and up to 2″ of coping overhang​. The unit works in concrete, plaster, fiberglass, or vinyl-lined pools (no sharp edges to harm liners). For best results, mount Slipstream at least 10 ft from the opposite wall to allow ample swimming space; the shallow end is recommended so you can easily touch bottom when not swimming. 

If you have an above-ground pool, add Slipstream’s Above-Ground Pool Kit (sold separately) – it provides a shelf for the battery box and a protective sleeve to safeguard above-ground pools liners that go over their top rails. 

We can help!  We would be more than happy to speak with you about pool options.  Our team has decades of experience with swimming machines and swimming pools.  

We have a network of pool builders and manufacturers that recommend Slipstream and we are happy to help connect you based on your budget and location.

We even can help recommend low cost DIY options for swim training like a 18’ x 9’ above ground pool with a filter that is compatible with Slipstream and may only cost $1,000.  

We also have experience with indoor steel panel pools that can be set up in a basement or sunroom.  

Contact us at 484-254-6674 and let us know your situation and we are happy to help.

Assembly is very simple and can take 10-15 minutes out of the box.  We have developed videos and a quick start guide that are sent with purchase and can be reviewed here.

Installation of the unit into the pool takes seconds!  You simply lower the swim machine into the pool and the stainless steel rail rests on your pool deck.  Just plug Slipstream into the battery box, turn the nob to “0” to initialize the unit, and then slowly turn the dial to the swim current setting that you prefer.  It is completely adjustable.  That’s it!  When done swimming, turn the unit to “0”, unplug the battery box and simply lift the unit out of the pool and wheel it to the location you want to store it and slip on the over.

Yes. Both the swim unit (≈35 lb) and battery pack (≈25 lb) are easy to lift; the swim unit has wheels so you can roll it as well.  To remove it, simply unplug from the battery box and lift the unit out (it’s designed to be taken out after use). We recommend tilting it on its side to drain any excess water.  

It will fit in most car trunks for transport. We actually recommend removing Slipstream when not swimming to prevent prolonged water exposure, especially in salt pools. The portability makes it easy to share the Slipstream with friends or bring it to a pool party to create a fun lazy river effect!  

The water flow (current speed) is fully adjustable via the knob on the battery box. It ranges continuously from off (0) to full power (11). Beginners or light workouts can swim with the dial at a low setting or by standing farther back (even 10 ft back is much slower than 2-3 ft)​. The further back you swim the smoother, wider and deeper the current.  So if you are a beginner swimmer it may be best to turn the speed up and swim further back so that you can better stay in the current even if you do not always swim straight due to inconsistent strokes.  Swimming further back also allows you to take your pass in the water by swimming up closer to the unit to swim faster and swimming further away to slow your swim speed.  Advanced swimmers can turn it up (max speed of the Performance and Sport are 1:20 and 1:45 100-yard pace) and experience a fast competition pace.  Experienced swimmers will recognize a 1:20 100 yard pace as the equivalent to four lengths of a 25 yard pool in 80 seconds. Many can swim faster than this for a lap or two but not for long. To get a sense of how fast this is, try swimming laps at a 25 yard pool to get a sense of how fast you swim.

Make sure the top of the Slipstream’s outlet grill is at the pool’s waterline (adjust the rail height if needed) – this alignment gives the smoothest flow.

Almost any swim or water workout can be done. Similar to a treadmill or exercise bike, Slipstream can be perfect for novice swimmers that want to improve or it can be the perfect training partner for strong swimmers, coaches teaching stroke technique or even an IRONMAN training for their 2.5 mile swim.    

You can do continuous laps against the current (endurance training) or structured sets (intervals, sprints, etc.). For example, mix distance swims with rest intervals: a beginner might warm up 5 min, do 5×1 min swims with 1 min rest each, then cool down.  Slipstream is not just for freestyle swimming, you can swim any style from breast to butterfly and even backstroke to help exercise different muscles.

Triathletes often use Slipstream for endurance training and simulating open water swimming.  Swim coaches use Slipstream for stroke technique: with an underwater mirror accessory (sold separately) you can watch and correct your stroke form in real time. 

Other uses include aquatic fitness: jog or walk in the current for low-impact cardio, or use aquatic exercise tools (kickboards, water weights, belts) against the flow. Family fun and swim lessons are also popular – kids can play on a bodyboard or learn to swim with the current at low speed. In short, you can incorporate Slipstream into any swim routine: freestyle, backstroke, drills, or water aerobics. We recommend varying strokes and intervals to keep workouts interesting.

Slipstream offers several accessories to enhance training:

• Underwater Swim Mirror – a large shatterproof mirror you simply lay on the pool bottom to watch your own strokes
  
  
• Complete Swim Kit – includes a silicone swim cap, high-quality goggles, a center mount swim snorkel, pull buoy, swim clip (nose clip), and a weighted centering marker. These help improve alignment while using Slipstream​ and help with breathing so you can concentrate on your swimming.
  
  
• Aquatic Fitness Kit – includes a kickboard, swim-belt, aquatic dumbbells, and mesh bag for water-aerobics. This is great for non-swimming exercises against the current​.
  
  
• Additional Power Supply – a second 24 V rechargeable power supply so you can swap batteries and swim longer (each charge gives up to ~2.5 miles of swimming).  An additional power supply is often purchased by swim coaches or non-residential customers (swim clubs, colleges, etc).
  
  

Each of these kits are optional but are designed to maximize your swim-training experience with Slipstream. All are available through our online store.

Slipstream is designed to be low-maintenance, but regular care will keep it running smoothly​ year after year. After each use, unplug the Slipstream from the battery box and remove it from the pool.  If possible, rinse the base of the unit with fresh water to remove salt or chemicals.  It is also recommended to tilt the unit or rest it on the ground for a second to make sure all the water drains away from the motor in the propulsion base before storage.  Store the unit and cover it with the included slipover cover.  Next bring the battery box/power supply inside and put it on the charger.  Periodically inspect all connectors.

For winter storage, keep the battery pack indoors above freezing (cold temperatures can damage batteries); the swim unit itself can be stored anywhere out of weather. 

In saltwater use, note that salt can corrode metal over time – Slipstream has a sacrificial anode, but we advise removing the unit after each swim and rinsing it to maximize its useful life.

The Slipstream battery box contains a 24V LiFePO4 battery (some previous version have (2) 12V batteries). Charge it using the provided 240 W charger plugged into a standard 110 V outlet (charging a fully depleted battery takes ~4–5 hours).  

We designed the battery box so that it could not be charged when in use.  This is for safety reasons and to abide by pool codes.  The Slipstream battery is a DC marine battery that is safe to use near water.  Never bring AC power cords near the pool to charge the unit.  Bring the battery box to an outlet for charging.  

When not in use, store the battery indoors to avoid extreme temperatures.  The battery display shows a 27+ reading when fully charged. 

The batteries themselves are IP67 rated and are designed for a harsh marine environment. Still, if the battery pack is dropped into the pool or inadvertently falls into the pool, it should be fished out immediately without getting into the pool.

Slipstream is backed by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty on the swim unit (covering defects in materials and workmanship) and a 5-year warranty on the battery. This reflects our confidence in the product’s quality and durability. The warranty specifically covers manufacturer defects that affect functionality. It does not cover damage from misuse, accidents, neglect (for example, leaving the unit in the pool for extended periods of time), unauthorized modifications, or normal wear. The warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original purchaser. 

If you need service, simply contact Slipstream customer support and describe the issue. We will either repair or replace the part / product at our option. All authorized repairs or returns need prior approval – unapproved modifications will void the warranty. For prompt assistance, please email or call our support team. Support contact info: support@swimslipstream.com or call 484-254-6674​.  Our team is happy to answer questions or troubleshoot issues.  If we determine the unit is out of the warranty period or the issue is not covered based on the warranty terms, we will work with customers to provide a cost effective solution to repairing or replacing the unit.

Under our 30-day satisfaction guarantee, contact us within 30 days of delivery to initiate a return. We’ll provide return instructions. Repack the unit in its original boxes and send it back. Once we receive and inspect the equipment (it should be in good working order), we’ll process your refund for the purchase price (shipping fees are non-refundable). Remember: to keep your warranty valid, do not leave Slipstream submerged in the pool when not in use.

2025 Models:

First, make sure the power supply is charged.  Second, once plugged into the power supply, make sure you have turned the speed dial to “0” for 2 seconds.  This initializes the motor and you will often hear a few beeps.  Once initialized, turn up the speed and the current will flow.  The majority of the time a non-working motor is due to forgetting to turn the unit to “0”.   

2024 Models:

On our 2024 models, which have a black battery box rather than a matching color lid (2025), you must also remember to make sure the power switch (on the box lid) is turned on

If still no power, inspect for any damage to cables and contact support.

The current is wide and deep enough to swim comfortably in place.  However, depending on how strong of a swimmer you are or your experience swimming in lanes, you may be swimming out of the current and not getting its full resistance.  We recommend putting a marker under you (like a quarter or small weight) so you can stay centered in the current.  We also recommend swimming 4-5 feet away from the unit to let the current widen and deepen even more.  

The Slipstream battery box is not waterproof but the 24V DC battery is rated IP67, so it can withstand rain or splashes. However, if the battery is pushed or dropped in the pool, immediately fish it out, lay it on its side to drain, and let it dry completely​. The unit is designed so you don’t directly touch battery terminals when retrieving it.  

Please contact support at support@swimslipstream.com or call us at 484-254-6674 before trying the unit again.

Yes. For safety reasons the National Electric Code allows submerged pool equipment of up to 30 Volts DC. Our 24 Volt DC Slipstream is designed with pool safety in mind. Your Power Supply utilizes a 24V high-quality Lithium Ion Batteries (LiFePO). We only use batteries that are safety certified (UL, CE). These batteries have an IP67 rating which means that for a short time they may be submerged. That said, we want very much to avoid submersion in water. If the Power Supply accidentally falls in the pool it should be fished out immediately and laid on its side to drain.

Absolutely. The current produced by Slipstream is very safe and consistent – swimmers simply swim in place against it. There are no suction or pinch points exposed; the intake grill is covered. However, as with any pool activity, children should always be supervised. Use the Slipstream with good judgment: do not force the current higher than you can handle, and stop if you feel unwell. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setup and operation.

No. There are no sharp edges that contact the pool – the housing is smooth and plastic-coated. With that said, we do not make any representations that we will cover accidental damage (i.e. scratch) to a pool wall or coping.  We suggest you do not drag the unit against the top coping but rather lift it upward and out of the pool. 

For above ground vinyl-lined pools with no coping, we even provide a protective sleeve in the above-ground pool kit to safeguard the top rail.