Can You Use Black Beats in Swimming Pools?

28 Nov Can You Use Black Beats in Swimming Pools?

Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. It works your entire body, improves cardiovascular health, and is easy on the joints. But for many people, swimming laps in a pool can get boring pretty quickly. That’s why swimmers often use underwater headphones, like Beats by Dre, to liven up their pool workouts by listening to music or podcasts as they swim. But can you actually use Beats headphones, specifically the black ones, in a swimming pool? Let’s dive in and find out.

The Concerns with Using Beats in the Pool

At first glance, Beats don’t seem like a good choice for swimming. Here are some of the potential issues:

Water Damage

One major concern is water damage. Beats are electronic devices with sensitive components inside. Getting them wet could short circuit the headphones and ruin them completely. Most consumer electronics are not designed to withstand full water submersion.

Ear Health

Another worry is potential ear infections. When you swim, a small amount of water almost always gets in your ear canal, even if you wear earplugs. If you then put on headphones that seal up your ear, you could trap contaminated water inside. This moist environment would allow bacteria and other microbes to grow, raising your risk of developing swimmer’s ear or other infections.

Safety Issues

There are also some safety considerations with swimming while wearing headphones. Being able to hear your surroundings is part of being safe in a pool. With loud music playing directly into your ears, you likely wouldn’t be able to hear lifeguards’ instructions or other swimmers around you. This could lead to accidental collisions or cause delays in response times to emergencies.

Pool Chemical Damage

Finally, the chlorine and other chemicals used to keep pool water clean could potentially damage the headphones. These compounds may be corrosive to the metals, plastics, and adhesives used in Beats construction. The effects might not be immediate, but long-term chemical exposure could shorten the lifetime of your headphones.

Are Beats Waterproof?

The concerns listed above all relate back to one key question: Are Beats headphones waterproof? Or at least water resistant enough to withstand swimming?

Unfortunately, standard Beats models are not designed to be waterproof. Here are the key facts on their water resistance:

• Beats are rated IPX4 according to the international standard IEC 60529. This means they are splashproof but not fully waterproof.
• IPX4 allows protection against water splashes from any direction. But it does not allow for submersion in water.
• With IPX4, you can comfortably wear Beats in the rain. But you cannot wear them underwater.
• The internal electronics can withstand sweat and the occasional drop in water. But they cannot withstand sustained water exposure as seen in swimming.
• Wearing Beats in a pool could allow water ingress past the IPX4 rating’s limits, resulting in damage.

So in summary, stock Beats headphones lack the waterproofing required for safe underwater use. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on listening to your favorite songs and podcasts as you swim laps. There are solutions.

Making Beats Work Underwater

If you’re committed to using your Beats headphones in the pool, there are some modifications you can make to better waterproof them. Here are a few options to consider:

Use a Swimming Headphone Cover

One easy solution is to buy a waterproof cover designed specifically for swimming headphones. These covers are made from waterproof materials like silicone and are designed to fit over the entire headphone and seal out water.

Popular brands like H2O Audio and Underwater Audio make headphone covers to fit Beats models. Just make sure to get the correct size. Putting the headphones in the cover before getting in the pool can protect them from water damage.

Apply a Nano-Coating Treatment

You can also buy liquid nano-coating treatments online and apply them to your Beats to improve water resistance. These treatments contain hydrophobic chemicals that bond to the surface of the headphones on a nano scale, preventing water absorption and penetration.

Brands like Liquipel and HzO offer at-home nano-coating kits. Just disassemble your Beats, dip them in the treatment, let them dry, and reassemble. It won’t make them fully submersible, but it does add a layer of protection.

Use a Tightly Sealed Case

For even more protection, you can place your Beats in a waterproof case before swimming. Make sure to choose a sturdy case that seals tightly and keeps all moisture out. A Pelican case with a rubber gasket seal would be ideal.

The downside is you won’t be able to adjust song selections or volume levels while swimming. But it offers a high level of water protection.

Exercise Caution

If you choose not to use any protective measures, take some precautions to reduce the risk of water damage.

Only submerge the headphones briefly and minimize how deep you go underwater. Never dive down with them on. Clean and dry them thoroughly after each use. And inspect them regularly for signs of water ingress or component damage.

But it’s best to use a cover, nano-coating or case if you plan to swim with Beats regularly.

Are There Better Headphone Options for Swimming?

While you can try to waterproof regular Beats headphones, they aren’t really designed with swimming in mind. There are headphones on the market made specifically for underwater use. Here are some of the top models to consider:

H2O Audio Surge

One top brand is H2O Audio, which makes a model called the Surge. It has full waterproof construction, with an IPX8 rating allowing continuous underwater use. The package includes multiple earbud sizes for a secure fit. And the cord clips around the back of your head to keep it from dangling.

Sony NWWS413BM

From Sony, the NWWS413BMprovides great sound with 4GB of built-in storage to hold your songs and playlists. The headphones are IPX8 waterproof and have bone-conduction tech that transmits sound by vibrating through your cheekbones.

Underwater Audio Delphin Waterproof Headphones

Underwater Audio makes the Delphin model, which has comfortable earbuds and adjustable ear hooks to stay in place, even while flip turning. They are 100% submersible with bright colors for visibility.

Finis Duo Underwater MP3 Player

The Finis Duo bundles headphones with an underwater 4GB MP3 player in one sleek package. Controls are designed for easy operation mid-swim. It uses a bone conduction design with cheek vibrations for clear audio underwater.

AfterShokz Xtrainerz Open-Ear Headphones

For a unique open-ear design, AfterShokz Xtrainerz allow situational awareness while still providing quality sound. The speakers rest on your cheekbones while keeping your ears open to hear ambient noise for safety.

Tips for Using Headphones While Swimming

If you do opt for waterproof headphones made for swimming, follow these tips to get the best experience:

• Start slow – try them out in the shallow end first to get used to swimming while wearing headphones.
• Use earplugs – they seal out water and provide an anchor point to keep headphones in place.
• Adjust volume before swimming – pick a safe level you can still hear but loud enough over splashing.
• Create playlists wisely – organize songs to match different swim paces and moods.
• Get a snug fit – position headphones so they stay put but are still comfortable over long swims.
• Rinse after use – rinse headphones with clean water after each swimming session to wash away chlorine.
• Dry and store properly – pat dry with a towel and store in a moisture-free bag.
• Clean regularly – use rubbing alcohol to clean off earwax and debris so sound isn’t muted.

Following these tips will help you get optimal performance from swimming headphones while keeping them protected.

Safety Considerations for Swimming with Headphones

While headphones can make swimming more enjoyable, don’t forget to stay safe in the pool. Here are some key precautions to keep in mind:

• Test headphones beforehand – make sure you can hear warning signals and people calling your name while wearing them.
• Use a bright colored swim cap – this helps you remain visible to lifeguards.
• Stick to wall swimming – avoid cutting across the middle of the pool so you stay in lifeguards’ direct line of sight.
• Swim with a partner – they can get help if needed. Agree on hand signals to communicate underwater.
• Avoid areas with moving objects – steer clear of pool ladders, slides, fountains, and people to avoid collisions.
• Adjust volume to hear surroundings – keep volume low enough that you can hear regular pool noises and people around you.
• Take breaks from music – take headphones off every few laps to be more aware of your surroundings.

Being able to hear environmental cues is crucial for staying safe in a pool, so use extra caution when swimming with headphones.

Key Takeaways on Beats and Pools

The most important points to remember are:

• Standard Beats models lack the waterproof rating needed for swimming and could be damaged by water exposure.
• Use waterproof headphone covers or cases to protect Beats when swimming. Nano-coating treatments add another layer of protection.
• Choose swimming headphones designed for underwater use for the best experience and safety. Look for brands like H2O Audio, Underwater Audio, Sony, Finis, and AfterShokz.
• Exercise caution when swimming with headphones. Stay aware of your surroundings and take safety precautions.
• With the proper preparation and care, you can safely use headphones like Beats to liven up your pool workouts. But specialized waterproof models are best for regular swimming listeners.

So don’t let standard Beats water resistance hold you back from underwater listening enjoyment. With some simple modifications, you can take your favorite Beats headphones into the pool. Just be sure to take the necessary steps to protect them from water damage. Happy swimming!

FAQs

1. Can I shower with my Beats headphones?

While it’s not recommended, brief exposure to small amounts of water from shower spray should not damage Beats headphones. Avoid submerging them or directing strong water jets at them. Dry them thoroughly afterwards.

2. How do I get a good in-ear seal when swimming with headphones?

Use silicone or foam earbud tips that form a tight seal in your ear canal. Seal out water with swimmer’s earplugs. Adjust the ear hook to gently but firmly keep the headphone in place. Proper fit will block water and improve sound.

3. What are the best headphones for swimming laps?

Look for headphones with full waterproofing like the Sony NWWS413BM, Finis Duo, or H2O Audio Surge models. Key features are waterproof construction, secure in-ear fit, comfortable ear hooks, easy controls, and crisp sound.

4. Can I wear glasses while using swimming headphones?

Yes, you can wear swimming goggles, prescription glasses or sunglasses while using headphones. Just adjust your goggles so the strap goes over or under your headphone band for a secure fit. Make sure your earbuds also seal adequately.

5. How do I clean and maintain swimming headphones?

Rinse headphones with clean, fresh water after each use. Allow to air dry fully. Store in a dry case. Regularly clean off earwax and debris with rubbing alcohol so sound isn’t muted. Replace earbud covers periodically. Don’t use cleaning chemicals.

Conclusion

Listening to music or podcasts while swimming is a great way to make your pool laps go by faster. But introducing electronics to water always carries inherent risks. Standard headphones like Beats are not designed to withstand immersion. While short, temporary use in a pool might be OK, it’s safest to rely on headphones made specifically for underwater use. Companies like H2O Audio, Underwater Audio, Finis, Sony and others make headphones with the level of waterproofing and features needed for swimming.

If you already own Beats, you can try using protective cases and nano-coating treatments to minimize water damage risk. But take care to rinse and dry them properly after each use. Level up your gaming experience with GameStop headsets, just as you prioritize safety by understanding limitations and taking precautions to enjoy audio entertainment during a pool workout—remember to use headphones responsibly to ensure you don’t compromise your ability to hear important hazards and warnings while swimming.