Is the Versa waterproof?

[faerieflyinfree]

I have seen other topics, however, they are more talking about the Ionic. I'd like to see if anyone has actually gone swimming or showered (doubt the latter) with the Versa on and how did it fair?

I can see with the Ionic the states aren't super accurate however I am not too worried about the stats. I am more wondering about the device itself. Any issues or complications with it post swim or during the swim. I have only had mine a couple of days and have yet to get the guts to sink it.

Moderator edit: subject for clarity

[TaylorsTony]

swimming is the sole reason I want the Versa over the apple watch. If it can not perform as advertised, then no fitbit for me. It clearly says water resistant to 50m. It clearly says you can swim and take showers in it.

[KB9WNS]

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@Marrrmaduke wrote:

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@KB9WNS wrote: 

It is very unlikely anyone can free dive to 50 meters

Agreed, it does not take into consideration seal degradation.

Claiming water resistance to 50 meters on a product not likely to survive repeated submersion is questionable marketing practices and should be taken into consideration when purchasing a product especially a Chinese made product.

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Free dive? When did I mention free diving. But it's neither here nor there. Unfortunately, no questionable practices here I'm afraid. Fitbit refers to the same industrial standards that you are referring to. ISO exactly defines what water resistance to 50 m means, and how it is tested. And, it is not dunking 50 m deep. ☺️ It means, swimproof. It also defines the temperatures of water and their changes your device should be able to withstand. Yes, you should be safe to swim. I wouldn't shower though. Not because of water, but because of steam. This is entirely different matter. ☺️ 

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Water mist, not steam.

As for the 50 meter standard that was updated 8 years ago which clarified the standard it means 50 meters.  The watch should be advertised as "swim and shower resistant".  And yes, it is common to design electronics and circuit boards that can take a direct dousing of water and other fluids.  I do it all the time for aircraft electronics.

[Marrrmaduke]

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@KB9WNS wrote:

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@Marrrmaduke wrote:

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@KB9WNS wrote: 

It is very unlikely anyone can free dive to 50 meters

Agreed, it does not take into consideration seal degradation.

Claiming water resistance to 50 meters on a product not likely to survive repeated submersion is questionable marketing practices and should be taken into consideration when purchasing a product especially a Chinese made product.

---

Free dive? When did I mention free diving. But it's neither here nor there. Unfortunately, no questionable practices here I'm afraid. Fitbit refers to the same industrial standards that you are referring to. ISO exactly defines what water resistance to 50 m means, and how it is tested. And, it is not dunking 50 m deep. ☺️ It means, swimproof. It also defines the temperatures of water and their changes your device should be able to withstand. Yes, you should be safe to swim. I wouldn't shower though. Not because of water, but because of steam. This is entirely different matter. ☺️ 

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Water mist, not steam.

As for the 50 meter standard that was updated 8 years ago which clarified the standard it means 50 meters.  The watch should be advertised as "swim and shower resistant".  And yes, it is common to design electronics and circuit boards that can take a direct dousing of water and other fluids.  I do it all the time for aircraft electronics.

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All Fitbit is saying is that they tested the device according to that particular ISO standard. They advertise it as swimproof. Which is what 50-m resistance gives you. You can't even snorkel with it. ☺️ But if your versa survives your 50m diving adventure, do let me know. ☺️

[Kilmeny]

I thought I'd let everyone know about my experience with wearing it in the water. I had some concerns after reading some of the posts but I wanted to wear it in the pool so I thought I'd give it a go and take the risk. I have been using it for just over a month in the pool roughly every second day for about 50 minutes in an indoor heated pool. I don't wear it in the shower because I like a hot shower and think the heat may affect it. I rinse and dry it carefully under running cold water straight after swimming and so far so good. I'll let you all know if I have any problems with the water.

I am doing water aerobics so I put it on the app workout and I'm able to get a rough idea of heart rate although I have doubts about the accuracy. It does give me a record showing fat burning, cardio and peak effort. I tighten the band before the exercise to improve the reading. Sometimes when I lift my arm out of the water the workout is paused so I need to keep an eye on it. If it keeps doing this to a point where it becomes annoying I'll just let it autodetect detect a "Swim" and accept whatever laps it gives me. 

[ulyssesred]

So,

What I'm getting is this:

1. Fitbit Versa is billed as a water resistant smart watch - It has an option for 'swim' as an exercise, so I certainly hope so
2. Using it in the water can be problematic, so I have to be careful to rinse and dry it when I am done using it (problems include the timer 'pausing' during a workout - but this is an issue I even have out of water; on the treadmill and have to be constantly aware of the vibration of when a 'pause' happens)
3. Be aware of the seals on the FitBit and don't expose it to hot water (I don't wear it in the shower because I like hot showers)
4. The Versa comes with a one year warranty and will replace it hassle free (and the customer service for FitBit does rock - I won't argue the point and nor am I blowing smoke; they've done well by my wife and that's only one of the reasons I chose FitBit)
5. I should not dive for oysters deeper than 50M in it, because 'Free Diving' on the FitBit forums seems to be a contentious topic
6. There are several ISO experts on FitBit forums - I only have access to TS/IATF 16949 and that applies to cars and I only know that because of where I work

Thanks, everyone.

[baisdent]

Thank you so much for this post..this is pretty much how I am using it as well..was in a pool yesterday where the water was very warm from the sun (not a heated pool)  and I was worried... I also put the setting on work out and did a mixture of activities for 45 min..no issues at all... thanks for supplying the information about going in a heated pool, good to know! I think most people buy the Versa for the swimming functionality so Fitbit needs to ensure it works as advertised. I don't think that's to much to ask. Most likely I'll be swimming everyday for the next week.. I'll let you know how it goes 🏊🤞

[RobertoME]

Hi there everyone, thank you for your comments and feedback about the topic of swimming and the water resistance capabilities of the Fitbit Versa.

Note that the Versa is designed to provide the necessary information for those who make of the swimming activity a daily exercise. However this is taking into consideration, swimming in a pool but not limited only to this. However there are certain activities that will not be the best for the care of your Fitbit since was not specifically design with this in mind, like using the watch in a jacuzzi for example.

My friend @AlejandraFitbit mentioned the water resistance of each of our trackers here. Also if you are swimming in a pool, keep in mind always our Wear and Care recommendation.

See you later friends and once again thank you for sharing your concerns.

[TaylorsTony]

thank you, this is exactly what I needed to hear. I'm not interested in using this as a diving watch. My interest in the Versa over the Apple Watch is based solely of fitness. We have our own inground pool that we are in daily. Usually the only time I want to wear a fitness tracker in the pool is when I'm doing yard work. I just want to jump in, cool off, and get back to working without having to take my fitness watch off.

I hated my Charge 2. The worst product ever made. Which is what made me reluctant to purchase the Versa. Still deciding.....but this is very helpful!

[ulyssesred]

Oh,

Take my opinion with a grain of salt, but get yourself a Versa.

It's the Casio of smart watches - and that is a compliment.

It's functional without being so gadgety that you are distracted by it.

The desktop and phone app lets you customize your dashboard on what you track (I track everything and I am seriously considering subscribing to FitBit Coach based on my recent experiences, but I tend to get Tahiti Fever when it comes to new things).

There's enough licensed and third party accessories for sale so you can "pretty it up" as required.

Unless you are hardcore, don't get the special version with GPS and pay functionality. GPS works fine so long as you have your phone with you.

Funny story - I actually subscribed to Deezer and cancelled my Spotify because Deezer works with Versa and Windowsphone far better than Spotify ever did. And because the watch stores 300 songs, I sync my headphones with it and don't use my phone. As a result, I started forgetting my phone because all my favorite music is on my watch!

So, if you try Deezer and use it on your watch, be careful not to start forgetting your phone

TL;DR - I really like my Versa.

[KB9WNS]

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@Marrrmaduke wrote:

---

@KB9WNS wrote:

---

@Marrrmaduke wrote:

---

@KB9WNS wrote: 

It is very unlikely anyone can free dive to 50 meters

Agreed, it does not take into consideration seal degradation.

Claiming water resistance to 50 meters on a product not likely to survive repeated submersion is questionable marketing practices and should be taken into consideration when purchasing a product especially a Chinese made product.

---

Free dive? When did I mention free diving. But it's neither here nor there. Unfortunately, no questionable practices here I'm afraid. Fitbit refers to the same industrial standards that you are referring to. ISO exactly defines what water resistance to 50 m means, and how it is tested. And, it is not dunking 50 m deep. ☺️ It means, swimproof. It also defines the temperatures of water and their changes your device should be able to withstand. Yes, you should be safe to swim. I wouldn't shower though. Not because of water, but because of steam. This is entirely different matter. ☺️ 

---

Water mist, not steam.

As for the 50 meter standard that was updated 8 years ago which clarified the standard it means 50 meters.  The watch should be advertised as "swim and shower resistant".  And yes, it is common to design electronics and circuit boards that can take a direct dousing of water and other fluids.  I do it all the time for aircraft electronics.

---

All Fitbit is saying is that they tested the device according to that particular ISO standard. They advertise it as swimproof. Which is what 50-m resistance gives you. You can't even snorkel with it. ☺️ But if your versa survives your 50m diving adventure, do let me know. ☺️

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It's a swim watch, not a diving watch.  ISO has standards specific to watches for diving.  Time under water is critical for tank capacity, de-compression etc when diving.  Having anything less then a high quality DIVE watch while diving can be fatal.  As for recreational or lap swimming, it should do just fine.  I would not take it deeper then about 2 meters which is the depth of a typical recreational swimming pool and not expose it to hot water such as that in a hot tub.  Showering is a good time to charge it.

[AlejandraFitbit]

Thanks for your input in this @KB9WNS, @ulyssesred and @TaylorsTony.

I am glad to see here that this inquiry has been resolved. If there is anything else we can help you with, do not hesitate to post it.

Keep the stepping up! 

[Itzmikayla]

Ive had my Versa one week! I’ve swam with it at least 3 times and it was okay. Today I went for a swim (I properly dry it after each swim) and when I got out it was taking itself to all kinds of different screens. Starting runs I wasn’t going on...definitely contacting Fitbit for a new one. Disappointed 

[missy316]

@AlejandraFitbit I would hope Fitbit would offer replacement to anyone who used their Versa to swim. Verbiage in the manual and on the watch is contradicting. Yes it states "water resistant" not "water proof" but the watch and app claim to be able to track swimming. If you ask the average consumer if they thought they would be able to wear their Versa in a pool, the consensus would most likely be yes. I would suggest making the watch "water proof" or take the swimming module off and add a statement that instructs people not to submerge. 

On a side note: Best Buy offers a Geek Squad protection plan that you can purchase along with your Fitbit that would allow for replacement. I would strongly suggest that to anyone who is thinking about buying the watch.

I purchased my Versa a month ago, wore it in the pool to swim for the first time and it's fried. I have the protection plan and Best Buy replaced it, no questions asked. It’s not conducive to swimming. I really like the watch otherwise.

Moderator Edit: Format

[Pastorleslie]

Mine keeps locking up and losing my swim data, it goes nuts. I dry mine
too, adjusted the tightness and looseness on my wrist, have had to do 10
second resets which eats battery like crazy, you hold the left button and I
believe the top right for 10 seconds and release. It usually will go back
to clock screen. It keeps missing my steps, floors I have gone up and
down, I am disappointed. I am going to call again on Monday and raise
Cain.lol

Update:

Not like they claim, I do everything they say, have had to do 5 or 6 10second resets and it loses the data half the time.  Doesn't get my step count right, stairclimb count right, etc. Very unhappy. I am going to call tomorrow and raise Cain, lol.

Update:

I should have got the replacement policy.  Blew it.  I am a lifeguard at a Y and it gets wet but I properly dry, etc. Still locks up.  Have done 5 or 6 10 second resets but it loses the data from my workout. I like the watch otherwise, but bought it for swimming mainly.  Lesson learned.  I phone makes a really good watch for pool, but I don't want to invest in a new phone, I love my Samsung, I have put it through heck and back and still works.  If it isn't broke don't fix it right? Next time I will get a protection plan first. I am calling tomorrow and going to raise Cain, lol

Update:

They never told me that, they claim you can go down to 100 meters or feet, I don't remember.  I don't dive with it, only do my workouts in pool and wear because I lifeguard at a Y. I am very angry.

Moderator Edit: Format

[SeleneD]

I have the FitBit Versa and it is a great FitBit, I've noticed that a lot of people say that it is not waterproof, I swim with my Versa on twice a week, and it records my swim, laps, and much more. So yes it is waterproof. There are three FitBits that are waterproof, the FitBit Flex 2, the FitBit Ionic, and the FitBit Versa are waterproof, and you can swim with them on. The rest of the FitBits are water resistant.

[baisdent]

Fitbit should replace it for you without hesitation!! They need to stand behind their products. We are buying them based on how they are advertised, which is You can SWIM using the Versa ! Please post what they tell you. Thanks.

[SeleneD]

Hi, which store did you order your Versa from?

[baisdent]

I ordered mine from Amazon about a month ago. Little nervous I just did water aerobics for 57 min, but only 10 min are showing as active, but the exercise tile is showing 57. Sometimes it does take awhile for things to sync.

[SeleneD]

I would try syncing the Versa again, or logging your workout manually. If you need to return it read this

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61WyBkSz9-S.pdf

[Pastorleslie]

No it Is Not I have had it about 2 months and have had more trouble with it
locking up, have to do 10 second reset about 5 or 6 times this week. Then
I lose my data from my workout. Isn't properly recording my steps or stair
climbing properly, etc.

Update:

Thanks for info.

Moderator Edit: Format