With their multiple fitness, well-being and family fun benefits, swim jets have recently gained significant popularity in Australia. The variety of jets available has also grown; unfortunately, there is some conflicting information comparing the different brands.
Not all swimming pool jets are created equal. At Remco, we believe it’s essential to understand the differences between systems before you invest in one.
So, what do you need to know? This definitive guide will dive into all the essential information you need. It’s written for new users who have heard about swim jets but want to explore them further.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, including:
- What are swim jets, and what are their benefits?
- How do swim jets work?
- What are the most important criteria to research?
- Which swim jet is right for you?
- Tips on how to prepare for a swim jet quote.
Read on and discover the best system to take your fitness and family fun to the next level.
What are Swim Jets?
Like treadmills help runners enjoy exercise while remaining stationary, swim jets offer similar benefits to swimmers.
Swim jets use pumps, jets or turbines to direct water flow to create a current strong enough to swim against. These currents hold you in place, eliminating the need to turn the end of the pool to swim laps. Swimming pool Jets are also known as counter-current swim machines.
What benefits do Swim Jets provide?
Swim jet systems are a valuable addition to smaller pools, extending their use beyond summertime enjoyment. These Jets can turn a compact swimming pool into the equivalent of a lap pool. This can give an existing pool a new lease of life and turn it into an exercise or training facility.
More than a machine for serious swimmers, Manufacturers have designed swim jets to extend the usability of your pool. The variable speed of their currents means walking and exercising against the resistance created at lower speeds is also possible.
Combined with the buoyancy of the water, swim jets can be ideal for therapeutic or recovery purposes. And kids can’t get enough of the endless play options the moving water creates.
How do Swim Jets work?
When understanding Swim Jet science, it’s essential to compare variations in the leading Swim jet systems on the Australian market.
Fastlane Pro Swim Jets
These draw water from the pool into a power unit, then propel it using a hydraulic vegetable oil-powered pump. Installers of the Fastlane Pro systems typically do so on the edge of the pool or against the pool wall.
They require a lot of clearance around the unit and need help to integrate aesthetically into a new pool design.
The hydraulic pumps need significant power to operate, but they deliver a broad current to swim against. Endless Pools launched the Fastlane Pro in the US over 35 years ago.
Badu Swim Jets
These systems take in water from the pool but use a pump system to send it back through jet nozzles.
Badu systems require less operating power than Fastlane Pros but also deliver a less powerful current to swim against. The systems can be fully integrated into a new pool wall or retrofitted on the edge of a new pool.
Badu Swim Jets were launched over fifty years ago in the US, using Speck pump systems developed in Germany. While the models and appearance of Badu jets have evolved, the pump technology employed has remained relatively unchanged.
SwimJet by Remco
Remco’s SwimJet system uses patented turbine technology to project water flow around your body. This keeps your feet and body elevated for the most comfortable swimming experience.
It produces a bubble and turbulence-free stream of water, using 20 to 50% of the power needed by pump systems. Remco offers fully integrated SwimJet options for new pools hidden behind a stylish stainless-steel grill. A modern retrofit option is available for existing pools.
The technology behind the Remco SwimJet originates from Germany, where it has been the market leader for over ten years.
Which criteria should you consider in your research?
Following is a list of criteria you may wish to consider when deciding on a Swim Jet.
- Swim Jet flow rate
- System noise level
- Swim Jet system power requirements
- Ease of operation
- Swim Jet warranty
- Maintenance needs
Flow rate
For fitness, the current produced by your Swim Jet must be comfortable to swim against for long periods. A useful measurement of performance is the flow rate. This refers to the speed and volume the water re-enters the pool, measured in cubic metres per hour (M3/H), or volume in litres (L/M).
The table below compares the flow rates reported by the leading brands.
| Flow Rate M3/H | Volume in L/M | |
| Remco 275 | 275 MH/3 | 4583 L/M |
| Remco 550 | 550M3/H | 9167 L/M |
| Fastlane Pro | 1000 M3/H | 19000 L/M |
| Badu Stream II | 65 M3/H | 1100 L/M |
Just as you create an ideal position when swimming laps, the Jet should work to emulate this as closely as possible. The flow rate of a Swim Jet assists with the position of your body in the water.
In addition to the flow rate, however, the position of the Jet also helps to create optimum buoyancy. If the jet sits too close to the waterline, it can fail to create a flow that pushes the legs up for the swim duration. However, a Swim Jet situated at the ideal height under water will create a flow that envelops the body, pushing the legs into the most natural position and making swimming very comfortable.
Noise level
Machinery associated with swimming pools tends to be on the noisy side.
Pump-based systems can significantly increase noise levels around the pool, impacting the enjoyment of others nearby. And the higher the system sits in the water, the more likely it will create external noise around the pool.
The absence of an external pump, the fact that the unit is fully submerged in water, and the use of a brushless motor make Remco’s SwimJet systems the quietest on the market.
We recommend visiting various showrooms to hear the jets in action before deciding.
Power Requirements
We all know energy costs keep rising. Therefore, understanding the variations in power requirements between systems is essential when researching your swimming pool jet’s setup and running costs.
With the most powerful turbine still only using 7amps, Remco systems are efficiently integrated into an existing power point. However, with some other systems using 35amps of power per jet, this will typically require a power upgrade. These increased power requirements usually apply to the ongoing running costs for some systems, too.
A quick comparison of power requirements for the leading brands is provided below.
| Energy to run at max. (Amps) | Power Equipment | Energy Use – (horsepower/hp) | |
| Remco 275 (1 turbine) | 7 amps | 1 x 10 amp power point | 2.28 hp |
| Remco 550 (2 turbines) | 7 amps per turbine | 2 x 10 amp power points | 4.5 hp |
| Fastlane Pro | 15.6 amps | 32 amp circuit | 5.0 hp |
| Badu Stream II (integrated) | 21 amps | 40 amp circuit | 4.0 hp |
Ease of operation
Something to consider is how easily you want to be able to control your jet settings. We recommend exploring operation options, as the easier it is to operate, the more enjoyable your swim will be.
Remco’s SwimJets are highly customisable with a remote control, underwater switch, and turn-key options. Furthermore, a dedicated App is available to program and track your workouts and performance.
Warranty
All Remco SwimJets come with a 5-year parts warranty; however, this is not industry standard.
Comparing the warranties offered by competing brands should be a standard part of your research process.
Maintenance needs
The more intricate the machine, the more likely it will require ongoing maintenance throughout its lifespan.
The Fastlane Pro’s hydraulic pump requires periodic oil changing and general maintenance.
In contrast, homeowners can maintain the Badu and Remco SwimJet options with visual checks throughout their lifetime.
As with all machinery in a water environment, we recommend that SwimJet owners invest in a scheduled maintenance program. This will keep systems operating as efficiently as possible.
Which Jet is right for you?
Swim Jets are significant investments. It pays to take your time when considering which important factors best meet your needs.
We’ve created a quick comparison chart to help you understand the strengths of each, as published by the individual brands.
Tips on how to prepare for a swim jet quote
- Understand the main benefit you want to get from the SwimJet.
If you are enquiring about serious swimming, a salesperson will probably ask questions about the strength of your swimming ability. The salesperson may also ask how often you plan to use the jet throughout the year. - Consider any limitations of your pool design. If you are building a new pool, you have more options regarding the type of system you install.
However, existing pool owners must consider pool size and shape when deciding where the Swim jet will be positioned. It helps to have your pool measurements and a pool plan when calling for quotes to assist with this. For new and existing pools, a trained SwimJet sales technician will need to provide professional advice on the best positioning of the system for optimal performance. - Consider the aesthetics of your pool and the look you want to achieve.
Homeowners can fully integrate the Remco SwimJets and the Badu systems into the new pool design. Unlike the Fastlane Pro, they will be almost undetectable from outside the pool.
Remco’s retrofitted SwimJets could be a stylish solution if you have an existing pool. These jets are fully submerged underwater and have been designed not to detract from the pool’s overall appearance.
The Fastlane Pro systems are also located on the pool wall in existing pools. However, they break the water’s surface and add visual detail to a pool’s appearance. - Set a budget, but be prepared to consider costs from various angles.
The best system for you may cost more to install but could deliver long-term savings via lower running costs. Understanding any potential power upgrades you may need to consider before installation will also be helpful.
Get a SwimJet quote today
This article has been created to compare the leading swim jet systems currently available on the Australian market. Which system is best for you will vary depending on the benefits you seek, your budget and your pool.
We hope that by reading this article, you feel more informed and inspired. If we’ve convinced you to consider a Remco SwimJet, please call us at 1800 652 962 and let’s see if we can help.