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Swim Time Converter

Convert swimming times between pool types (SCY, SCM, LCM) and calculate pace for different strokes and distances

Convert Swimming Times

Select your swimming stroke

Race distance (meters or yards depending on pool)

Minutes
:
Seconds
.
Hundredths

Enter your time in MM:SS.HH format

Pool type where you achieved this time

Pool type to convert to

Conversion Results

Original Time (SCY)
1:00.00
Pace: 1:00.00/100y
Converted Time (LCM)
1:08.40
Pace: 1:08.40/100m

Distance: 100 yards freestyle

Conversion Factor: 1.140

Time Difference: 8.40s

Analysis: Expect approximately 14.0% slower time in LCM

Why Times Differ Between Pools

Turns & Underwater: Short course pools have more turns, allowing for faster underwater dolphin kicks and push-offs
Race Dynamics: More frequent wall interactions in shorter pools provide speed advantages
Distance Variation: SCY (25 yards) vs SCM (25 meters) vs LCM (50 meters) create different race patterns

Example Conversion

Jenny's Championship

Event: 100 Backstroke

Current PB: 55.42 (SCY)

Championship Pool: 50m LCM

Expected Time: ~1:02.72

Conversion Logic

SCY to LCM factor: ~1.16

Fewer turns = slower time

Longer pool = more endurance-based

Less underwater advantage

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Pool Types Explained

SCY

Short Course Yards

25 yards (22.86m)

Common in US high schools/colleges

SCM

Short Course Meters

25 meters (27.34 yards)

Common in Europe, FINA records

LCM

Long Course Meters

50 meters (54.68 yards)

Olympics, World Championships

Swimming Tips

Practice in different pool types for adaptability

Focus on underwaters for short course advantage

Build endurance for long course swimming

Track times in your primary training pool

Use conversions for goal setting and planning

Understanding Swimming Pool Conversions

Why Pool Type Matters

Swimming times vary significantly between pool types due to differences in turns, underwater phases, and race dynamics. Short course pools allow for more frequent push-offs and underwater dolphin kicks, typically resulting in faster times compared to long course pools.

Performance Factors

  • Turn frequency and underwater distance allowances
  • Wall push-off speed advantages
  • Stroke rhythm and pacing strategies
  • Endurance vs. speed training emphasis

Conversion Methodology

Empirical Data

Based on analysis of elite swimmer performances across pool types

Stroke Specificity

Different conversion factors for each stroke based on turn advantages

Distance Scaling

Longer distances show greater time differences between pool types

Note: Conversions are estimates based on statistical analysis. Individual performance may vary based on technique, training, and racing strategy.

Stroke-Specific Conversion Factors

Freestyle
Moderate turn advantage
SCY→LCM: +14-19%
Backstroke
High turn advantage
SCY→LCM: +16-18%
Breaststroke
Highest turn advantage
SCY→LCM: +18-20%
Butterfly
High turn advantage
SCY→LCM: +17-19%
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