What In The Swim is and how to shop there
In The Swim is an online pool supply retailer that sells chemicals, equipment, replacement parts, and maintenance tools for residential pools and hot tubs. You order through their website, and they ship items to your home. Unlike a local pool store where you walk in and talk to staff, In The Swim operates as a mail-order business — you browse their catalog online, add items to a cart, and check out like you would at any e-commerce site.
The company has been operating since 1997 and stocks thousands of products across categories like chlorine, test kits, filters, pumps, cleaning tools, and seasonal supplies. Their main audience is pool owners who want to order supplies without leaving home or who live far from a physical pool store. You can also call their customer service line if you have questions before ordering.
In The Swim does not require a membership fee to shop. You pay for items when you order, and shipping costs depend on your location and order size. Some orders may have access to for free shipping if they meet a minimum purchase amount, though that threshold changes periodically.
Key Takeaways
- In The Swim is an online-only retailer, so you order through their website and receive shipments by mail rather than picking up items in person.
- They carry pool chemicals, test kits, filters, pumps, cleaning equipment, and replacement parts for most common pool types and brands.
- You can call their customer service team before ordering if you need help identifying the right product for your pool setup.
- Shipping times and costs vary by location; some orders may have access to for free shipping depending on the order total.
- In The Swim does not charge a membership or subscription fee — you only pay for the items you order plus shipping.
How to find products and place an order
Start by visiting the In The Swim website. You can browse by category — chemicals, equipment, filters, pumps, and so on — or use the search bar to look for a specific product by name or brand. Each product page shows the price, a description, and customer reviews if they are available.
Before you order, know what you need. If you are buying chemicals, you should know your pool size and current water condition. If you are replacing a filter or pump, have the model number or brand name handy so you order the right part. The website often shows compatibility information, but calling customer service can save you from ordering the wrong item.
Once you have selected items, add them to your cart. Review your cart to confirm quantities and prices, then proceed to checkout. You will enter your shipping address and payment information. In The Swim accepts major credit cards and other standard payment methods. After you place the order, you receive a confirmation email with a tracking number once the items ship.
Shipping, delivery times, and costs
In The Swim ships orders via standard parcel carriers like UPS and FedEx. Delivery time depends on your location and the carrier's schedule — most orders arrive within 5 to 10 business days, though this can vary. During busy seasons (spring and early summer), shipping may take longer because order volume is high.
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your address and the weight and size of your order. Heavier items like large filters or bags of chemicals cost more to ship than small test kits or brushes. In The Swim periodically offers free shipping promotions or free shipping thresholds — for example, free shipping on orders over a certain dollar amount — so check their homepage or sign up for their email list to learn about current offers.
If your order arrives damaged, contact In The Swim customer service with photos of the damage. They typically replace damaged items or issue a refund. Keep your tracking number and original packaging in case you need to file a claim.
Understanding product categories and what to expect
In The Swim organizes products into broad categories. Chemicals include chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, shock treatments, algaecides, and pH adjusters — the core supplies you use to keep water balanced and sanitized. Test kits and meters let you measure chlorine levels, pH, alkalinity, and other water parameters so you know what chemicals to add.
Filters and filter media include cartridge filters, sand filters, and replacement cartridges and sand. Pumps and motors range from replacement pump parts to complete pump units. Cleaning equipment covers brushes, nets, vacuums, and skimmers. Replacement parts include o-rings, gaskets, valves, and other components for existing equipment.
Seasonal items appear at different times of year — winterization supplies in fall, opening supplies in spring. In The Swim also carries hot tub-specific products if you own a spa rather than a pool. Browse their full catalog to see what is in stock, or call if you cannot find something you need.
When to contact customer service
Call In The Swim's customer service team if you are unsure which product to order, need help identifying a replacement part, or have questions about compatibility with your pool equipment. They can answer questions about water chemistry, recommend products based on your pool size and type, and help you troubleshoot problems before you buy.
You should also reach out if you receive a damaged order, if an item arrives and does not fit your equipment, or if you want to return or exchange something. In The Swim has a return policy that covers most items within a certain window — check their website or ask customer service for the current terms.
Customer service hours and contact methods (phone, email, chat) are listed on their website. Response times vary depending on how busy they are, so plan ahead if you need help before placing an order.
How In The Swim compares to local pool stores
A local pool store lets you walk in, see products in person, and talk to staff face-to-face. The staff can test your water on the spot and recommend exactly what you need. However, local stores may have limited inventory, higher prices, and shorter hours. In The Swim offers a wider selection, often lower prices because they have lower overhead, and the ability to shop anytime from home.
The trade-off is that you cannot see items before you buy them, and you have to wait for shipping. If you need chemicals or supplies urgently — for example, your pool turned green overnight — a local store is faster. If you are planning ahead or want to compare prices and options, In The Swim's online catalog and customer service can be more convenient.
Many pool owners use both: they go to a local store for emergency supplies and water testing, and order routine maintenance supplies from In The Swim to save money and time.
Tips for ordering successfully
Keep a record of your pool's size, filter type, and pump model. Write these down or take a photo of the equipment label. When you contact customer service or place an order, having this information ready means you order the right products the first time.
Sign up for In The Swim's email list if you want to hear about sales, free shipping offers, and seasonal promotions. This can lower your overall costs if you order regularly. Check their website before ordering to see if a current promotion applies to your purchase.
Order routine supplies like chlorine and test strips in advance rather than waiting until you run out. This gives you time to receive the order and avoid gaps in your maintenance routine. Bulk orders of chemicals often may have access to for better pricing or free shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to create an account to order from In The Swim?
Most online retailers, including In The Swim, allow you to create an account to track orders and save your address and payment information for faster checkout next time. However, you can usually check out as a guest without creating an account if you prefer. Check their website for the current process.
What if I order the wrong product or change my mind?
In The Swim has a return policy that covers most items within a set timeframe. Contact their customer service team with your order number to start a return. Some items, like opened chemicals, may not be returnable for safety reasons. Ask about the policy before you order if you are uncertain.
Can I return items to a physical store location?
In The Swim is an online retailer and does not have retail locations where you can walk in and return items. All returns are handled by mail or through their customer service process. Contact them to arrange a return shipment.
How do I know if a product is compatible with my pool equipment?
Product pages often list compatible brands and models. If you are unsure, call or email customer service with your equipment details — brand, model number, and pool size. They can confirm whether a product will work for you before you order.
What should I do if my order is delayed?
Check your tracking number on the carrier's website to see the current status. If the package is significantly delayed or lost, contact In The Swim customer service with your order and tracking information. They can investigate and arrange a replacement or refund.