Installation Guide

Install Your Swim Tether

Every Swim Tether system is designed for straightforward, DIY-friendly installation. Select your base type below for step-by-step instructions tailored to your pool setup.

Install Time 15–30 minutes
Difficulty Easy – DIY Friendly
People Needed 1 person

Concrete Deck Base

The Concrete Deck Base is our most popular mounting option. It installs into your concrete pool deck using hydraulic cement or construction adhesive, sitting flush with the deck surface for a clean, low-profile look.

What's Included

  • 316 stainless steel Swim Tether base

Tools You'll Need

  • Hammer drill (corded recommended)
  • 1-1/8" masonry drill bit (a 1" bit will work if you wallow out the hole)
  • Hydraulic cement or a quality construction adhesive
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil or marker
  • Marking tape

Important: Ensure your drill location is clear of any rebar, plumbing, or electrical lines beneath the deck surface. It is highly recommended to install in the shallow end of the pool.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Gather Your Tools

Collect everything listed above before you begin. Having all tools and materials ready will make the install go smoothly.

2

Measure and Mark

Determine the best location for the install and mark it. The optimal distance from the water's edge is 6–8 inches. However, any distance is acceptable as long as it's compensated by using a longer stretch cord. Custom length cords are available on our website.

Pro tip: Installing in the shallow end is highly recommended for the best swimming experience.
3

Drill and Clean

Mark the drill bit with a piece of tape to indicate a drilling depth of 3 inches. Start slowly with the drill perpendicular to the surface and continue until the hole reaches your 3-inch mark. It's important for the hole to be drilled properly so the base sits flush with the concrete surface when installed. Clean out the hole of any dust and debris.

Pro tip: Wrap tape around the drill bit at exactly 3 inches as a depth guide.
4

Check the Fit

Insert the Swim Tether base into the hole to check for fit and make any adjustments. If necessary, wallow out or drill the hole deeper until the base can be placed inside the hole easily and sits flush with the concrete surface. You don't want too tight a fit — leave room for adhesive.

5

Set the Base

Apply a generous amount of hydraulic cement or construction adhesive inside the hole and around the Swim Tether base stem. Press firmly and evenly into the hole while wiping away any excess adhesive. Make sure the Swim Tether logo is aligned the way you want.

Pro tip: Align the logo before the adhesive sets — once cured, the base is permanent.

Let fully cure for 24 hours before use. Once cured, insert your Swim Tether pole, attach your elastic cord, and you're ready to swim.

Threaded Wood Base

The Threaded Wood Deck Base installs through your deck from above and secures with a nut from the underside. It works with any decking material up to 1.75" thick — composite, natural wood, or PVC. The included drain bib on the bottom provides an option to attach a 1/4" tube to direct any water that enters the base.

What's Included

  • 316 stainless steel threaded Swim Tether base with polished flange
  • Hex securing nut
  • Capped drain bib (accepts 1/4" tubing)

Tools You'll Need

  • Drill with 1-1/8" wood boring bit (spade or Forstner)
  • Wrench to tighten hex nut from underside
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil or marker

Important: This base requires access to the underside of the deck to tighten the securing nut. Before drilling, confirm the underside of the boards is clear at your chosen location — no joists, blocking, or other obstructions — and that there is enough clearance around the hole to reach and tighten the nut.

Swim spa owners: This base is also used in swim spa installations, but self-installing in a swim spa can void your warranty and risk cracking the shell. If you're interested in this option for your swim spa, please contact your spa dealer to have it professionally installed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Choose Your Location

Determine the best position on your deck for the base. The same placement guidelines as a concrete install apply — 6–8 inches from the water's edge is optimal, and installing near the shallow end is highly recommended. Any distance works as long as you compensate with the appropriate cord length.

Pro tip: Before committing, check underneath the deck to make sure the spot is clear of joists, wiring, and plumbing, and that you can comfortably reach the area to tighten the nut.
2

Drill the Hole

Using a drill with a 1-1/8" wood boring bit, drill straight through the deck board from above. Keep the drill perpendicular to the surface for a clean hole. Remove any debris from the hole.

Pro tip: A Forstner bit gives the cleanest cut, but a spade bit works fine. Place a scrap board underneath to prevent blowout on the exit side.
3

Check the Fit

Insert the threaded shaft of the Swim Tether base through the hole from above. The polished flange should sit flush against the deck surface. If the fit is too tight, widen the hole slightly until the base drops in easily.

4

Secure From Underneath

From the underside of the deck, thread the hex nut onto the shaft and tighten with a wrench until the flange is snug against the deck surface. The base should feel solid with no play or wobble.

Pro tip: If you'd like to route water away from the base, remove the cap from the drain bib and attach a 1/4" tube to direct it where you prefer.

Installation complete! Insert your Swim Tether pole, attach your elastic cord, and you're ready to swim. No curing time needed — this base is ready for immediate use.

Arctic Spa Adapter

The Arctic Spa Adapter is a no-drill, no-tool mounting solution designed specifically for Arctic Spas swim spas. It threads directly into the existing accessory port on your spa's top rail — no modifications required. A threaded dust cap keeps the adapter clean and protected when not in use.

What's Included

  • Molded Swim Tether adapter with integrated flange
  • Threaded dust cap

Tools You'll Need

  • No tools required — hand-tighten only

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Locate the Accessory Port

Find the threaded accessory port on the top rail of your Arctic Spa swim spa. This is a pre-existing port built into the spa — no drilling or modification is needed. Remove any existing cap or plug from the port.

Pro tip: The accessory port is typically located on the top rail near the swim end of the spa. Check your Arctic Spa owner's manual if you're unsure of the location.
2

Thread In the Adapter

Insert the Swim Tether adapter into the accessory port from above and turn clockwise until the flange sits flush and snug against the spa rail. Hand-tighten only — do not use tools.

Pro tip: Over-tightening with tools can damage the spa's threads. Hand-tight is all you need.
3

Insert the Pole

Slide your Swim Tether pole into the adapter's receiver. The pole should seat firmly. Give it a gentle tug to confirm it's secure.

Pro tip: When not in use, remove the pole and thread the dust cap onto the adapter to keep debris out. The adapter can stay installed in the spa.

That's it — you're done! The Arctic Spa Adapter is the quickest install in the lineup. Attach your elastic cord to the pole and start swimming.

Above Ground Pool

This freestanding method uses a concrete footing and a vertical 2" PVC sleeve to hold the Swim Tether base securely in the ground next to your above ground pool. No attachment to the pool itself is needed.

What's Included

  • Swim Tether Concrete Deck Base (316 stainless steel)

Tools You'll Need

  • 2" Schedule 40 PVC pressure pipe (white) — recommended
  • Post hole digger (recommended) or auger
  • Concrete mix
  • Level
  • Water and bucket or mixing tub
  • Wet towel or rag for cleanup

Depth matters. Minimum PVC embedment is 12" below grade, but colder regions may require deeper footing placement to reduce frost heave. Best practice is setting the bottom of the concrete footing below your local frost line. If you don't know your frost depth, check local building guidance for your area.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Choose the Location

Pick a spot roughly 12 inches from the pool wall that gives you a straight swim lane with at least 15 feet of clearance. Mark the center point for your footing.

Pro tip: Ensure you have enough room for a comfortable swim lane — 15 feet of clear swim distance is the minimum.
2

Dig the Footing Hole

Use a post hole digger or auger to dig a vertical hole. Set the depth so the PVC will be embedded a minimum of 12 inches below grade. In regions with frost, dig deeper as needed — ideally to get the footing below your local frost line.

Pro tip: Widen the bottom of the hole into a bell shape so the footing resists rocking and tilting under load.
3

Pour Concrete and Set the PVC

Mix and pour concrete into the hole, then place the 2" PVC pipe centered in the footing. Use a level to keep the PVC perfectly vertical and brace it until the concrete firms up.

Pro tip: Optional upgrades: use 2" Schedule 80 PVC for a tougher sleeve (same outer diameter, thicker wall), or add fiberglass rebar to the footing for extra stiffness without rust.
4

Fill the PVC and Insert the Base

Fill the PVC pipe with concrete to the top. Insert the stainless steel Swim Tether base by pressing firmly and evenly. You want the base to displace some concrete — this helps prevent air gaps and improves strength. Wipe away any excess with a wet towel before it cures.

Pro tip: Make sure the Swim Tether logo is aligned the way you want before the concrete sets.
5

Let It Cure Completely

Allow the concrete to fully cure before inserting the Swim Tether pole and swimming. Follow the cure guidance on your concrete mix — temperature and humidity affect cure time.

Pro tip: Most standard concrete mixes need 24–48 hours before they can bear load. Check the bag for specifics.

Once cured, you're ready to swim! Insert your Swim Tether pole into the base, attach your elastic cord, and enjoy stationary swimming in your above ground pool.

STT Travel Swim Belt

The STT Travel Swim Belt is a portable, no-install tethered swimming system. It anchors to any fixed object — no drilling, no hardware, no permanent mounting required. Perfect for travel, hotel pools, vacation rentals, or any pool where a permanent base isn't an option.

What's Included

  • Non-slip travel strap
  • 8 ft stretch tether cord
  • L/XL adjustable swim belt (fits 24" to 60" waist)

Tools You'll Need

  • No tools required

Tip: If attaching to anything further than 12 inches from the edge of the pool, it is recommended to purchase an additional cord to make up the distance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Find an Anchor Point

Identify a fixed, stationary object near the pool to anchor the travel strap to — a handrail, post, or ladder rail all work well. Ideally, anchor the strap higher than 36 inches from the water level.

Pro tip: Make sure whatever you anchor to is solid and won't move or flex under tension while you swim.
2

Secure the Travel Strap

Wrap the travel strap around your chosen anchor point. Feed the D-ring end back through the soft loop on the other end of the strap. Pull tight to lock it in place. The non-slip strap will grip firmly once tension is applied.

3

Connect the Tether Cord

Clip or connect the tether cord directly to the D-ring on the strap.

4

Put On the Swim Belt

Adjust the swim belt for your waist size by sliding the adjuster on the webbing at the rear of the belt. For maximum comfort, leave the belt loose by a few inches and position it over the front of your pelvic bones. Connect the other end of the tether cord to the triangle on the belt.

Pro tip: The belt should feel snug but not tight. A slightly loose fit keeps it comfortable across your hips during long swims.

You're all set! The STT Travel Swim Belt packs up small and sets up in under a minute — enjoy your swim anywhere.

Need Help With Your Installation?

Our team is happy to help with any installation questions. Reach out and we'll get you set up and swimming in no time.

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