Do you need a tether to swim in a swim spa?

A tether is a belt attached to the back wall by an elastic cord. It holds you in place so you can swim without drifting into the front wall. Most owners of a well-matched swim spa do not need one for regular swimming. Where tethers earn their place: - **Learning the lane.** New swim spa users often drift; a tether gives you a few sessions to learn where the current is strongest. - **Undersized current.** If the current cannot match your pace, a tether lets you swim harder than the water can push back. - **Interval and strength work.** Some swimmers prefer the constant resistance of the cord for sets. If you find you cannot swim without the tether, that is usually a sign the model is shorter or the current weaker than your stroke needs.