Picking a water bottle seems simple but it’s no easy choice. With so many different water bottles available, how do you know which is the best water bottle for swimmers?
We break down ten different water bottles that we believe are the best water bottles for swimmers based on set criteria. All of our water bottles are reusable for ease of access and long-term saving cost.
Related article: Swim Gear and Product Reviews
Ready to pick your next water bottle for the pool? Here are the 10 best water bottles for swimmers. Or water-loving individuals!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase something through one of our links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Please check out our disclosure page for more information.
In a Nutshell
We like this water bottle from Opard. It features a covered lid with a chug spout for quick hydration. The design makes it easy to clean and at 30oz (900ml), it’s large enough to keep you hydrated throughout the length of your swim workout.
Criteria:
To pick the best water bottles, we focused on 4 criteria:
- Easy access for drinking (aka, no need to unscrew to get a drink)
- Easy to clean (bottle, lid, and straw/mouthpiece)
- Reusable (better for long-term saving costs and the environment)
- Not glass/durable (because even though glass water bottles are neat, they’re not allowed at pools)
These are simply the guidelines we used. You’re free to add different criteria to fit your own needs. Such as needing a straw with the bottle or having an insulated design.
Related article: 9 Reasons to Use a Reusable Water Bottle When You Swim
Best Water Bottles for Swimmers
- Opard Sports Water Bottle
- Meitagie Motivational Water Bottle
- Rubbermaid Leak-Proof Chug Water (most affordable)
- Pogo with Chug Lid
- Contigo Autospout Water Bottle
- GOPPUS Sports Water Bottle (several lid options + bottle cleaner)
- Iron Flask (insulated water bottle)
- Fanhaw Water Bottle (smaller size for younger swimmers + insulated)
- Thermoflask Insulated Water Bottle
- Squeeze Water Bottle (easiest to use)
1. Opard Sports Water Bottle
For a simple and efficient water bottle, swimmers can enjoy this flip-top water bottle from Opard. We like it because it has a wide mouth, which makes it easy to add ice or fruit if you like flavored water.
It doesn’t have a straw, meaning you have one less piece to clean. Instead, the lid features a chug mouthpiece which can make it easier to drink for some individuals. The lid also has a hook for easy carrying, along with a cover to go over the mouthpiece.
In terms of size, this water bottle holds 30oz (900mL). It also comes with a removable strainer for those that like to add fruit or citrus to their water for a bit of flavor. The strainer helps keep any ice or fruit from blocking the mouthpiece.
More Content for You: Best 11 Kickboards for Swimmers
We also like the one-touch lock that covers the mouthpiece of the water bottle. This can keep it clean while not in use and is less likely to spill.
Finally, the lid as a whole is relatively easy to clean. It does have a thin seam where mold may develop if you don’t dry it off. But overall, it’s extremely easy to clean
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Flip-top lid to keep the mouthpiece protected
- Handle for ease of use
- The lack of straw makes for easier drinking (more water at once)
- Filter to keep ice from blocking the mouthpiece
- Several colors available
- Easy-to-read markers
- Affordable
Cons
- Can break/crack if dropped from a height
- No straw for those who prefer water bottles with straws
2. Meitagie Motivational Water Bottle
Not everyone finds it easy to hydrate while they’re working out. And one common swimming myth is that you don’t need to stay hydrated while swimming. Despite what you may think, you do sweat when you swim. So doing your best to stay hydrated while swimming is important.
If you struggle with hydrating during your swim workout, try this motivational water bottle from Meitagie. With motivational words and time markers, it can help keep you on track both at the pool and away from it!
Meitagie’s water bottle is 32oz (946ml) and features a wide mouth for easy cleaning.
Like the water bottle from Opard, this bottle also features a strainer to keep any fruit or ice from clogging up the mouthpiece. The lid also has a flip-top cover that opens to a chug-style mouthpiece.
More Content for You:
The lid itself doesn’t have a handle. However, Meitagie’s water bottle does come with a removable carrying strap. It’s a bit longer so you can wrap it around your wrist if you’d like or simply carry it by your fingers.
Lastly, it comes in over a dozen different colors to fit your personality. Which is a big win in our book!
Pros
- Motivational markers to help keep you on track with your water through the day/at practice
- Easy to clean
- Flip-top lid to keep the mouthpiece protected
- Removable long handle strap for different ways to carry
- Lack of straw makes for easier drinking (more water at once)
- Filter to keep ice from blocking the mouthpiece
- Several colors available
- Easy-to-read markers
Cons
- Can break/crack if dropped from a height
- No straw for those who prefer water bottles with straws
- As of this writing, a little bit more expensive than Opard
3. Rubbermaid Leak-Proof Chug Water
Rubbermaid makes a basic but classic water bottle that’s great for any swimmer. Its simple design features a chug lid with a cap to cover the mouthpiece. The lid also has a small handle for easy carrying.
At 24oz (709ml), it’s on the smaller side compared to other water bottles on this list. But for younger swimmers, this can be ideal for them. And its durable material means it can survive drops and falls. Perfect for the swimmer who always drops things!
The lid does have soft plastic material which can be a place for mold to grow. So be sure you’re cleaning it frequently to prevent this. Rubbermaid claims the bottle is dishwasher safe when placed on the top rack.
If you’re not sure though, you can always hand wash it.
It’s leakproof and features a wide mouth so it’s easy to add ice or fruit. And easy to clean the interior of the bottle, too.
Lastly, the 24oz size from Rubbermaid is very affordable. And, as of this writing, it’s the cheapest bottle on this list. For a simple and affordable water bottle, you can’t go wrong with this bottle from Rubbermaid 🙂
Pros
- Flip-top lid to keep the mouthpiece protected
- Easy to clean
- Lack of straw makes for easier drinking (more water at once)
- Affordable
- Good for younger swimmers
- Less likely to break if dropped
Cons
- No straw for those who prefer water bottles with straws
- Not double insulated so it may sweat some if you drink cold water
4. Pogo with Chug Lid
When it comes to different water bottle size options, Pogo Water Bottle has you covered!
They offer water bottles in three different sizes; 18 oz, 32oz, and 40oz (532ml, 946ml, 1182ml). Measurement markers are on the front of each bottle in both ounces and milliliters.
Featuring a secure lid and a covered chug spout, it’s an ideal water bottle for swimmers. The lid also has a small handle so you can carry it with ease. This handle is on the smaller side compared to others, though.
More Content for You: A Swimmer’s Review of Arena’s Team 45 Swim Bag
The bottle itself has a wide mouth and as a whole, it’s easy to clean. Be sure to scrub inside the mouthpiece and along the inside of the screw lid to prevent any potential mold build-up.
Pogo comes only in solid colors, but they have at least half a dozen color options to select from. Decorate them with some stickers, if you’d like to personalize your bottle more!
Lastly, this bottle is very affordable. Even the largest size water bottle isn’t overly expensive when comparing it to others of the same size.
Pros
- Different bottle sizes for your hydration needs
- Flip-top lid to keep the mouthpiece protected
- Easy to clean
- Lack of straw makes for easier drinking (more water at once)
- Affordable
Cons
- The small handle may make for difficult carrying
- No straw for those who prefer water bottles with straws
- Not double insulated so it may sweat some if you drink cold water
5. Contigo Autospout Water Bottle
The Contigo Autospout Water Bottle is the water bottle I’ve used for most of my swimming career. It’s a good bottle that has survived numerous drops in the parking lot and on the deck. And at 32oz (946ml), it’s large enough to get me through practice.
This water bottle does come with a straw and cover for the drinking spout. Because this water bottle has a straw, it’s less likely to spill when open compared to that of a chug-style water bottle.
It comes in several different colors and also features a few different sizes to fit your hydration needs.
Two negative features about this water bottle are that I’ve found that mold builds up easily along the seam of the plastic and rubber on the lid. While it’s on the outside and where you compress the button to pop up the spout, it’s not pleasant to look at. And I haven’t had luck cleaning it off.
Additionally, Contigo water bottles have a surprising habit of squirting water at you when it’s hot out. You can counter this by unscrewing the lid to release the pressure inside the bottle.
Or you can avoid it by opting for their chug lid version, which should eliminate the problem 🙂
Pros
- Three bottle sizes for your hydration needs
- Flip-top lid to keep the mouthpiece protected
- Easy to clean
- Straw for those who prefer drinking with a straw
- The straw feature prevents spills when the mouthpiece isn’t covered
- Middle range in terms of price
- Durable
Cons
- Straw for those who prefer water bottles with a chug lid
- Not double insulated so it may sweat some if you drink cold water
- Pressure can build up when flying or during hot days which can make it spit water
- Mold does build up along the button and seam after sitting pool for hours on end
6. GOPPUS Sports Water Bottle
When it comes to a wide variety of lid and drinking options, GOPPUS Water Bottle doesn’t disappoint. It comes with not one or two lid types, but three! Choose from a straw lid, spout lid, or a wide mouth lid.
Both the straw and spout lid come with a cover over the mouthpiece, too. Keeping it clean from the environment.
This water bottle also comes in two different sizes; 20oz (600ml) and 32oz (946ml). And it comes in a wide variety of colors and gradient options, making it easy to find the design you like best!
As with some of the other bottles on this list, GOPPUS comes with a strainer for fruit or ice.
It’s also insulated, making it ideal for keeping water cold on hot days. However, because it’s insulated and made from stainless steel, it is more on the expensive side. It may be worth the price, though, depending on how hot your weather gets.
More Content for You: Basic Pool Etiquette: 15 Ways to Share the Pool
We also like this bottle because it comes with a brush for the straw. And its wide mouth makes cleaning a breeze.
Pros
- Several different lid options to pick from
- Cover to protect the mouthpiece
- Easy to clean and comes with a brush for the straw
- Insulated to keep drinks cold (or warm) depending on your needs
- Long and short handles available based on lid type
- Many color options
Cons
- More on the expensive side compared to other bottles
- Some stainless steel water bottles can dent if dropped
7. Iron Flask
Another water bottle that comes with several lid options is Iron Flask. Iron Flask is vacuum insulated so your water stays warm or cold, depending on your preference.
It comes with three lids: a flip lid, carabiner straw lid, and a screw-on stainless steel lid. We’re not overly fond of the straw lid, as it doesn’t come with a cover. But if you’re taking this bottle elsewhere outside of the pool (such as driving), it’s a nice option to switch out.
More Content for You:
If you’re looking for a cover, the flip lid will cover the mouthpiece to keep it protected. The only downside of this lid is the lack of a handle.
Iron Flask comes in half a dozen different sizes for any hydration needs. And comes in nearly a dozen different colors. The options can be almost limitless!
Due to the insulation and different sizes, the price can be a bit costly. The larger the water bottle, the more expensive the cost. However, considering you get 3 different lids in addition to your water bottle, it’s a cheaper option than Hydroflask (which only offers one).
Pros
- Several different lid options to pick from
- Easy to clean
- Insulated to keep drinks cold (or warm) depending on your needs
- Many color options
- Different size options are available
Cons
- More on the expensive side compared to other bottles
- Only one lid offers a covered mouthpiece with easy drinking access
- Some stainless steel water bottles can dent if dropped
8. Fanhaw Water Bottle
This water bottle from Fanhaw is another insulated water bottle that comes with two different lid options. One that unscrews to drink from and another with a chug lid that comes with a cover over the mouthpiece.
It is on the smaller side at only 20oz (591ml) but this can make it ideal for a younger swimmer. It can also be a good starting point for individuals who struggle to drink water during a workout. You can start small and work up to a larger water bottle!
The insulated wall keeps the water bottle from sweating and also works to keep your drink hot or cold, depending on what you put into the bottle.
Related article: Basic Swim Terminology
There is a hidden handle on the chug lid, which we thought was an interesting feature. The chug lid option also features a one-click lid, meaning you can open your water bottle with just a finger for easy access.
The outside is covered with a high-quality scratch-resistant coating. And the bottle itself is supposed to be shatterproof.
We also like that Fanhaw water bottles come in several different color, gradient, and pattern options.
Pros
- Two different lid options to pick from
- Easy to clean
- Insulated to keep drinks cold (or warm) depending on your needs
- Many colors, gradient, and pattern options
- Durable and less likely to break when dropped
Cons
- More on the expensive side compared to other bottles
- Only one lid offers a covered mouthpiece with easy drinking access
- Some stainless steel water bottles can dent if dropped
- Small size
9. Thermoflask Insulated Water Bottle
Thermoflask water bottles are very similar to the Iron Flask water bottles. The main difference comes with the lid(s).
These water bottles come with two lids, a straw lid, and a chug lid. Like the Iron Flask bottle, Thermoflask’s flip lid comes with a straw but doesn’t feature a cover over the mouthpiece.
Conversely, their chug lid does come with a cover over the mouthpiece. It does require a little bit of screwing/unscrewing to remove the cover. But if you leave it slightly unscrewed during your practice, you can access your water quickly.
The wide mouth of the water bottle allows for easy and quick cleaning. And makes it easier to add ice or fruit to your bottle.
Pros
- Several different lid options to pick from
- Easy to clean
- Insulated to keep drinks cold (or warm) depending on your needs
- Many color options
- Different size options are available
Cons
- More on the expensive side compared to other bottles
- Only one lid offers a covered mouthpiece with easy drinking access
- Some stainless steel water bottles can dent if dropped
10. Squeeze Water Bottle
Admittedly, we’re not a fan of these squeeze water bottles because they completely lack any type of cover for the mouthpiece. However, they’re incredibly affordable and easy to use when you’re in a hurry to get a drink.
And they can just be fun to use by squeezing water into your mouth!
Gatorade and TYR make good squeeze water bottles that you often see poolside. If there are several of the same bottles on deck, be sure to write your name or make it easy to identify so no one grabs the wrong bottle.
More Content for You:
The lid is leakproof and will keep from spilling if it gets knocked over. Again, the only thing it’s missing to make it great is a cover for the mouthpiece and a handle to carry it around.
Gatorade makes a regular and insulated version of their squeeze water bottle. Both are affordable compared to other water bottles on this list and come in 32oz (946) size
Pros
- Easy to clean
- The squeeze bottle and lid design makes for quick and easy hydrating
- Affordable
Cons
- No cover on the mouthpiece to protect it
- Lack of handle can make it difficult to carry
- It’s a common bottle on pool decks, so it’s more prone to be mistaken
- Only one design and color option is available
In Closing
When it comes to water bottles for swimmers, you have several different options. But when it comes down to the purpose of a water bottle, which is to keep you hydrated, they all serve their purpose well.
No one water bottle is the absolute best as every swimmer prefers certain elements in their water bottle to others. However, we hope this list can help you narrow down some of the options.
As always, happy swimming!
Chevron
Bonus Content
A Swimmer’s Review of the YYST Swim Bungee: Swimming at home in your backyard pool is possible by using a swim bungee. For swimmers of any level, the YYST Swim Bungee is affordable and easy to use.
How to Workout in a Small Backyard Pool: From swimming to water aerobics and other workouts in between, here are 5 ways to work out in a small backyard pool.
Want to Improve at the Pool?
Join swimmers and swim parents to receive my free newsletter and receive a free Swimming Glossary e-book as a thanks!
Every month you’ll receive tips and coaching to help you find success at the pool.
About
Chevron is a current competitive swimmer with almost 20 years of experience in the pool. And although she fell into the sport by accident in her high school years, she still trains daily and competes throughout the year. She’s committed to providing guidance to all levels of swimmers and believes that everyone should know how to swim.