Pool vs Open Water
I used to do it about once a week in the couple of months leading up to my IM. Now I have an endless pool, and so am not really bothering much to do it. I know what its like, so I don't know that there would be much of a benefit.
If you are comfortable in the open water, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Maybe a swim or two in the month leading up to the race to make sure the wetsuit still feels ok, etc. But training in the pool it's easier to improve (in my experience) since you can have time targets, known distance, etc.
I try for an OWS once a week. But swimming is not my strongest leg. I just like to get the feel of currents and wave conditions as well as sighting.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
.. I'm wondering how often I should be training in open water situations instead of in the pool ..
Is it a shark-infested ocean swim we're talking about here?
No, I see you are in Spokane.
I suppose that depends on how easy it is to get open water swims in, I mean, do you have to hack open a channel through the ice in the lake?
Is it so cold you need the wetsuit?
Is the pool really crowded? More simply put, which do you enjoy more?
Aren't you more likely to do the workout if it is enjoyable, something you look forward to?
When the lake gets warm enough around here, I don't want to go back into the chlorine pool anymore.
basically, if it ain't fun, I don't want to do it. :)
cheers,
PoC
"Pain doesn't last, chicks dig scars, glory is forever!"
- Shane Falco.

I found that the best way to prepare for open water tri-swims is to just do more tris. With that said, though, swimming in open water is always more challenging and interesting than swimming in a pool, but around here (the bay area) my biggest concern is getting a parasite or swallowing some sick ass water from the bay or the ocean. Then again...the YMCA pool I swim at can't be much better.
Greatness is only achieved by those who perpetually raise the expectations of themselves to the point where it ruins their life.
I'm different than most here I guess in that I've experienced huge improvement after 3/4 days of consecutive open water swims in my wetsuit. I've done it a few times now when I've had access to a lake and it's really amazing how strong I feel when I return to my endless pool. I would say get out there and try 3/4 days in a row and return to a pool and see if you notice a difference. I bet you do!
If you build your fitness in water to a point where you can do the distance well. Then just throw in a open water swim or two just to remember the feel before the Tri you will be fine.



Just a little question about open water vs in pool training..
I've done a couple triathlons (sprints so far) but as I train for longer distances I'm wondering how often I should be training in open water situations instead of in the pool as I currently am. I'm plenty comfortable in the open water but is there any significant benefit to training in open water?
Basically my question is how should I balance my pool training with my (if needed) open water training, I have rather easy access to both just need to know where to concentrate my efforts
Thanks in advance!