Setup: Waterrower Performance Ergometer Rower Owner Manual

Overview

The Performance Ergometer Rower is a water-resistance rowing machine designed for home and commercial fitness users who want a smooth, low-impact, full-body workout with detailed performance tracking. Its self-paced resistance system responds naturally to rowing speed, while the integrated Force Pulley measures output and sends workout data to a compatible mobile device through Bluetooth.

Handcrafted hardwood components give each machine a distinctive appearance, with natural variations in color and grain. The rower is suitable for beginners learning proper technique as well as experienced athletes following structured endurance, interval, or performance programs.

Specifications

• Resistance type: Water-based, self-regulating drag resistance
• Recommended tank level: Level 17
• Maximum tank level: Level 19
• Performance connection: Bluetooth
• Performance sensor: Integrated Force Pulley
• Mobile compatibility: iOS and Android devices
• Force Pulley battery: Four AA alkaline batteries
• Assembly time: Approximately 30–45 minutes
• Included tools: Two 5 mm Allen keys

Detailed Description

The Performance Ergometer Rower uses a rotating water tank to reproduce the fluid feel of rowing a boat. Resistance is created by drag: pulling the handle faster makes the paddle turn more quickly and increases the effort required. No separate resistance dial is needed. Increase the stroke rate, apply more force, or combine both to make the workout harder.

The rowing motion engages the body from the feet to the hands and combines a powerful drive phase with a controlled recovery phase. A consistent rhythm helps produce efficient, comfortable strokes rather than rushed or jerky movements.

Main Components

• Rail set: The left and right rails support the seat and connect the front and rear assemblies.
• Seat assembly: The seat travels along the rails on load wheels and guide wheels.
• Tank assembly: The water tank and paddle provide the rower's resistance.
• Footboard assembly: Supports the feet and includes mounting points for the handle rests.
• Rear spacer assembly: Joins the rear of the rails and contains the bungee system.
• Footpads: Adjustable supports with heel cups and foot straps.
• Dolley wheels: Help move the rower when it is lifted at the rear.
• Force Pulley: Measures rowing force and output for performance monitoring.
• SmartRow phone holder: Holds a compatible mobile device for viewing workout information.

Safety

• Consult a physician before beginning an exercise program, particularly if you have existing health concerns.
• Read the operating and assembly instructions before using the rower.
• Keep hands away from the moving belt, pulley, paddle, seat wheels, and other moving parts during use.
• Maintain good posture and controlled movement to reduce unnecessary strain.
• Warm up before training, cool down afterward, and include stretching in your routine.
• Increase workout duration, frequency, and intensity gradually, and allow adequate recovery time.
• Keep the rower on a stable surface and inspect fasteners periodically.
• Do not fill the tank above Level 19. Overfilling can cause leaks and may invalidate warranty coverage.

Setup and Assembly

Assembly requires the supplied Allen keys and may also be easier with a flat-blade screwdriver. The rower arrives partially assembled. Read all instructions before beginning and avoid overtightening hardware.

Assembly Steps

1. Stand the rail set on the floor and attach the rear spacer assembly with its bungee side facing downward. Secure it using the four pre-installed rear-spacer nuts.
2. Place the seat between the rails with the seat cushion indentation facing the rear spacer. Position the larger load wheels on top of the rail extrusions and the smaller guide wheels underneath the extrusion lips.
3. Carefully place the tank assembly between the rails.
4. Fasten the tank assembly to the lower rail brackets using the supplied bolts and nuts on both sides.
5. Position the footboard with the logo facing upward. Align it with the tank brackets and rails, then install the fasteners. Attach the handle rests with their flat surfaces parallel to the floor. Do not overtighten the handle-rest bolts.
6. Install the footpads with the heel cups facing upward. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to lift them over the adjustment pins if necessary.
7. Attach the dolley wheels to the rails and ensure they sit flush with the outer rail surfaces.
8. Stand the rower upright to access the recoil belt. Route the belt over both guide pulleys and connect the bungee hook to the belt’s D-ring.
9. Install the WATERROWER Connect app on a compatible iOS or Android device and pair it with the rower through Bluetooth.

Initial Break-In

During the first few weeks, changes in temperature, humidity, and normal use may slightly affect the hardware. Check the fasteners periodically and gently tighten them with the supplied 5 mm Allen key when needed. Do not force or overtighten the connections.

Footpad Adjustment

Position each foot strap across the ball of the foot, near the pivot point of the toes. To adjust a footpad, lift its upper lip to release it from the adjustment pins, slide it to another position, and allow it to lock into place. Correct positioning lets the heels rise naturally as the seat moves forward.

Operating Technique

Catch Position

Sit tall with relaxed shoulders, arms extended, head up, and eyes forward. Compress the legs until the shins are approximately vertical.

Drive Phase

Begin by pushing with the legs. Keep the arms relaxed and straight until the handle passes the knees, then gradually open the torso and draw the handle toward the chest. Maintain a stable back position throughout the movement.

Release Position

Finish with the legs extended, the handle close to the chest, and the torso slightly beyond vertical. Keep the shoulders relaxed and prepare for a controlled return.

Recovery Phase

Reverse the sequence smoothly: extend the arms, hinge the torso forward, and then bend the knees as the seat travels toward the tank. The drive should be stronger and faster than the recovery, creating a steady, unhurried rhythm.

Training Guidance

Set a clear objective before creating a workout plan. Useful goals should be specific, measurable, realistic, relevant to your fitness needs, and linked to a defined time frame. Recording workouts, scheduling sessions, working with a coach, and reviewing progress can improve consistency.

• For general weight management, use lower intensity and longer sessions that allow conversation.
• For aerobic conditioning, use moderate intensity over medium or long durations while avoiding excessive fatigue.
• For anaerobic or interval training, use short high-intensity efforts followed by recovery periods.
• Use heart rate or another appropriate measure to monitor training intensity.
• Stay hydrated and include variety in your workouts.

Water Tank Setup

The water-level gauge is located on the side of the tank. Level 17 is the standard calibration setting, while Level 19 is the absolute maximum. Use municipal tap water or distilled water; do not use well water.

Filling the Tank

1. Lay the rower flat and remove the tank stopper located between the decks behind the black slanted brackets.
2. Place the syphon hose into the tank and use either the supplied pump or a suitable hose to add water.
3. Fill to the desired level without exceeding Level 19.
4. Add one approved purification tablet, then reinstall the tank stopper.
5. Wipe any spilled water from the wooden frame immediately.

Using the Syphon to Fill

1. Turn the pump valve clockwise to close the valve and begin the siphoning process.
2. Place a water-filled bucket higher than the tank, such as on a chair. Put the pump intake tube in the bucket and the hose in the rower tank.
3. Squeeze the pump four or five times until water begins flowing.
4. Turn the valve counterclockwise to stop the flow before the tank exceeds the maximum level.

Emptying the Tank

1. Place an empty bucket on the floor.
2. Put the syphon intake tube into the rower tank and the hose into the bucket.
3. Turn the pump valve clockwise and squeeze the pump four or five times to start the flow.
4. Turn the valve counterclockwise to stop draining when the desired amount of water has been removed.

Performance Monitoring and LED Status

The Force Pulley records rowing output and force data for display in the WATERROWER Connect app. The app can show a force curve in real time, help evaluate technique, save workout history, and support performance comparisons.

• Purple single pulse: The Force Pulley is powering on.
• Blue gentle pulse: Bluetooth pairing mode is active and waiting for a connection.
• Blue slow flash: A Bluetooth connection is being established.
• Green solid: Bluetooth pairing is complete.
• Green gentle pulse: The Bluetooth connection remains active in power-saving mode.
• Red slow flash: The device is unpairing and will return to pairing mode.
• Red fast flash: The battery is low.
• Yellow flash: A wireless firmware update is in progress.

Replacing Force Pulley Batteries

1. Squeeze the battery-pack casing located on the inner wall of the forward riser to release it.
2. Remove the old batteries and install four new AA alkaline batteries according to the polarity markings.
3. Press the battery pack back into its cavity until it is secure.

The battery pack is intended only to power the Force Pulley and should not be used to power other USB devices.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Tank Water Care

Add one approved purification tablet approximately every three to six months. Tablets degrade faster in direct sunlight and more slowly in artificial light. If the water becomes discolored sooner, add a tablet immediately. If it does not clear, empty and rinse the tank with clean water, refill it, and add a new tablet.

Never use pool chlorine or chlorine bleach in the tank. Unapproved water-treatment products may damage the polycarbonate tank and can invalidate the warranty.

Machine Cleaning

• Remove dust from the clutch and belt area with a cloth, vacuum cleaner, or compressed air.
• Wipe the rails with a damp cloth to protect the seat wheels from dirt and dust.
• Clean the tank with mild soap and water or 70% isopropyl alcohol.
• Do not use chemical tank cleaners, methylated spirits, ammonia-based products, chlorates, or bleach.

Wood Care and Storage

The hardwood frame has a Danish-oil finish and generally requires only dusting or occasional polishing. Cherry wood naturally darkens over time as it develops a deeper patina.

To store the rower upright, slide the seat toward the footboard first. Lift the rear spacer, pull the rower toward you, and use its momentum to stand it upright. In this position, it occupies approximately the floor space of a chair. Avoid storing or operating the rower in extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, or other severe weather conditions.

Troubleshooting

Recoil Belt Needs Adjustment

If the bungee pulls excessively at the rear of the stroke, the recoil belt is too tight. If the belt becomes slack during recovery, it is too loose.

1. Rest the handle against the forward riser.
2. Unclip the recoil belt from the bungee.
3. Use the ladder-lock buckle to change the belt length.
4. Shorten the belt to increase tension or lengthen it to reduce tension.

Paddle Does Not Turn Smoothly

Loosen the tank fasteners and retighten them evenly. Uneven tension can affect paddle alignment.

Fasteners Keep Loosening

Gently retighten loose bolts, JCNs, or JCBs with the supplied 5 mm Allen key. If the hardware repeatedly loosens, a small amount of medium-strength threadlocker may help secure the connection.

Force Pulley LED Does Not Light

Check that the batteries are installed and fresh. If the system uses a connected battery pack, verify that its USB cable is properly connected.

The App Shows No Metrics

Inspect the Force Pulley reflective disc and confirm that it is undamaged. Check for excessive movement between the pulley and its housing, and remove any obstruction between those parts.

No Force Curve or Full-Scale Reading

Loose load-cell fasteners or damaged internal wiring may prevent complete force data from appearing. Stop using the sensor and arrange professional service if the problem persists.

Force Pulley Does Not Start

An internal magnet may have become detached. This condition requires service or replacement rather than further adjustment by the user.

Warranty

The limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the initial shipment date for the rowing machine. The coverage may be extended through registration within the first year to three years for most components and five years for the structural frame. Touchscreen electronics, electronic accessories, and rechargeable batteries have one-year coverage, while replacement parts have 90-day coverage.

The warranty applies to the original purchaser and is not transferable. Warranty coverage may be voided by incorrect assembly, use outside the machine’s intended design, tank overfilling, unapproved water-treatment products, improper cleaning materials, severe environmental exposure, accidents, misuse, unauthorized modifications, or inadequate preventative maintenance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Natural water resistance increases with rowing effort and speed.
• Low-impact, full-body exercise supports endurance and general fitness.
• Force Pulley technology provides detailed performance feedback.
• Bluetooth connectivity enables live monitoring through a mobile app.
• Adjustable footpads and upright storage improve usability.
• Hardwood construction provides a distinctive, furniture-style appearance.

Cons

• Assembly requires careful alignment of multiple rail and tank fasteners.
• Water level and purification maintenance are necessary for reliable operation.
• The performance-monitoring features require a compatible mobile device.
• Improper cleaners, overfilling, or unsuitable storage conditions can damage the machine and affect warranty coverage.