The important word is easy
A recovery swim does not need a complicated formula. The central criterion is that the effort remains clearly below your demanding sessions. Breathing should stay controlled, and you should leave the pool fresher than if you had added another hard workout.
If every set turns into something you have to fight to hold, the session has changed purpose even if the total distance is short.
Keep structure, remove pressure
You can still have a warm-up, a few drills, some easy continuous swimming, and a cool-down. The difference is the constraint: roomy send-offs, low intensity, and no need to “win” the set.
Some backstroke, choice swimming, or light technical work can also change the movement and muscular load without turning the day into hidden extra training.
Information
An easy 1,200 m example
300 m easy choice. 6 × 50 m: 25 drill + 25 smooth swim, 20 s rest. 4 × 100 m comfortable, 20 to 30 s rest. 200 m very easy.
If 1,200 m is already a lot for you on a recovery day, reduce it. The function of the session matters more than the number.
Technique, yes; obsession, no
Easy swimming can be a good time to rediscover a quiet head, steady exhalation, or clean hand entry. But do not turn the session into a lab full of instructions. One or two cues are enough.
Recovery also benefits attention and coordination. Simply swimming smoothly and relaxed has value.
Sometimes the best recovery swim is rest
If you are sick, unusual pain appears, or fatigue is deep, getting in the water is not mandatory. A day without swimming may be more appropriate than forcing an “easy” session.
Recovery supports the training that comes next. It does not need to produce another proof that you worked.