Let’s take a look at five things you should consider when installing a new pool,if you want a diving board included:

1.Choose the Appropriate Board Type.

There are three types of Diving boards from which to choose:

• Jump boards are the type used in commercial swimming pools. Both the board and the stand have a spring action that lifts the diver up and out into the air. They are best used by adult, experienced divers.
• Dive boards have spring action boards with rigid stands. Otherwise, there is lift from the board alone, giving limited bounce to the diver. Adult divers with intermediate diving skills do well on these.

Dive platforms and jump rocks are both rigid, non-moving platforms for diving. The dive platform has a rigid board and stand. The jump rock is just that – a real or manmade rock from which swimmers can jump or dive. Platforms are best for adults who can self-propel with the spring action, inexperienced divers, and children.

2.Look at Your Safety Concerns.

Diving boards can be dangerous.However, the Spinal Cord Injury Information Network and the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that less than 10 percent of all Pool diving injuries involved diving boards. That leaves diving from other surfaces, such as rooftops, fences and other structures not meant to be used for diving.

Another safety issue is when the wrong board is installed for its intended use. Some examples are:

• Installing a diving board when there isn’t enough depth. A good example is to install a jump rock in an equal depth pool and allowing swimmers to dive from it, when it should only be used for jumping indeeperwater.
• Choosing a jump board with its springboard lift for a tall, athletic diver, who can self-propel higher and for longer distances than the average diver. This advanced diver would be prone to either hit the bottom of the pool or the pool wall.
• Installing a jump board for use by inexperienced divers or children. Children, even teens, don’t have the required balance and coordination, to safely use a jump board.
• Any diving board is dangerous when swimmers ignore safety rules, such as drinking while diving or unsupervised children diving, even from jump rocks.

The safest diving board is the dive platform, whether the rigid board and stand or the jump rock. The most dangerous is the jump board due to its dual spring action movement.

3.Choose the Right Pool Design.

The trends today are equal depth pools and sports pools (shallow at both ends and deeper in the center). These pools won’t accommodate a diving board; however, a jump rock can be used, as long as you ensure the ‘no diving head-first’ rules are followed.

For all other boards and the jump rock, if used for diving, require certain dimensions with a deep end, shallow end, and a gradual progression between the two in the center. Each section should take up a third of the pool’s length.

The deep end is required to be between eight and ten feet deep and long enough to ensure divers on a specific type of board do not hit the bottom or the opposite pool wall. It also must be wide enough so that divers who misstep in a dive cannot hit the side of the pool.

Obviously, a typically round or artistically shaped pool would not be able to meet these requirements.

4.Make Sure You Have Enough Backyard Space.

Most homeowners, even those with large backyards, must ensure there is enough space for the required pool dimensions, space for the surrounding pool decking and drainage system, and at least a 10 foot clearance between the diving board and the surrounding area. That includes tanning shelves in the pool, pool stairs and ladders, and structures of any type outside the pool.

5.Seek Advice.

Ask your pool construction company for advice on the best type of diving board for your needs and the pool design. They also can advise you on the best brand of board for the type you have chosen. Lastly, a local pool construction company knows the laws governing pools with diving boards in your area and can ensure your finished pool and diving board meet all legal requirements.

Contact Pool Doctor of the Palm Beaches today to discuss all your pool construction and remodeling needs.

561-203-0270

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