Diving Board Guide

Jumping into a pool is fun whether you are a wee kiddie or a fully grown adult, so let's have a look at the boards to help you get that perfect lift-off

Remember: As an adult, you get to have a go first, but you also have to consider all of the safety standards and insurance required. I know what a burden but let's do things right and give you not only the right board but a safe board for your friends and family for years of liftoffs to come.

We are not insurers but both slides and boards should be investigated with your insurance company if you or anyone else gets injured, the expenses may have to come out of your pocket, they might then have to be very deep. Be aware insurers may as they do increase your rates or even drop you if add a slide or board to your pool.

The Selection

Before we begin always remember our technical team is here to help on email info@poolandspacentre.co.uk but in essence, diving boards range from stone platforms to awesome springboards.... let's take a look

Our diving boards, some not on the site, are available in a variety of materials, designs, colours and mounts so the idea is to pick one that fits your space beautifully and safely.

Springboards

So springboards basically have a base with springs, with 2 designs, ones with springs visible at the base, or without visible springs in what's known as cantilever design

Springboards do what they say on the tin SPRING, in other words, more power to jump higher into the air and dive into your pool. Awesome

This extra height in your dive means your pool depth is imperative so that you won't hit the bottom. We could tell you stories of injured body parts, lifelong paralysis or even death....but I guess you get the idea, that is why springboards have fallen slightly out of favour recently due to the potential accidents in home swimming pools.

You could consider a platform that has no springs and the base is fixed, these are now the most common boards used in UK pools.

Injury Avoidance

When choosing your diving board the most important thing is to calculate the "cage of safety", this is the area in which the diver enters the water, and the depth & distance they could potentially travel whilst diving.

So consider depth directly beneath the board, but also the pool floor as if it rises too close to the diving area., injuries will happen. For example transitions from the deep to shallow end can be quite steep, a bit like a wall in the pool that the diver might hit.

Typically the longer your pool is, the more gradual the transition from deep to the shallow end will be, making it safer for divers.

A diving board that's too long for your pool means a diver potentially striking the bottom.

A deeper, longer pool is most suitable for a board, the best board for a normal pool (whatever that is) would be shorter, fixed, and not as high above the water, these are the common ones shown in our portfolio.

Cage of Safety

To determine the cage of safety you will need several measurements of your pool

Once you know which type of pool you have, you can easily find the correct size diving board or platform.

In the interest of safety, we recommend contacting SPATA for the up-to-date guidelines and standards that need to be followed, reference the "cage of safety", these are the guidelines we currently hold Diving Board Criteria but check with SPATA that these are current, please.

Safe diving techniques and sensible pool rules will help you and your family get the most out of your new diving board while minimizing the risk of accidents.

Material

We at www.poolandspacentre.co.uk offer boards in stylish shapes, colours and materials, most of our models are non-slip surfaces, and we also have access to a wider variety not shown on our site, so please tell us your requirements and we can source for you.

Quick Check

Safety Recommendations - contact SPATA for all pool safety measures.
Consider and work out the cage of safety.
Affix a permanent label to your diving board/slide with the manufacturer's name and address, date of manufacture, a minimum cage of safety and weight limit.
Use a slip-resistant diving board.
No pool features within the cage of safety
Position your diving platform flush with the pool wall so no one can hit their head.
Follow the SPATA Diving Board manufacturer's recommendations for diving board elevation above the waterline. as discussed if positioned too high it can cause divers to hit the pool floor.

Technical Specifications

We recommend that diving boards/slides are professionally installed, but, if you do decide to undertake this project a word of warning even a small installation error could cause slips, falls and accidents

If you're building a new pool or installing a diving board for the first time, you may need to install a jig that's a metal base installed under concrete. Your diving board is bolted to it. This is always best left in the hands of a professional.

If replacing an existing board, the bolt pattern of your jig is required so you can match it up with the diving board base you want. If you can't locate a board with the same bolt pattern, we can get an epoxy repair kit for bolt installation. Previous jig bolts need to be cut off level with your pool deck. Then drill new holes into the pattern required for your new diving board, pour the epoxy in the holes, and then insert the new bolts. Once fully set, you'll be able to put your new diving board base on the newly installed bolts.

It's fun, but do it right!

Picking that perfect diving board requires more than just picking a cool design. As we have outlined check your insurance, measure your pool and hire a professional

All the effort will be worth it, please feel free to email us info@poolandspacentre.co.uk so we can ensure you choose the right board for you, the application and your family and friends whilst ensuring that when you all jump into the pool no one injures themselves. Dive right in!