Do you want to double your pool experience at home? Or perhaps you want to give your children a taste of your childhood- the thrill and pure joy of jumping into the water. Yes, launching yourself in the air, and doing a jackknife or an inward dive into the refreshing waters must have been the most memorable experience. You can now replicate the experience by having a diving board in your pool. But first, let us analyze the different types of diving boards to see the one that suits your pool.
Types of Diving Boards
Much as it is possible to jump from the deck of your pool, adding an extra boost in the air from a diving board is an exhilarating feeling.
Ranging from small stone platforms to Olympic size diving towers, a range of options exists for you depending on the size of your swimming pool area.
But unless your swimming pool is Olympic-size, you will not be in for a diving tower. Residential diving boards exist in a wide variety of styles, materials, and mount types from which you can choose.
A diving board is made up of two parts: the horizontal surface and the base on which the board anchored. The size and design of these components bring different characteristics to the board; How the two parts work together will provide varying levels of height, bounce, and springiness.
Here is an overview of the three types of boards. Each of them provides different characteristics in the form of bounciness and appeal.
Springboards
As the name suggests, springboards have springs at their bases to give you extra power to jump in the air. Some of them have the springs exposed while some are not visible. But there is a caveat to these kinds of boards.
A springboard should be used in a spacious swimming pool whose deep end dimensions safely accommodate your thrust into the water. It is not an ideal above-ground pool diving board; by using a springboard, you run the risk of hitting the pool’s bottom surface and injuring yourself.
Platforms
Platforms differ from springs in that they do not have springs. Any diving board without a spring is commonly considered a platform as the base is fixed.
Since platforms lack springs, many people consider them the safest form of diving structures; thus, they are the standard options for backyard pools. They are ideal for divers who do not want an extra thrust in the air.
Platforms are most suitable for inground pools, as most of the ground pools are usually small and relatively shallow. Besides, a platform can be used in large and deep pools that lack the standard dimensions and configuration-gradual slope and the diving envelope- a diver needs to dive through safely.
Jump rocks
A jump rock is a modification of the conventional platform. You can build one using natural stone. Also, it can be available in human-made materials that resemble natural rock.
Beyond their simple functionality, jump rocks add a decorative touch, especially for natural-style pools. Since they are placed above ground swimming pools, platforms, and jump rocks are particularly meant for jumping, and not for diving.
Diving board
The generic term ‘diving’ board refers to a flexible board on a rigid stand. Just like the diving platform, the rigid stand offers no springs; however, they are flexible to provide additional bounce or spring for divers.
These are the considerations to factor in while choosing a diving board.
Pool Type
The design and style of your pool matter a lot when selecting a diving board. To avoid bodily injury, you must consider the diving envelope- the pool’s diving area and the depth and distance a diver could travel while diving- of your pool.
For instance, you don’t want to install a long diving board for your ground pool. By having a longboard, the diver is likely to hit the bottom surface. Your pool must be deeper and longer than an average in-ground pool.
A diving well must be 8-10 feet deep to prevent you from striking the surface of the pool. The position of the board is another crucial factor to consider.
Most standards recommend installing the diving board at least 10 feet away from all other obstructions. These obstructions include the sidewalls of the pool, seats, and tanning ledges.
Note that you must secure the board’s base on a firm surface such as concrete. Concrete is ideal as it provides stability to the diving board while keeping it safe and durable.
To ensure everyone’s safety, make sure to engage a local professional pool builder to advise you on the size of the diving board your pool needs.
Materials Used
You will want to use a non-slip board to avoid the risk of walking on a slippery surface. In this case, the natural stone seems to be good enough. However, the utility should not be the only factor, spice up the board with a unique design and color to blend in with your pool’s theme.
Resistance to Salt Corrosion
You should consider a diving board that is resistant to corrosion, especially if your pool has salt water.
1. S.R. Smith 68-209-596S24 Frontier III Diving Board
Review
SR. Smith 68-209-596S24 Frontier III Diving Board is one of our most preferred boards. The board comes with a SureFoot non-slid Surface and a clear tread that makes it safe to use when diving in the pool.
Another impressive thing about the board is that it can combine with different stands. The three compatible stands are the Salt Jump Stand, the U-Frame, 656 supreme, and Flyte-Deck II stand. The installation is simple and straightforward, regardless of the stand you have.
The hardware is made of steel, which makes it resistant to corrosion. This feature will give you lasting assurance regardless of the chemicals you use to treat your pool. The 74-inch-long is made of high-strength steel and weighs 52 pounds only. Its strength and stability make it ideal for holding adult weight without snapping.
To ensure proper use, the board comes with instructions that explain how to use it. By following the instructions, you will use it in the right way avoiding accidents.
View at Amazon2. S.R. Smith 68-209-58682 Frontier II Jump White Stand with 8-Feet Frontier II Diving Board, White
Review
This is a high-quality board that features a simple and effective design. It comes with a white color finish and a wide base for maximum stability.
It combines the pool with the board making it easy to use and install. Its strength makes it possible to accommodate both the little ones and adults as it can hold a lot of weight. The board also features SureFoot non-slip that ensures that you don’t slip while you dive.
View at Amazon3. Inter-Fab DB6-7 Diving Board Replacement for In-Ground Pools, Duro-Beam, Tan
Review
This is an ideal inground pool diving board. The 6 feet longboard allows you to generate enough thrust to launch into the air for an exciting dive.
The boards measure 76*19*3 inches and weigh 41 pounds. It is simple to install; therefore, you do not need any professional assistance installing it.
Another feature is the durable skid-resistant and non-fading acrylic surface. The features make the board safe to use in the water while remaining in good condition for years.
It is a fiber-glass reinforced board that has superior strength to handle up to 250 pounds without straining. What’s more, the manufacturer has provided instructions to follow when installing the board.
View at Amazon4. R. Smith 68-210-73624 Flyte-Deck II Stand
Review
This product is a great diving board to add up more fun when swimming. It’s 74*20*3 inches and weighs 36 pounds. The board is easy to install single-handedly.
This model can both be a stand and aboard. Also, it is saltwater resistant making it rust-proof; thus, it can be used in harsh conditions, lasting for years. Like the many S.R Smith boards, is comes with SureFoot non-slip treat that adds to its safety.
View at Amazon5. S.R. SMITH 66-209-268S2-1 Fiber-Dive Replacement Diving Board
Review
This product is the ultimate product on this list. The product is a high-quality design and comes features ongoing construction, and effective operation.
In addition to that, they are durable and reliable. Measuring 8 foot, it offers a broad base area and huge stepping area that aids in its stability.
View at Amazon7. S.R. Smith 66-209-576s20G Truetread Diving Board
Review
Looking for a modern and stylish board for your home pool? We recommend this product. In addition to its unique sporty look, it is made up of marine-grade diamond shape composite material that provides exceptional launching grip on your feet.
Even though the board might be a bit costly, the unique style and high-quality material make it worth the price.
View at AmazonConclusion
With careful consideration of 7 top quality types of diving boards available on the market, any of these boards could be a suitable addition to your pool. Ultimately, we recommend that you choose a board that is affordable, durable, and suitable for your pool design.
While diving boards can enhance fun and creation in your swimming pool, it is critical to observe safety and professionalism. It is best to consult with your pool builder the best options that suit the swimming pool.