Specs for a Diving Board

Diving boards are more than just fun accessories for pools; they are also key implements of the Olympic sport of diving. Whether it is for recreation or competition, diving boards have various specifications that surround them. Having information on these specifications will help you further understand aspects of the sport and what you may need to consider if you plan on installing a diving board.

  1. Spring Board Specs

    • Springboards are the most common types of diving boards used at recreational pools and are the lowest in height of the Olympic diving competitions. Springboards come in two heights: 1 meter and 3 meter heights. A springboard is constructed out of one piece of aircraft grade aluminum. The board acts a spring, catapulting you in the air. Springboards over the mentioned heights are illegal as they pose a hazard.

    Platform Boards

    • Platform boards are an alternate form of diving. The boards come in three various heights: 10, 7.5 and 5 meters. These boards are constructed with various materials ranging from a mixture of plastic, metal and plastic. According to Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA), an international diving organization, all platform diving boards need to have a platform length of 6 meters and a width of 2 meters.

    Pool Depth

    • Along with board specifications, diving boards go along with a minimum pool depth. For springboards of 1 meter, a pool depth of 8 feet is mandatory. A 3-meter springboard requires a 12-foot depth. The Beijing Olympic Cube, the sight for the Olympic diving competitions featured a diving pool of 5 meters in depth, guaranteeing diver's safety when entering the water.