Requirements for Diving Boards

Diving boards come in a variety or sizes, materials and colors. They may be used in recreational or competitive situations. When purchasing, or installing diving boards, there are a few basic standards to follow.

  1. Styles

    • There are two main types of diving boards. The first is a fixed board. A fixed board is just a plank that extends out over the pool. The second kind of diving board, is a spring-based board, which is a plank set upon a large spring, that gives an additional bounce to the user.

    Material

    • While there are no set regulations for material, the best diving boards to purchase are fashioned out of wood, and covered with a fiberglass coating to make them waterproof. A no-slip tread is applied to the top.

    Residential Dimensions

    • Residential diving boards range in length from between 6 to 12 feet. The width is fairly standardized at 18 inches.

    Commercial Dimensions

    • Commercial diving boards have a length that reaches close to 16 feet, with a relatively standardized length of 20 inches.

    Swimming Pool Dimensions

    • Manufacturers of diving pools have set minimum requirements, to make sure that their dimensions can accommodate diving boards. A pool must be a minimum of 7 1/2 feet deep, 28 feet long and 15 feet wide. As the size of the diving board increases, so do the minimum dimensions of the pool. Also, if installing a spring-based diving board, the pool should be made deeper, to accommodate the added propulsion provided by the spring.