Minimum Depth for a Diving Board

There are many variables to consider when installing a diving board over a swimming pool, including the type of material of the pool, the diving board height above the water, and the diving board length. Because of safety issues, the American National Standards Institute has developed standards for safe installation and placement of diving boards.

  1. Pool Material

    • Gunite is a hard material which contains cement and is used to make in-ground pools. Vinyl is a somewhat elastic material used in both in-ground and above-ground pools. These materials affect the overall shape and depth of the pool which is essential when installing a diving board.

    Height Over Water

    • How high the diving board is placed over water is another crucial element to examine during installation. For example, the Ohio Department of Health says that for a 10-foot-long diving board, the maximum height it can be over the water's surface is 26 inches. For a 12-foot-long diving board, the maximum height it can be over water is 30 inches.

    Diving Board Length

    • The length of the diving board determines how high the diver will spring into the air and how deep she will subsequently dive. For example, the Ohio Department of Health adheres to the American National Standards Institute's standards, and when installing a 10-foot-long diving board, the pool's depth beneath the board should be at least 8 1/2 feet.