How To Inspect Your Diving Board | Pool Supply Unlimited Blog

Does your pool have a diving board on it that's older than five years? Wondering if it's still safe to jump on? Here's a guide from S.R.Smith with five diving board inspection tips to make sure your diving board is ready for pool season!

1. Check the Hardware

Inspect all hardware on the diving board and base for signs of wear, rust or damage. Tighten all bolts.

2. Check the Board Surface

Tread is an important safety component of diving boards. To make sure the tread is intact, run your hand across the top surface of the board. If you feel any smooth areas, the board should be replaced because smooth areas can become a slipping hazard when the board is wet. Your local pool professional can help determine the right replacement diving board. Note that replacement boards can fit on your existing stand from the same manufacturer.

3. Check the Underside of the Board

Older diving boards might look great on the surface, but underneath you may find cracks in the acrylic shell which could indicate that the inner core of the board is damaged. If you notice any damage or cracks on the underside of the board, do not use the diving board. Fortunately, replacement diving boards can be purchased from pool professionals and retailers.

4. Check the Paint

Chips on paint can lead to rust in pool environments. Contact a pool professional or retailer to purchase touch-up paint kits specially designed for pool products.

5. Check the Fulcrum Pad The fulcrum pad is the rubber piece that sits under the board and protects the bottom of the board. It is a common feature of many, but not all, diving board styles. Over time, the fulcrum pad can become worn and damaged. Contact a pool professional or retailer to purchase a new fulcrum.

Remember: Diving boards are designed to have a useful life of seven to ten years. If your board is over ten years old, chance are it's time to replace it!

Note: It is important that the diving board and base are compatible. Be sure to replace your diving board with a product from the same manufacturer as the base and the same length as your current diving board.

Learn more and shop for diving boards here.

How To Inspect Your Diving Board This Pool Season