For a lot of swimmers, a diving board is an essential part of any pool. So when it comes time to build their own backyard pool, they naturally want to get one installed. However, diving boards for inground pools present some unique issues – especially when it comes to safety.
Diving Board Safety and Liability
The biggest problem is that residential pools often aren’t big enough for safe diving board use. If the pool isn’t deep enough, then there’s a risk of the diver hitting his or her head on the bottom. If it’s not wide enough, then there’s a chance of the diver springing awkwardly into a wall. These aren’t just theoretical safety issues – people have been paralyzed and even died from diving board accidents.
For this reason, a lot of pool builders may be reluctant to install a diving board for your inground pool. Doing so could open them up to a lawsuit if an accident ever did happen. If having a diving board is important to you, make sure you bring it up early on with your pool contractor – in fact, it could play a role in deciding which one you choose to install your pool.
Diving Board Cost
Similarly, having a diving board may increase your homeowners insurance rates. Before installing a diving board, it’s worth placing a call to your insurance company to find out for sure. Any increase in insurance premiums should be factored into the cost of the diving board, which could affect your decision on whether to buy one.
The cost of a diving board itself is usually in the range of $300-600, though you can also find high-end aluminum boards for over $1000. This doesn’t include the cost of installation, which should be done by a professional.
Of course, if you have to adjust your pool design to accommodate a diving board, that’s another expense – in fact, it’s likely the largest one of all. Size (length, width, and depth) is one of the biggest factors determining the cost of an inground pool. Along with any insurance rate increases, this indirect cost is part of the price you pay for owning a diving board.
When buying a diving board, you should pay careful attention to the safety features. Many boards come with a coating that minimizes slipping. Also keep in mind that getting the springiest board isn’t necessarily a good idea, as it increases the chances of an accident.
Taking the Plunge
Is a diving board an essential feature for your inground pool? If so, you should be aware of the safety issues and extra costs associated with them. If not, you may find that those issues and extra costs steer you away from getting a diving board.