h. Diving Area. Diving platforms and supports for spring-boards should be
rigidly constructed, have nonslip surfaces, and be properly anchored to ensure stability.
(1) There should be at least 15 feet of unobstructed head room above all
diving boards and platforms. A horizontal separation of at least 10 feet should be
provided between diving boards and sidewalls; this may be reduced to 8 feet for surface
boards.
(2) The maximum safe elevation of diving boards and platforms above the
surface of the water relates to the depth of the water and the width of the pool. This
relationship is shown in Table 1-1.
Height of board
Minimum water depth
Minimum pool width
or platforms
at end of board and
at end of board and
12 feet beyond
12 feet beyond
0-6 feet
8 feet
20 feet
6-9 feet
10 feet
30 feet
more than 9 feet
11 feet
30 feet
Table 1-1. Water depths and pool widths required for various diving board heights.
i. The Recirculation System. The function of the recirculation system is to
filter and disinfect the entire volume of pool water in 8 hours or less; a water turnover
must occur at least 3 times in 24 hours. The recirculation system consists of water
conditioning and disinfecting equipment as well as pumps, piping, and filters.
(1) Pumps should have sufficient capacity to provide the required number of
turnovers of pool water. Pumps should also be capable of providing flow adequate for
(2) Pipes should be made of a nontoxic material that is resistant to
corrosion, capable of withstanding operating pressure, and easily cleaned and repaired.
A sump or blow off should be provided at the lowest point of the system to remove rust
and sediment accumulations. Outlets should be readily accessible for obtaining water
samples before and after treatment.
(3) The recirculation system should include a readily accessible hair strainer
to reduce the amount of hair, lint, and filaments of other material that reaches the filters.
Hair strainers are located on the suction side of the pumps and require cleaning once a
day.
MD0166
1-11