Springboards for pools: why are they needed, how to install and use?
In hot weather, the pool in the country house will help you cool off and invigorate. Many owners of home reservoirs additionally equip them with springboards for diving into the water. This device helps to diversify the rest and maintain the physical fitness of the household. Just rest by an artificial reservoir and swimming become boring over time, and the presence of a springboard will give an unforgettable experience and add variety to relaxation.
What is a springboard and what is it for?
This is a structure, the main purpose of which is to provide jumping into the water surface. It is installed on the side of the tank at a height of 1 to 3 meters.
The presence of a springboard allows you to significantly expand the functionality of the pool, because now, in addition to swimming, you can also do acrobatic jumps.
The springboard itself looks like a springy board fixed above the surface of the water. For the safety of those jumping from it, its main part should be located above the water surface.
Varieties
Springboards are divided into 2 categories: sports and recreational. The former are installed in large stationary pools and are used for training and competition. The second category is used for recreation and entertainment at home.
The Jumping Jump consists of several components.
- Elastic board... It can be curved or straight, on some models the length of the board can vary.
- Base... This part is exposed to significant loads during jumping. Therefore, it must be very securely fastened. This can be either a stand-alone structure specially made for this purpose or a concrete base at the edge of the tank.
- Railings - a protective element designed for the convenience of swimmers when climbing the springboard.
- Sliding mechanism. Its purpose is to adjust the length of the board itself. They are mainly equipped with those devices for jumping into the water on which sports are held, and at home this is a rarity.
Materials (edit)
Nowadays, the most common materials from which diving boards are made are - steel, polyester and fiberglass.
- Steel is used when high product reliability and a guaranteed long service life are required from the springboard.
- The main property of polyester is flexibility. This helps the swimmer make the jump as high as possible.
- Fiberglass embodies the best properties of steel and polyester, but is less common.
The top of the jump board of any material must be coated with an anti-slip coating. It will improve safety during use.
Installation and operation rules
For the operation of the springboard to be safe, it is important to select and install the structure correctly. When choosing a springboard, you should pay attention to several important points.
- Height of the device above water level. This parameter directly depends on the second - depth. The higher the device, the deeper the pool should be at the springboard in the place where you will splash down. For example, if your jump strip is at a height of half a meter, then the distance from the water surface to the bottom should be at least 2.2 m. There is a special table that indicates the ratio of height and depth.
- Manufacturer's choice. After specifying the parameters, it is necessary to decide on the material and appearance of the springboard. Based on this, you can choose which brand to stay on.
- Finance... An important role is played by the cost of the springboard. There are several options to consider. It is worth making a list of requirements for the springboard, and based on this, already filter the varieties of models. Naturally, well-established brands will cost more. And also when buying, you can ask consultants for advice.
- In order for the springboard to serve as long as possible, do not forget about such a parameter as carrying capacity. It is necessary to buy with a "margin". The most important factor is the material from which the device is made and the presence of a high-quality anti-slip coating.
After the purchase, the next stage comes - installation. When installing a diving board by the pool, safety is the main factor. There are certain rules for this. If installed incorrectly, there is a risk of injury.
Springboards near reservoirs in country houses should be positioned so that the sun does not dazzle swimmers. Artificial light should be present in the evening.
Jump boards can be installed in different places in the pool, so everything must be inspected and measured before installation. It is necessary to keep the distance to the side wall of the tank from 5 m, and from 1.25 m - between the side of the reservoir and the jumping area. Do not forget about the required minimum of 10 m, required between the end of the board and the opposite wall.
In no case should we forget: the springboard can only be mounted in those bodies of water where the proper depth is present. If all the rules are followed, and the springboard is installed correctly, then it will last about 10 years. But all the same, it must be constantly monitored and maintained in good condition.
During operation, you need to pay attention to the extraneous sounds that the springboard makes. This may indicate the failure of individual parts of the device or friction of the board against the side. In this case, the defective parts must be replaced or lubricated with special oil if they are in good condition.
And also you need to monitor the board itself, wash it regularly and clean it once a month with detergents. Inspect the device for mold and rot. Always keep a spare kit in stock to replace a worn component if necessary.
How to make jumps for the pool, see below.
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