We weren't going to go with a diving board d/t safety issues, but then we heard that it's actually safer to have a diving board (assuming you have adequate depth), since kids will be diving off of it, into the deepest part of the pool, rather than off the sides or into more shallow waters. We're getting a short board (less springy; less temptation to do running flips, etc) for $800. Checked with our homeowner's insurance, too, and they don't charge more for liability ins with a board (though other companies may vary)

I wish we had a diving board. My kids really wish we did too. We have a waterfall that they jump off of but it isn't the same. DH had one growing up and theirs was really springy. The guys (6 brothers) had lots of fun seeing who could make the biggest splash. Some of the bigger brothers could get the board to almost touch the water. I'd get it if you have the depth and the room.

We have one and we love it! Ours is the baja board with the big coil springs. We allow just about any trick as long as they go straight out from the board and not off to the side. Kardut's right about having that designated diving zone. I don't think there are more safety issues than with any other part of the pool.

Not sure where you live, but in Florida where homeowners insurance is difficult to find, we were told they would not insure us with a board or slide. So just double check with your provider.

Board or no board they are going to be jumping & diving, I totally agree with kardut. My newphew (13) liked to junp off the board, but also my ROOF! I hope I have years before my 3 yo catches on to that.

My insurance agent advised me to take the board off until the inspector came & then add it back afterwards. :)

Make sure you mention your agent's advice to the adjuster, if you ever have a claim because of the diving board.

Steve

You gotta' do the diving board - your kids will thank you! Our kids love it...a LOT! I agree with several other posters that the diving board is the focal point for diving and may possibly even make it safer (if that ain't twisted logic!).

Yes, another thumbs up on the diving board. The kids (and adults) just love it. We got one because we watched our neighbors happily using theirs day after day. There was no question in my mind seeing how much time they spent on it. Now our children do the same. No increase here for h/o insurance.

We just moved from a house with a sports pool that only went to 6 ft in the middle (with a slide) to a house with a diving pool and no slide.

I really thought the kids would miss the slide. Nope. They use that diving board *every* day.

My son and his friends line up for it just as you described. In fact, we all line up for it! It's the best feature of the pool.

I'd have to vote for the diving board as well.

Although I originally intended to have a 6' non-diving deep end (maybe with a jumping rock etc.), I was unanimously shot down by the rest of the family. We are in the process of building a pool now, which will be a Type III diving pool with the 8' Baja Spring board - glad to hear that you like yours Houseful!

The kids just can't wait!

Also, no additional charge for the HO insurance here too. I'm still scratchin' my head over that one, but I'll take it!

Good Luck
-Renee

we are getting a diving board in our new pool because all my sons friends say it's boring when they go to someones house and they don't have a diving board. They prefer having fun, rather than looking at a pretty waterfall. I would rather have the waterfall myself, but then again, my kids will be using the pool more than me....soooo, i vote yes for a diving board!

We love our diving board. We asked for the springiest diving board available, not a jump board, and we are glad we did.

The diving board is our favorite pool feature. Many of my sons' friends have pools but ours is the favorite because of the diving board.

As far as the safety issue - here's a frightening story. Less than a year ago, my husband and two boys went to a house warming party at the new home of some friends. My younger son dove into the pool (with his arms at his side) and smacked his head on the bottom. He mistook the shallow end for the deep end. This particular pool did not a diving board.

He managed to get himself out of the water but was having a lot of nerve "firing" in his chest and neck. He was rushed to the ER where he was diagnosed with a slight dislocation of his C2 on C3 vertebrae. The docs said, a little more dislocation and he'd be on a ventilator.

I think a diving board is safer because it is unlikely that kids will make the mistake my son did. He claimed thought he was diving in to the deep end. With a diving board you know the difference, and we've never had an injury in our pool in 14 years.

sc14 - that's a scary story all right! I'm glad your son wasn't seriously hurt. I just was wondering - were there any steps or anything that would indicate that it was the shallow end? We were thinking of just going 6' with no diving board in our pool next year, but your story has me thinking!

I just asked him and he doesn't remember if there were steps. It certainly brings up the issue of having some markings on steps, something we're adding with our renovation.

I was out of town at the time and received a rather frantic phone call from my husband who was following the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

His neck still bothers him at times, and he has a permanent bald spot on the top of his head where he sheared off his hair and skin when he dove. His hair is long enough that it is not noticeable.

I've read lots of posts where people are debating the depth of their pool. My advice; if you have kids, go deep. They WILL dive and jump whether you have a diving board or not. Make it safe to do so.

This post should not deter anyone from getting a pool. I mentioned in a previous post that we have never had an injury in our pool in 14 years. It's used year round by lots of kids.

Interesting that the positives come from an owner point of view. From a repair/install point of view I think you'll find the opposite. It is a diving accident some years ago that bankrupted the nations largest association of pool professionals when they had nothing to do with it. Because of that, you will find that the nations largest association of pool service people are not insured to install or touch diving boards for one reason. Lawsuit exposure. Boards are great and when properly used, they are not a problem. But, court rulings have found that it is not proper use that determines liability. It is deep pockets and slick lawyers. Ultimately, the future pool owners pay for this in the form of higher pricing and lack of purchase options. In So Cal, you will be hard pressed to find boards these days that are installed by professionals as the risk of exposure is too great. My business is not worth making a few bucks on a board only to be sued later for something I had nothing to do with. Regardless of depth, injury is highly likely with a head first dive and it is the industry who ultimately pays. Just a view from the other side. I liken the whole situation to helmet and seatbelt laws. Put a helmet or belt on and statistics say there are fewer injuries. Swim in a pool without a board and the statistics ar better.

Teach your kids to always, always, always dive with their hands in front of their head. Even the professionals do this. You never know when you'll misjudge depth or unintentionally slip up on a dive.

Maybe we could have our kids wear helmets in the pool when they dive !?

Perhaps even, we could...oh...forget it.

(for those that are taking me seriously...DON'T !)