A properly functioning diving board should be seen and not heard. If this is not the case and you have a Durafirm diving stand installed at your pool or natatorium, chances are that your diving board and stand needs maintenance. The most common problem areas dealing with excessive noise are the guardrails, hinges, and fulcrum. A quick check these three areas will usually pinpoint the problem.
1. Check the Hinges That Attach the Springboard to the Diving Stand
Photo: Steve Voellmecke
Many times the bolts that attach the springboard to the diving stand are loose causing the hinges to rattle as the board is bounced. Another problem that can occur is that the nyliners and "O" rings that hold the male and female parts of the hinge together have become cracked or have completely fallen out.
2. Check the Bolts That Attach the Guardrails to the Diving Stand
Photo: Woody Franklin
The constant vibration from a springboard can cause these small bolts to loosen or fall out. When this happens the guardrails will vibrate when the springboard is in use.
3. Does the Fulcrum Roll Off of the Rubber Strips Attached to the Springboard
Photo: Steve Voellmecke
The fulcrum is the wheel that rolls to different positions on the springboard allowing the diver to adjust the amount of spring. Rolling the fulcrum off the rubber strips is an all too common occurrence if the springboard and diving stand is installed improperly. Duraflex springboards come in different lengths and configurations and if the board has been installed incorrectly the fulcrum may roll off the rubber stripping causing the diving board to impact the fulcrum directly.
