Not every pool is the same. This may seem fairly obvious, but it is important aspect for every diver to be aware of each time they dive in a new pool, natatorium, or diving well.
All pools must follow strict guidelines set forth by FINA, regarding the depth of the water when a diving board and stand is installed. At a minimum, a pool with a one-meter springboard must be 11.5 feet deep at a point directly underneath the tip of the diving board. For a three-meter, the water depth must be 12.5 feet deep, and 16 feet for a 10-meter platform. These pool depths are always listed either on the pool deck, or on the side of the pool.
Those are the minimums, but not every pool is the same. Some may be 15 feet deep, others 18 feet. The point is that when a diver trains in a pool that is 15 feet deep, and then trains or competes at a pool with only 12 feet of water, the bottom will come much quicker than what they are used to – quick enough that if the diver does not make adjustments such a strong somersault save, they may find themselves unprepared with possibility of sustaining an injury.
So each time a diver heads to a new pool, check the water depth under the diving board and make the necessary adjustments for safe diving.
