The arrival of fall means closing time for pool owners. In addition to covering the pool and ensuring that no debris slips inside and creates a bigger mess to clean, maintaining your diving board is a priority to prevent future issues. Your board may be experiencing mechanical issues that could lead to a friend or family member getting hurt the next time it is used.
Check out the guide below so that you have a well-functioning diving board when the good weather returns.
Table of Contents
Replace the Bolts and Hinges
The safety of those who use your diving board is affected by the shape of the hinges attaching the board to the diving stand. The bolts could have loosened up over time if you’ve had this board for long enough, or the nyliners and “O” rings could have developed cracks and worn out. The tightness of the bolts could also decrease if your board is used often. If you’re a frequent swimmer or have parties at your house over the summer, then chances are that the bolts connecting the diving stand to the guardrail aren’t as secure as when you first put the board together.
Make sure to have extra bolts and screws that are the same as the originals so that you don’t have to go buy more. Replacing them every few months helps prevent bolts and screws from wearing off and becoming insecure. Being water-resistant also helps the new bolts do a good job keeping everything together, as overexposure to water can cause them to deteriorate over time.
Monitor the Fulcrum
The fulcrum wheel is tasked with adjusting the board’s position. It can be common for the board to be frequently readjusted if people of different sizes use it. The more the board is adjusted, the higher the chance that the fulcrum will roll off the board’s rubber strips, which is a sign that the board wasn’t installed correctly. This can lead to a higher risk of injury, because the board’s parts will be less secure. In addition to having to pay for a new board, you’ll have some medical expenses to take care of.
Read Also: Fashionable Pool Landscaping for Modern Home Update
Replace the fulcrum as soon as you notice any issues. This will cost a bit more than replacing the nuts and bolts, but it helps keep everyone safe. There are a variety of ways to find a new fulcrum, whether you use local pool services for your equipment or rely on larger retailers. For instance, fulcrums may be available at Walmart auctions or other liquidators where companies are offering nice deals.
Keep the Surface Fresh
The state of your fiberglass covering will also determine functionality and safety. This covering shields feet from the wooden surface of the actual board. The fiberglass can get cracked over time, and harsh weather conditions like hail and debris from thunderstorms don’t make protection any easier. Wood rot in the timber underneath the fiberglass could find its way through the cracks, which can lead to breakage. The friction created between the divers’ feet and the board, which increases the more the board is used, wears down the slip-proof surface of the board.
Apply a sealant every few months to keep the fiberglass in good shape. First, use sandpaper to get rid of any chipped paint and smooth out the surface. Next, use a paint brush to apply the finish. However, it’s important to ensure that the paint is designed to withstand the chemicals found in chlorine so that the finish lasts. An extra coat will provide a smoother surface, so don’t rely just on one layer. If you’re a new pool owner, then you can contact a professional, such as this swimming pool contractor in New Jersey, who can educate you on what to do next year.
Remember these steps so that you’re diving board is in prime condition come summertime!
