Diving boards do not last forever. In general, a practiced board will last about 8 to 10 years before it needs any type of major restoration. But if you don't give the lath the respect information technology deserves — treating it right and protecting it from the elements — your board will historic period quickly.

In order for a diving board to last its maximum lifespan, yous need to accept care of information technology. Diving boards are expensive pieces of equipment, more often than not around $3000. In lodge to get the most out of your investment, it is important to keep your springboard make clean and in good condition. Below are a few tips that will help you become the most out of your diving apparatus.

Nuts & Bolts

Backside any great board is a practiced set of nuts and bolts. These small pieces of equipment — including nuts, bolts, O-rings, and hinges — keep the board fastened to its stand. For Duraflex boards (the standard competitive diving board), but two bolts adhere the board to its stand. If they get loose or rusted, the quality of your spring and the condom of your diving board, volition endure.

Hot Tip: Shop Your Board

During the winter months, if a diving board is not in use, have it off its hinges and store it in a dry and safe environment. Common cold weather, sleet, and snow will dethrone your investment. Placing it in a dry environs will eliminate this problem.

In order to go on these working properly, check them frequently. Brand sure they are tight. A good indication that there is a problem is a noisy board. Boards that audio loud when bounced on are ones that need attention. Keep a wrench handy and tighten whatsoever loose bolts every bit soon as yous notice a problem.

Also check the bolts ofttimes for rust. If y'all notice rust building upward, replace them immediately. This is an cheap solution that will salvage you lots of headaches down the road.

Safety Channels

Nether a Duraflex diving board are 8 thin strips of prophylactic, known as safety channels. This rubber helps the fulcrum glide smoothly up and down the lath, and prevents the aluminum of the diving lath to rub confronting the metal of the fulcrum. If these two elements rub against each other, it tin crusade your diving lath to crack. Information technology is important to cheque the underside of the board periodically to make certain the rubber isn't bunching or deteriorating.

If your diver complains that the fulcrum is getting stuck, or if the board sounds funny when bouncing on it, audit this area. The rubber channels are fairly inexpensive to replace (around $80 to $100), and easy to restore. All it requires is a standard caulking gun to reapply the rubber channels to the board.

Squeaky Fulcrum or Hinges

If you hear your lath squeaking when a diver bounces or tries to move the fulcrum, information technology is a good time to pull out the oil can. Eject some lubricant on squeaky hinges and crude cylinders of the fulcrum to increase your board'due south lifespan. This is an easy fix that volition likely need to happen oftentimes. Continue a tin of oil handy and use information technology generously. Oil will salve yous a lot of time and headaches likewise as help you get the most out of your investment.

Cleaning Time

Lastly, keep your board clean. This simple job will keep your board looking and working properly. Here are some easy reminders:

  • Daily: Hose your lath off daily with fresh water.
  • Monthly: Scrub your board with any type of soft bristle scrub brush and warm soapy h2o. Yous can too use detergent or chlorine if you feel information technology is necessary.

These cleanings really don't have long, and the small attempt will extend the lifespan of your lath tremendously.

Hot Tip: Use Muriatic Acid

If the board is really dirty with stains or algae, use a trivial muriatic acid. Just be careful with this! Accept precautions and follow the advice on the production'due south label. Besides much acid can exist unsafe; it tin can besides consume through your board and ruin information technology. Make sure to wear gloves and use a pocket-sized, diluted corporeality of acid to keep your board looking and working its best.

Careful Inspection

A diving board is an expensive and obviously necessary piece of equipment for divers. You want to do everything to maximize your investment. The best way for you lot to ensure this happens is vigilance: Inspect the board frequently and make certain information technology is in proper working order.

Listen to make sure the board is smooth when bounced on. Loud noises, squeaks, or whatever other pounding sounds indicate a problem. Expect for cracks (especially hairline cracks) every bit this can pose a significant rubber concern. Pay attention to the working social club of your board, and expect to resolve whatever problems you run into. Proper diving lath maintenance is a simple and inexpensive fashion to get the most out of your investment.