Keep your pool safe and ready for fun by maintaining your diving board! A slip-resistant, well-maintained board prevents accidents and extends the life of your pool equipment. With proper cleaning, a yearly refinishing, and a few simple tools, your diving board can stay durable and safe for years of summer enjoyment.

Planning and Preparation

Plan your diving board project so your pool is ready for weekend fun. A weekday evening project works well: remove the board on Monday, sand Tuesday, paint Wednesday, reattach Thursday, and enjoy by Friday. Before you start, make sure you have all the materials to make the process smooth and safe.

Materials Needed

Refinishing the Diving Board

For a thorough and safe refinishing, remove the diving board before sanding or painting. This prevents dust and paint from contaminating the pool and allows full access to the board surface.

  1. Loosen and remove all bolts holding the diving board, placing it carefully on a tarp. Replace any rusted bolts for reassembly.
  2. Scrape off old or loose paint with a putty knife, keeping paint chips from falling into the pool.
  3. Sand the board thoroughly with coarse 120-grit paper, finishing with fine 400-grit if needed for a smooth surface.
  4. Mix the Olympic Coating Kit according to instructions and prepare for application. The kit includes Super Convoy safety paint, catalyst, and solvent for a full 25-ft diving board.

Applying a Slip-Resistant Finish

  1. Ensure the board is completely dry. Apply one liberal coat of the non-slip epoxy coating with a latex brush or roller. For extra durability, add a second or third coat, waiting three hours between coats.
  2. Let the board dry at least 24 hours before using. Sunlight accelerates the drying process.
  3. If pool steps or diving board steps are worn, apply non-slip spray coating for added safety.
  4. Reattach the diving board using new bolts as needed. Double-check all connections to ensure it is securely installed.
  5. Clean the deck area, making sure no dust, debris, or chemicals end up in the pool.

Customer Questions

How much does a diving board cost?

Diving boards typically cost $300–$600, with high-end aluminum models over $1,000. Popular options include the Inter-Fab Duro-Beam Replacement Board (6ft or 8ft) and SR Smith Fibre-Dive for 10ft boards.

How often should diving boards be replaced?

Most boards last 7–10 years. Boards older than 10 years should be replaced. Replacement boards must match the original manufacturer and length for proper compatibility with the base.

Can a fiberglass diving board be repaired?

Cracks or delamination in fiberglass often lead to rot inside the board. These issues are irreversible, so replacing the board is recommended.

Safety Reminder

Always place a “pool is open” sign while work is being done, and keep the area clear until the board is fully installed and dry. A freshly refinished diving board adds safety and enjoyment to your pool!

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