When building a diving pool, there are also other elements that we must look at to achieve a flawless design with professional results.
For example, water quality must be one of the priorities in this type of installation. We have to guarantee a temperature of around 26ºC and the divers must have a good visual perception of the surface of the water.
Before jumping, athletes warm up their muscles. However, as they fall, their bodies lose heat. Changes in temperature as they hit the surface of the water can be potentially damaging for muscles. A temperature of 26ºC guarantees that the pool water does not cause an uncontrollable impact on the athlete’s body.
For the latter, a surface water agitation device must be installed under the diving facilities called Sparger. These safety air systems are used for learning and training sessions. Air is released under high pressure from the bottom of the pool to create a large number of bubbles that form a cushion for jumpers. This minimizes the risk of injury and as a result, athletes will feel much more confident when jumping into the water.
It is important to maintain an optimal room air temperature not only in the diving pools, but in any indoor pool. Ideally, this temperature should always be between 2ºC and 3ºC above the pool’s water temperature. The maximum recommended is 28ºC.
We must also guarantee a relative humidity of 55% to 70%, based on the sport and leisure facility regulation (NIDE) swimming standard.
Another decisive factor in a carefully designed diving pool is the lighting.
Regardless of the natural light enjoyed by the pool, uniform artificial lighting must be guaranteed, which does not hinder the vision of athletes, judges and spectators. For example, it should not cause reflections on the surface of the water.
To do this we must comply with the UNE-EN 12193 standard on ‘lighting of sports installations’. In addition, to allow for audio-visual broadcasting and recording, a vertical illuminance of at least 800 lux is required.
Finally, if the diving pool is to be used for official sporting competitions such as Olympic Games, world, continental or national competitions, automatic result recording equipment must be installed, based on the regulations of the Royal Spanish Swimming Federation and the International Swimming Federation.
