Why is there a spray of water in the pool for the divers?

Answer 1

Water is sprayed onto the pool surface, creating a ripple effect, so the diver can see the surface. Without it, the water takes on a glass-like appearance, and all you can see is the bottom of the pool. The diver needs to be able to spot the water surface in order to enter the water correctly in the vertical position.

Answer 2

FINA rules for diving pools:

FR 5.3.10 Mechanical surface agitation shall be installed under the diving facilities to aid the divers in their visual perception of the surface of the water. In pools equipped with an underwater bubble machine, the machine should only be used for this purpose if it creates sufficient water agitation when working with a very low pressure; otherwise a horizontal water sprinkler system should only be used.

Answer 3

This makes it easier to see the water surface. If there are few ripples on the surface then what you see from the board is the bottom of the pool rather than the water surface. This makes it harder to judge where you are in relation to the water. It also breaks the surface tension of the water down somewhat, which means it is less of a shock hitting the water. This isn't as important as being able to see the surface easily though.

Answer 4

Since the water is clear a diver would have difficulty judging the distance to the surface since he/she can't tell where the surface is. By splashing or agitating the surface, it makes the surface of the water visible and apparent, allowing the diver to judge the distance much more accurately. I suspect that it also breaks the surface tension of the water, allowing for a much softer entry into the water by the diver.

Answer 5

The ripples make the water more visible to te divers