Hawkeyes, Tigers, a Lumberjack Blade, and P in the pool? Well maybe not quite, but these school logos can be seen at the bottom of University dive pools across the country. Used mainly for instilling school pride and psyching out opposing dive teams, these logos have been staples of new aquatic facilities over the last 10 to 15 years.
These logos are large and can be seen anywhere in the natatorium. A dive pool is typically 75’ (25 yards) by approximately 58’ and the school logos can be upwards of 20’ by 30’ or even larger. Universities require that these logos follow their exact guidelines for color and dimensions. After the dive pool structure is constructed and the concrete is prepped, the logo is carefully laid out. Tile setters install unglazed ceramic mosaic tile as the logos final finish. After the logo is completed, the rest of the pool finish is applied. This can be tile, similar to what was used for the logo, or a quartz aggregate plaster finish. Floor markers for swimming are not installed at the bottom of the dive pool when logos are present. Wall targets and floating lane ropes still allow for lap swimming and a warm up/warm down area for large swim meets. Dive pools typically have diffusers for the sparger (air bubbling) system at the bottom of the pool. Spargers are used for training and create a soft landing for divers attempting new and difficult dives. The diffusers are painted to match the logo where conflicts exist. The logos can also be advantageous for divers during competition. The logo provides a contrasting color to the typically white ceiling of the natatorium which helps the diver spot the water surface during complex dives that require numerous spins, twists, and flips.
Often these logos are the center of photographs highlighting the Aquatic Center and sometimes the entire University. Check out these great images of dive pool logos….
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- NAU Diving Pool
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- MIZZOU Diving Pool
