Pool Markers

 

 

"Okay, kids, yer gonna do underwater dolphin kick to the first rust spot, then break out and swim butterfly to the missing tile section.  From there, let's see sprint freestyle to the wall...but no breaths from the plaster patch to the finish."

 

Looking for a better way?

 

Make some pool markers that are:

• easy for athletes to use,
• safe for the pool bottom,
  
• simple for you to store,
• & cheap to make.

Materials I used to make mine:

• one 10' stick of 1" schedule 40 pvc pipe
• 24 1" schedule 40 pvc caps
• pea gravel
• cleaner/glue
• spray primer/paint
  

Sorry, no video to go with this.  If you need help working w/pvc, spray paint, etc., you can find it at YouTube.  My materials/methods certainly aren't the only way to go.  Threw in a few hints.  Take 'em or leave 'em.

 

1. CUT - Cut your pvc pipe down to size.  I wanted to make a dozen markers, so each piece was around 10".  Do they have to be perfect?  Nope.  We're not building a violin here, are we? I buzzed them off w/a Sawzall.

 

b. GLUE - Glue a cap to the end of each pipe piece.  If you're not used to working w/cleaner & glue, just find a short video and you'll be fine.

 

If videos don't remind you, it's a good idear to give about a quarter twist to spread glue well.

 

III. FILL - Fill the pipe w/pea gravel, sand, or both.  If you purchased BB's, ball bearings, etc. for this purpose, ATF is at your door by now and you can skip the rest...

 

4. GLUE - Glue the other cap on the opposite end.  Quarter twist.

 

E. GRIND - I added this step in case you have a slightly sloping pool bottom or currents that might cause your markers to roll.  Just flatten out one side of the caps with a grinder if this is a concern.  Yes, pvc will get hot and melt some.

VI. PAINT - Paint your markers with colors that will stand out against the background of your pool bottom.  I roughed up the surfaces first using orbital sander.  Don't ask me what grit, I have no clue.  We're not building a piano, right?

 

Stores sell spray paint for plastic, so look for that.  You might want to use primer, then the color you're finishing with.  They sell combo primer/paint for plastic as well.

 

Several light coats > one thick one.

 

 

 

You say you're a high school coach without an extra second to spare?

 

Delegate!

 

This is so easy, a water polo coach caveman can do it!

Diving coach need a pep talk?  Tell him/her to relax!  This is basic stuff - 101 tuck, baby - 1.2!