My sister and I spent almost every sun-dappled day of summer 2004 in our grandmother's pool. We played mermaids for about half the time, and for the other, we were on the diving board devising new jumps. The diving board wasn't only for looks; it was integral to the memories and fun of those summers.
That's why I feel so nostalgic when I look back at pictures of Doris Day's pool from the 1940s. Though the actress was swimming at her Hollywood home long before my time, there's something about her unbridled joy sitting on her diving board or jumping off that the streamlined lap pools of the 2020s simply don't offer. As nature-forward design has become all the rage, diving boards have faded out of fashion, with aesthetics reigning over our outdoor design choices. This summer, however, I'm objecting to the dominant narrative and insisting: bring diving boards back.
To explore my position, let's start with a sneak peek into Doris's pool area. It's all fun, without an overly sleek detail in sight. Then, I've curated an edit of the items I'd purchase this summer to upgrade all of my backyard get-togethers. Finally, we'll get into why I think everyone should buy a diving board this summer (I'm especially obsessed with this sleek one from Walmart, but you can't go wrong with any of these Walmart bestsellers for a perfect pool area).
Doris Day at her Hollywood pool, 1940
Shop The Nostalgic Pool Edit
From a diving board to perfect poolside privacy planting to pretty lighting that allows swimming late into the evenings, here's everything you need for a pool party as they did in the '40s.
Nothing complements a retro pool area quite like green stripes. Fresh, playful, and full of seasonal energy, the pattern feels perfectly at home in warm-weather settings. As an accent chair, it can transform even the quietest patio corner into a striking statement of style.
Skip the expense of mains-powered lighting – these elegant floating solar pool lights add a striking glow after dark, are easy to install, and come in a wide range of styles to suit any backyard.
Give your pool area a five-star resort feel with this elegant patio umbrella. The geometric detailing along the rim adds a sophisticated touch, elevating its overall design. It’s the perfect finishing piece to complete your outdoor space in style.
This solar lantern brightens borders, edges, and pathways while adding instant visual interest after dark. Its intricate cut-out design is the standout feature – and always a conversation starter.
A great pool lounger is the perfect place to recline after practicing your coolest jumps off the diving board. This textured one is especially beautiful with a stylish shape.
Few pieces evoke the essence of summer quite like this pillow. Its circular form and sunray-inspired trim create a striking yet refined look, designed to brighten any outdoor setting. Style it alongside the Amica Pillow for a polished, sophisticated finish.
My first argument for diving boards is that, as a design writer, I actually think they can be very stylish. I get the sense that much of the removal of diving boards from home pools is due to their having a bad reputation as an eyesore. Though this may have been the case in the past, in 2026, there are so many options for cool, design-led diving boards in high-quality materials that actually visually add to your pool area.
One of their many design benefits is that they add instant height to your pool area. Unlike furniture, a diving board sits directly abutting your pool, so it brings in a slightly higher silhouette in the central area of the lawn. Your summer hosting, I'm planning to do the same.
Though adding a diving board might not be for everyone, I think it's one of the chicest ways to upgrade your outdoor space for 2026.
