Swimming Pool test of BP/W

[DivingCRNA]

Hopefully this will answer someone's future bouyancy question-

I ***** about maintaining my swimming pool all the time. Because I am the only one who never has time to use it.

Well-I was the first one in this year. Too cold to swim, but a 3 mm 2 piece wetsuit and a brand new BP/W with Hog harness is just right in 74 degree water!

Bouyancy was perfect with a 5 lb 6 oz backplate, 2 pound STA and full aluminum 80 tank. I was slightly negative at the surface with an empty wing, which is great for an alum 80 that will be positive when empty. NO weightbelt needed.

I am 5" 10" and 185#.

I just hope that an overzealous DM doesn't get on me for no ditchable weight. But their are no DMs at the lake telling you what to do. We will see about weighting in the ocean in October. I guess it depends on how much suit I wear in Cozumel.

Gotta try out the 1 piece 7 mm when it comes in the mail.

Hope this helps someone!

Don

 

[halocline]

Coincidentally, I did the same thing today, went in the pool to check buoyancy with my new BP/W. I used an alum 80 with 800 psi, though. With a fairly hefty brand new (warranty replacement) 3 mil, I was just barely positive with no weight and just barely negative with 2 lbs. I suspect with a few dives to crush down the suit and I'll be neutral in fresh water with no weight.

Here's the thing, though, trim-wise I was top heavy. It never occured to me that the weight on a SS plate might be too high up; especially considering that the positive buoyancy of an empty alum tank is more at it's bottom. If I raise the tank, the regulator hits my head. In sea water, I'm hoping 4 lbs on a belt or in pouches will even out my trim.