The Importance of Banning Glass Bottles at Pool Parties
There’s nothing quite like hosting a gathering with friends and family, splashing around in the swimming pool, and grilling up some delicious burgers and hot dogs. While some guests may bring side dishes or refreshing beverages, there is one item I strictly prohibit: glass bottles. If you’re planning a pool party, I highly recommend you do the same. If someone asks, “Why do you not allow glass bottles?” here are several compelling reasons to share.
Allowing glass bottles in your pool area can be hazardous and should be avoided at all costs. If glass breaks in or around your pool, there’s a significant risk of injury for anyone walking barefoot nearby. In addition, broken glass that enters the pool water becomes nearly invisible, posing a threat to all swimmers. Furthermore, glass can damage your pool liner, and if it can’t be safely removed, you might have to drain the pool entirely.
The Risks of Broken Glass on the Pool Deck
Don’t underestimate the dangers that glass bottles pose, even when they’re not in the water. Guests often walk to the pool area without shoes, making them vulnerable to hidden hazards. Swimming is unique in that it encourages people to remove their footwear, leaving their feet exposed.
Some swimmers may choose to sunbathe. Many guests only occasionally jump into the water and spend the majority of their time outside, socializing or tanning without putting their shoes back on. This increases their risk of stepping on something sharp near the picnic tables or lounging areas.
Let’s not forget about pool games! When kids and adults engage in activities like beach volleyball or water basketball, there’s always the possibility of a stray ball. If someone has to jump out of the pool to retrieve a wayward ball barefoot, they could easily step on broken glass, resulting in minor or, in severe cases, serious injuries.
A sudden gust of wind or storm can turn the situation dangerous. Whether you have an above-ground pool with a surrounding deck or an in-ground pool, any glass bottles left on tables or decks are at the mercy of the weather. In regions prone to high winds, like Oklahoma, a strong gust can send glass flying off tables or into the water, or, worse, shatter upon impact with the ground.
If your pool area has grass, broken glass can become hidden among the blades, making it even harder to spot. Even on concrete or wooden decks, splashes of water can obscure broken glass, especially when guests are not expecting to encounter such debris.
Have you ever found yourself saying “ouch” after stepping on something sharp while barefoot? Whether it’s a rock, a thorny stick, or the dreaded piece of broken glass, you know how painful that can be. You certainly wouldn’t want your guests to experience such discomfort or injury.
The Dangers of Invisible Glass in Pool Water
Most glass is either clear or a color that makes it difficult to see, especially when submerged in pool water. This is why many people unknowingly step on glass in their own homes without realizing it was there until it’s too late. If you accidentally drop an unbroken bottle into your pool, it may float initially, but once it fills with water, it could sink, becoming difficult to spot, particularly if your pool water is clear.
If a piece of broken glass measures the size of a quarter, it could be nearly transparent, making it virtually invisible. The smaller the shard, the harder it is to detect with the naked eye. Add some splashes and waves, along with the pool’s water pump causing motion, and spotting anything on the bottom becomes significantly more challenging.
A couple of years ago, a man in Massachusetts sustained serious injuries when he went down a slide and stepped on a piece of broken glass, which resulted in permanent nerve damage. This tragic accident could have been prevented if the poolside bar had not served drinks in glass containers, as the glass found in the water matched that of the bottles served.
Why not opt for cans instead? If a can falls into the water, it will float and can be easily retrieved. In fact, many cities have laws prohibiting glassware in public pool areas due to the risks it poses. If glass is permitted, it’s often required to be a specific color that contrasts with the pool liner and surrounding ground, allowing for quick identification should the need arise.
Vacuuming or draining may become necessary. If a significant amount of glass enters your pool and you cannot safely remove it, you may need to vacuum or even drain the pool. Tiny glass particles floating in the water are extremely dangerous, as they can enter a swimmer’s eye, mouth, or other body parts, leading to severe consequences. Just say “NO” to glass around your swimming pool.
The Risk of Shattering Glass with Temperature Changes
This point is particularly important for those who enjoy heated pools or hot tubs, or when the water temperature is significantly warmer than usual. While the chances are lower, it’s certainly not impossible for cold glass to shatter upon contact with hot water. A cold glass container suddenly exposed to hot water can break into numerous pieces or a few large shards, ruining your pool party in an instant.
This principle is similar to what you may have heard about pouring hot water on your car’s icy windshield in winter—it can result in cracks or breaks. Hot tubs are particularly susceptible to this phenomenon, as their water temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees. If you have a beer bottle at 33 degrees that suddenly encounters water around 90 degrees, it could cause the glass to break due to the rapid temperature swing.
Broken Glass Accidents Are a Reality
Accidents happen; no one at your gathering will intentionally break a bottle. You may have enjoyed several poolside drinks without incident, but it only takes one slip to create a dangerous situation. The likelihood of broken glass increases with the number of guests at your party, as does the risk of injury from any glass that may be present.
To ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone, keep glass bottles either indoors or at a considerable distance from the pool area. Your guests will thank you for it!