The pool area is one of the most heavily used leisure spaces in condominiums, but it is also one of the most critical in terms of safety. One precaution that deserves constant attention from property managers and caretakers is the ban on the use of glass (bottles, cups, glasses or other objects) in this area. The presence of glass poses serious risks to residents' physical safety and to the upkeep of the leisure space itself.

The main risk is broken glass objects, with fragments scattered across the pool deck. Broken glass can cause deep cuts to the feet and hands of people who are barefoot or wearing flip-flops. If shards fall into the water, they become even harder to detect, and can pierce the skin of people diving, swimming or simply moving around the pool. In addition, shards can damage the tiling and filtration systems, leading to high maintenance costs.

Guidance for residents and internal rules

To reduce these risks, property managers should reinforce guidance for residents and visitors:

• Explicitly ban the use of any glass object in the pool area, including glass cups, bottles and containers.

• Display visible notices on noticeboards and pool signage reminding everyone that glass is not permitted at the poolside or in the surrounding area.

• Include this ban in the internal regulations and link breaches to the penalties set out there, such as warnings or the temporary suspension of access to the area.

• Offer safe alternatives, such as cups and cutlery made of plastic, acrylic or other durable materials.

Action protocols

Even with clear rules in place, risky situations can still arise. Having clear protocols for each scenario, along with well-trained staff, is essential to prevent further harm:

✔ If a resident brings glass to the area: approach the person politely, explain the safety rule and ask them to swap the item for a safe alternative before remaining in the pool area.

✔ If a glass item breaks near the pool: evacuate the area immediately, keep residents away and mark off the spot to prevent further accidents. Do not allow use of the pool until the area has been declared safe.

✔ If fragments fall into the water: stop use of the pool and call in a qualified team for cleaning. In many cases, removal requires a thorough clean, a detailed sweep and even a partial or full draining of the pool to ensure all shards are removed and to protect users and the filtration system.

The importance of prevention

Prevention is always more effective than dealing with accidents after the fact. By reinforcing the ban on glass at the pool, explaining the risks to the community and putting clear action protocols in place, the condominium administration significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents and its civil liability for failures in common areas. Consistent, transparent communication, combined with clear rules in the internal regulations, helps create a safer, more pleasant leisure environment aligned with good condominium management practice.