The Sideline Bottle: Hydration's overlooked waste in pools & recreation

The Sideline Bottle: Hydration’s Overlooked Waste in Pools & Recreation

Every poolside, sports field and active recreation area is dotted with Sideline Bottles — single-use plastic water bottles brought by athletes, swimmers and visitors to stay hydrated during intense physical activity. These bottles are essential for performance, but also represent a hidden environmental and operational challenge.

The Problem Narrative

Pools and active recreation venues see thousands of Sideline Bottles used daily. While hydration is critical for safety and performance, the reliance on single-use plastic bottles leads to:

  • Massive plastic waste accumulation: Globally, billions of plastic water bottles are discarded yearly, with only about 29% recycled, and many ending up in landfills or oceans, where they take up to 450 years to decompose.

  • Environmental impact: Plastic bottles contribute significantly to pollution, with millions of tons entering oceans annually, threatening marine life and ecosystems.

  • High operational costs: Managing bottled water supply, storage and waste disposal adds complexity and expense for facility operators.

  • Missed sustainability opportunities: Active recreation venues are increasingly expected to demonstrate environmental responsibility, aligning with community values and regulatory trends.

Why It Matters?

  • Health & Performance: Proper hydration is vital for athletes and active visitors to maintain performance and avoid heat-related illnesses.

  • Environmental Responsibility: Reducing single-use plastics helps pools and recreation areas minimize their ecological footprint and support cleaner communities.

  • Cost Efficiency: Switching from bottled water to filtered water solutions reduces procurement and waste management costs.

  • Brand & Community Image: Facilities that adopt sustainable hydration solutions enhance their reputation and attract environmentally conscious users.

Sprudel’s Added Value

Sprudel offers a comprehensive hydration solution tailored for pools and active recreation areas:

  • Filtered water as a service: Our commercial water dispensers and under-sink water purifiers provide unlimited, chilled and great-tasting filtered water, perfect for refilling Sideline Bottles on demand.

  • Custom refill stations: Durable, high-capacity water coolers and taps can be installed poolside, in locker rooms and at sports facilities, encouraging sustainable hydration habits.

  • Profitability & savings: Facilities can cut bottled water costs by up to 60%, reduce waste disposal expenses, and generate new revenue by selling branded reusable bottles.

  • Local water filter service near you: Sprudel’s network of water professionals ensures fast installation, maintenance and ongoing water filtration supply.

  • Enhanced user experience: Visitors and athletes enjoy convenient access to fresh, safe water, supporting performance and wellbeing.

A leading aquatic center replaced single-use Sideline Bottles with Sprudel’s filtered water dispensers and reusable bottles:

  • Reduced plastic bottle waste by over 70% within the first six months.

  • Saved more than AED 20,000 annually on bottled water procurement and waste management.

  • Achieved ROI in under 12 months, while user feedback praised the facility’s commitment to sustainability and health.

  • Branding Benefits: Custom reusable Sideline Bottles boosted community engagement and became popular merchandise, enhancing the facility’s brand.

Proof Point

Make the Business Case: See Your Impact

Ready to replace the Sideline Bottle with a smarter solution?

Discover your savings and sustainability potential:
Use our Carbon Footprint Calculator to estimate how many bottles — and how much CO₂ — you can save each year by switching to Sprudel.

Whitepaper: Hydration in Active Recreation Areas

Our latest whitepaper “SUSTAINABLE WATER DISPENSING FOR UAE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:
TRANSFORMING HYDRATION AT POOLS, GYMS AND WELLNESS CENTERS”
reveals the urgent need for sustainable water solutions in recreational facilities, highlighting the hidden costs, operational challenges and environmental impact of bottled water. Drawing on real UAE case studies and the latest regulatory trends, this guide explains how advanced filtration and dispensing systems like Sprudel@Concept can enhance user experience, streamline operations and position your venue as a leader in health, wellness and sustainability.

Whitepaper: Hydration in active recreation areas

Q&A

1. What is Sprudel’s value proposition for pools and recreation facilities?
Sprudel delivers filtered water for businesses, pools and active recreation areas, offering unique selling points such as sustainability, cost savings and enhanced member experience. Our commercial water dispensers and water filtration systems help eliminate single-use Sideline Bottles, improve operational efficiency and boost your facility’s reputation.

2. Why should pools and recreation centers use filtered water dispensers instead of bottled water?
Filtered water dispensers provide unlimited, high-quality hydration for members and athletes at a fraction of the cost of bottled water. They reduce plastic waste, eliminate storage and restocking hassles, and support a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

3. What are the best water filter options for pools and recreation areas?
The best water filter for businesses in this sector includes commercial water dispensers, filtered water dispensers and under-sink water purifiers. These water filtration systems ensure a continuous supply of safe, great-tasting water for all users.

4. How does Sprudel’s closed-loop bottling system benefit active recreation venues?
Sprudel’s closed-loop bottling system allows on-site filling of up to 800 reusable bottles per hour, drastically reducing single-use plastic waste and logistics. This system is ideal for large events or high-traffic pool and sports facilities.

5. How can filtered water solutions increase profitability for pools and recreation areas?
Switching to filtered water dispensers and reusable bottles lowers procurement and waste costs by up to 60%. Facilities can also generate new revenue by selling branded reusable Sideline Bottles, enhancing both margins and brand visibility.

6. How do commercial water dispensers and water coolers improve the member experience?
Sprudel’s commercial water dispensers and water coolers provide chilled, filtered water on demand, helping members and athletes stay hydrated and perform at their best. Easy access to quality water is a valued amenity that can drive satisfaction and repeat visits.

7. Is Sprudel a local water filter service near me?
Yes, Sprudel partners with local water professionals to provide fast installation, ongoing water filtration supply and expert maintenance, ensuring your facility’s hydration stations always operate efficiently.

8. What are the sustainability benefits of Sprudel’s water filtration supply for pools?
By replacing single-use Sideline Bottles with filtered water dispensers and reusable bottles, pools and recreation areas significantly reduce plastic waste and their carbon footprint, supporting environmental goals and regulatory compliance.

9. Are there customer testimonials or case studies for Sprudel in recreation and aquatic facilities?
Absolutely! Watch our YouTube customer testimonial videos and review case studies to see how leading pools and active recreation centers have benefited from filtered water for businesses, commercial water dispensers and the expertise of our water professionals.

10. How do I get started with Sprudel’s filtered water solutions for my pool or recreation area?
Contact our team of water professionals for a free consultation. We’ll recommend the best water filtration systems, arrange installation of commercial water dispensers or a closed-loop bottling system, and provide ongoing support to ensure your hydration solution is seamless and profitable.