The Pickleball Water Bottle
It is really important to keep hydrated when playing pickleball. I highly recommend that you invest in a personal reusable water bottle.
Click on the image to view some of our favourite water bottles and get more information below.
While it may seem convenient to take a single use plastic bottle to your pickleball games, economics and bpa concerns really make buying a reusable bottle a much better option. There are lots of choices, however I wouldn’t spend a lot on them as they should be replaced after a time period. Also, one of the most common things left behind at pickleball courts are water bottles – which is why you want to make sure your Pickleball Bag has a sleeve for your bottle. There are endless options for water bottles – click here just to get a idea of the options for sport water bottles.
TIP: I recommend that you label your bottle so at least you can identify it. Also a good idea to have a picture of it. If you do forget it somewhere perhaps you can post a picture on the group.
Some features you want to look for are leak-proof and a sweat proof finish. This will make sure that items in your bag don’t get wet from your bottle.
Bottles with with straws, squeeze with bite valves and flip tops are prone to accidental spillage and bacteria collection. I prefer screw top lids that you take off and on when drinking. The screw tops also allow you to drink in a flow instead of pulling air as well. Some people don’t like unscrewing a bottle with sweaty hands. As always, it is a personal choice.
A larger capacity bottle will make sure you have enough fluid for hydration and reduce the need for refills.
TIP: I always take two bottles with me. One with water and one with electrolytes. Look for an upcoming post on hydrating while playing pickleball.
Here are a few things to know before you buy one.
Stainless Steel:
Stainless Steel bottles are my favourite choice. Look for BPA free and food grade stainless steel. These are the easiest to clean, maintain coldness if you refrigerate and don’t alter the flavour as plastic can. I look for double-wall vacuum insulated models that will keep your liquid cold and allow the exterior to remain sweatproof. Chug lids allow for more liquid to be consumed during breaks from play. Chug lid bottles should last 2-3 years if cleaned properly. Straw top and flip lids are also an option but need replacing more often. Click here for many stainless steel options. Here are a couple of my favourites:
I have several of this version of Stainless Steel water bottle. It is vacuum double walled and filled the night before and left in the fridge, my water or hydration liquid stay cold during play. The mouth is large enough to drink quickly and small ice cubes can be put in, although I prefer not to do that. It comes in many colors. It has all the features I like including that it fits in my car cup holder to keep drinking on the way home.
Click on the image to purchase this type of bottle.
This bottle is another great choice. Has all the features and has plenty of colors. It also comes with a cleaning brush that I will talk about below. There is a 25.4 oz version if you want a larger bottle.
Click on the image to purchase this type of bottle.
If you want an uninsulated bottle, this would be a great option. It is dishwasher safe and the opening is large enough to do so. It also comes in 17oz, 25oz and 34 oz. Plain steel and other colors are available.
Click on the image to purchase this type of bottle.
There are also plenty of stainless steel bottles with straws. This set comes with a bottle brush and straw brush as straw bottles do require more cleaning. Two additional lids allow for swapping out while cleaning. The bottle comes in larger sizes. 32oz, 40oz and 64oz.
Because of the larger size bottle, the straw is necessary.
Click on the image to purchase this type of bottle
Plastic:
Shatterproof and BPA free plastic are a common material choices for water bottles, providing durability and zero-plastic taste. Plastic can be lightweight and offer one-handed squeeze values for quick drinking during breaks from play. A wide mouth makes it easy to add ice. Cheaper older plastics or promotional bottles may still contain harmful compounds.
Lids can have squeeze valves for faster liquid delivery or flip-top/straws for sipping. A wide mouth allows for ice cubes as plastic will not hold cold unless you freeze them. Cleaning plastic bottles requires much more effort and consistency or replacement will be soon than a year. Click here for plastic bottle options.
Some options for plastic bottles with drinking features that promote quick hydration include:
This 18oz plastic bottle comes in 6 colors and has a chug lid, making it ideal to get a quick hydration drink. It is BPA free, has a carrying loop and dishwasher safe.
A 32oz size is also available.
Click on the image to purchase this type of bottle
This 24oz Triton water bottle with an autopop lid that offers on-the-go leakproof drinking and a wide mouthpiece make it a great choice for pickleball. There is a button lock to avoid accidental opening and the lid cover protects against dirt.
Click on the image to purchase this type of bottle
This squeeze plastic bottle comes in a two pack. It has a bite valve for easy use and is lightweight with high water flow. Dishwasher save for ease of cleaning makes this a convenient option.
Click on the image to purchase this type of bottle
Cleaning your water bottle:
No matter which type of reusable water bottle you use, cleaning and a regular inspection of the bottle should be routine. Some bottles offer the option of cleaning in a dishwasher but all bottles should be scrubbed regularly with a brush. Straws also require cleaning. Bottles should be emptied and rinsed after each use as soon as possible. Cleaning tabs can be used in place of dish soap.
Stainless steel bottles, although durable, still can have trace minerals from water and electrolyte powders that cling to the surface. A quick soak with dish soap and warm water is the first step if a proper cleaning can’t be done immediately so bacteria doesn’t build up. When it is time for a proper cleaning remove the silicone gasket from the lid, scrub thoroughly with the bottle brush, warm water and dish soap as well as the bottle and lid. Let it all dry completely before using again to ensure all bacteria is gone.
Plastic bottles require a bit more effort in cleaning. In addition to rinsing immediately after use, hot water is required along with a good dish soap. If the bottle and lid are dishwasher safe this is a great way to clean plastic. Straws will require special attention with a straw brush.
Here are some options for water bottle cleaning tools.
This Stainless Steel Bottle Cleaner kit includes a long handle bottle brush, straw brush and lid brush. The odourless nylon bristles and rust-resistant 304 stainless steel ensure long-lasting durability and efficient hygienic cleaning.
Click on the image to purchase this product.
This cost effective set works well. Long Handle bottle brush and straw brush are easy to use.
Click on the image to purchase this product.
Water Bottle Cleaning Tablet work for both Stainless Steel and Plastic water bottles. This product has 120 cleaner tablets. These are especially good for removing order from water bottles.
Click on the image to purchase this product
Look for an upcoming post on hydrating while playing pickleball.
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