Spicy Scandal: Why a Jar of Salsa Cost a Massachusetts Town Thousands of Dollars

One rulebreaker who brought a jar of salsa to a public pool in Massachusetts has caused headaches for city officials who say it is costing thousands of dollars to clean up, and for residents who rely on the pool for swim lessons, team practice, fitness and a much-needed break from the heat.

The deep pool used for swimming laps at the Rosemary Recreation Complex in Needham, Massachusetts, was closed recently after a jar of salsa shattered, sending shards of glass into the pool, according to an announcement from Needham Park and Recreation. The smaller family pool and splash pad remain open.

Massachusetts State Senator Becca Rausch said on Facebook that it could cost up to $20,000 to take care of the problem, which requires draining the pool, pressure washing it, refilling it, rebalancing the chemicals, and testing for bacterial levels.

“The entire community suffers both the loss of our pool and in the purse all because one person decided to bring a jar of salsa to the pool,” Rausch stated. “Please do not bring glass to the pool. It’s not hard to follow this and the other rules. They exist for our collective enjoyment and personal health and safety.”

City officials said two lap lanes would be made available in the family pool for morning lap swimming, and morning swim lessons would be held in the family pool.

Sharks Swim Team practices were canceled until further notice, as were regularly scheduled morning stroke clinics.

While the family pool remains open, city officials warned it would be extra crowded for several days.

"We understand that this closure may be frustrating for many, as it is for us. We will work as fast as we can while always keeping safety in mind," officials said.

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Photos shared by the Park and Recreation Department showed workers cleaning the empty pool.

TMX contributed to this report.