Dozens of vacationers staying at a hotel in Costa del Sol required hospitalization due to toxic gas exposure. Approximately 60 individuals needed medical attention following a gas leak caused by a malfunction in the swimming pool pump at an undisclosed hotel in Benahavis near Marbella. An ongoing investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.

According to a regional government official, the issue stemmed from a circuit breaker malfunction on the pressure pump responsible for distributing chlorine and acid into the pool, resulting in a system failure. This failure led to the shutdown of the chlorine and pH systems while other gases continued to be emitted.

Reports indicate that children and elderly guests, including visitors from the UK, were transferred to Marbella’s Costa del Sol Hospital for treatment. Subsequently, the affected pool was cordoned off and closed for maintenance purposes. The reopening schedule remains uncertain at this time.

A Polish tourist at the hotel mentioned being unaware of the specific details surrounding the water issues that occurred. In response to the incident, staff from a public health and clinical laboratory located in the Malaga TechPark were observed conducting tests, specializing in various analyses including those related to swimming pool water quality and food safety.

In a separate incident in July 2022, a significant chlorine leak at a hotel in Majorca resulted in over 20 individuals, including children, suffering from poisoning. The episode took place at the Sea Club Hotel in the Alcudia resort, with affected individuals experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, skin irritation, and itching. Health professionals administered oxygen to some of the affected individuals within the hotel premises.

Pool-related poisonings are often linked to improper chlorine and pH levels, leading to the formation of harmful substances causing eye irritation, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal complications.