Swimming pool at Vernal hotel still closed after acid leak

VERNAL, Utah — The indoor swimming pool at Vernal Comfort Inn remained closed on Monday after a dozen swimmers got sick and went to a hospital on Saturday.

The swimmers were dealing with vomiting and respiratory issues according to the Tri-County Health Department. Those who were hospitalized Saturday were discharged the same day.

Spokeswoman Sydnee Lamb said the swimmers were exposed to acid.

“There’s an acid line that sprays into the pool that was broken,” Lamb said. “So it was just spraying acid into the enclosed pool room.”

Lamb said this kind of incident is “extremely rare.” Acid is used as part of pool sanitation and is usually in much smaller amounts and diluted by water and other sanitation chemicals.

The Vernal pool remains closed and an investigation continues.

“We will only open the pool if and when it is safe to,” Lamb said.

While the type of acid in the Vernal pool was not specified, muriatic (hydrochloric) acid is commonly used for swimming pool maintenance. It is used to manage the water’s pH levels. 

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