An investigation has been launched after a health club and spa in Long Eaton was forced to close its swimming pool due to customers being exposed to ‘excess chlorine’ in the spa area. There was a heavy emergency response outside the Clifford Health Club and Spa, in Regent Street, on Tuesday (January 7) morning after 27 people showed symptoms relating to chlorine exposure, ten of whom were treated at the scene.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said that three people were taken to hospital, although their condition is not thought to be serious. Texts sent to customers on the database said the pool and spa were closed on Wednesday (January 8), 24 hours after the incident, to “allow us more time [to] assess and review” the situation.
Customers were told an incorrect email had been sent out previously – in which the “wrong template” had been sent out. In the initial email customers were told the club had been hit by vandalism overnight.
“Sadly overnight we have had some windows smashed which has led to a fair amount of glass falling into the swimming pool. Though the team have worked incredibly hard overnight to hoover up any glass, we do need to put safety first. The pool needs to be totally drained to ensure there are no bits we have missed.”
The email, signed by Mark Clifford, added: “With the amount of time to drain, fill up and then heat the pool up we will sadly probably need to keep the pool closed until Tuesday [January 14]… I will of course keep you updated with the progress we are making.”
But when Derbyshire Police were approached for comment, officers said they’d had no record of any such incident. DerbyshireLive also made attempt to call the health club but nobody answered.
The only official statement published on the club’s Facebook page reads: We will keep the pool & spa closed today. This will allow us more time assess and review. We did get the ok to open, but overcaution is sensible.”
Erewash Borough Council confirmed an investigation was underway into the incident, A spokesperson said: “Erewash Borough Council’s Environmental Health team have commenced an investigation and are now working with the company to prevent any further risk to the public.”
A spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Emergency services were called to an incident involving a swimming pool at a commercial property on Regent Street, Long Eaton… 27 people have been exposed to excess chlorine in the spa area of the building.
“Ten of the 27 people were showing symptoms relating to the exposure and were treated at the scene by paramedics. Three people have been taken to hospital. None of the symptoms are serious.”