An incident at a hotel pool has caused concern on the Costa del Sol. More than 60 people had to undergo medical checks after spending time in the pool area of a hotel in the municipality of Benahavís, near Málaga. Initial findings suggest that a technical fault in the water treatment system could have been the cause of the symptoms.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The incident took place at a hotel complex in the exclusive municipality of Benahavís, which is known for its luxury resorts, golf courses and proximity to Marbella. Numerous guests noticed health problems after spending time in the pool and alerted emergency services.
Guests report respiratory problems and irritation
According to emergency services, several affected individuals showed symptoms indicating possible exposure to chemicals. The complaints included eye and respiratory irritation, coughing and general discomfort.
Children were also among those affected. Emergency services attended the scene and carried out initial assessments on site. Some guests were subsequently taken to medical facilities for further checks.
Despite the high number of people affected, no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported so far. Most individuals were able to leave after undergoing medical examinations.
Possible fault in the pool system
Authorities are currently investigating whether a problem with the automatic water quality control system may have triggered the incident. The main focus of the investigation is the dosage of the chemicals used to disinfect the pool.
A faulty mixture or a malfunction in the system can produce irritating fumes that may cause health problems for swimmers. Experts are now investigating whether the required safety checks were carried out and why the malfunction occurred.
Pool temporarily closed
Following the incident, the affected area was closed. Specialists took water samples and inspected the technical equipment of the facility in order to determine the exact cause.
According to the authorities, those responsible for the hotel are cooperating with investigators. The pool will remain closed until the matter has been fully clarified.
Costa del Sol once again in the spotlight
The incident has attracted widespread attention in Spain, as the Costa del Sol is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations during the summer months. Thousands of holidaymakers use hotel swimming pools every day, making safety standards in the maintenance of these facilities a key priority.
Benahavís is considered one of the wealthiest municipalities in Andalusia and attracts not only international holidaymakers but also numerous celebrities and sports figures. The incident has therefore received particular attention.
Investigations are ongoing
It has not yet been fully established what exactly caused the possible poisoning. Authorities are continuing their investigations to determine responsibility and identify any potential failures in the maintenance of the pool system.
The case once again highlights the importance of regular inspections of automatic water treatment systems – particularly in large hotel facilities with high numbers of visitors during the peak holiday season.
