A routine evening at a Greenwood Village neighborhood pool turned into a hazmat scare Tuesday, after an acid spill sent five people to local hospitals for evaluation and forced an evacuation of the area.
The incident happened at the Sundance Hills pool, where emergency crews rushed in, cleared swimmers and staff from the pool deck, and treated people on scene before arranging hospital transports. Officials said the chemical release was contained to the pool area while crews worked to secure the site and make it safe.
According to 9News, South Metro Fire Rescue reported that firefighters were called to the pool on South Galena Street just before 6 p.m. Crews remained on scene while people were evaluated, then wrapped up the response and cleared out at around 7 p.m. The agency said the situation involved pool chemicals, specifically an acid, and described the release as isolated. Five people, identified as members of a swim team, were taken to hospitals for evaluation. Authorities did not immediately provide further details about their conditions.
Where It Happened
The incident took place at the neighborhood pool operated by the Sundance Hills Metropolitan District, located in the Sundance Hills community on South Galena Street. The district lists the pool and the Sailfish swim team as regular users of the facility, with the club’s address given as 5626 S. Galena St., as per Sundance Hills Metropolitan District.
Pool Chemical Risks and Safety
Pool chemicals used to disinfect water and control pH, including acids that lower pH levels, can cause breathing problems, eye and skin burns, and other serious health effects if they are mishandled, mixed improperly, or stored the wrong way. A federal analysis of emergency department data has documented thousands of injuries nationwide tied to pool chemicals each year and notes that many of these incidents are preventable with better training and storage practices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends operator training and following its Model Aquatic Health Code to cut down the risk of accidental chemical releases and exposures, as per the CDC.
Officials’ Response and Current Status
South Metro Fire Rescue told 9News that firefighters isolated the spill, secured the immediate area, and stayed on site while those affected were checked out by medical personnel. Crews then cleared the scene roughly an hour after arriving. Officials did not immediately say whether the pool would remain closed for additional inspections or cleanup following the emergency response.
If You Were Exposed
Anyone who thinks they were exposed to chemical fumes should move into fresh air right away and seek medical care if they develop trouble breathing, chest tightness, or severe burning or irritation of the eyes or skin. For non-emergency questions, the national Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 and PoisonHelp.org can connect callers with poison control specialists. People should call 911 immediately if symptoms are life-threatening. Local health and safety guidance generally advises rinsing affected skin and eyes with plenty of plain water and getting medical evaluation if symptoms do not quickly improve.
Officials said the spill was contained to the pool area and that there was no broader threat to the public. The scare serves as a pointed reminder that public aquatic facilities depend on strict protocols for handling and storing chemicals to keep everyday swim sessions from turning into emergency calls.
