News
August 10, 2022
Chlorine gas sends 3 people to hospital

Incompatible chemicals accidentally mixed at an Ohio YMCA sent three people to the hospital and prompted a large emergency response.

TheYMCA,locatedinYoungstown, was in the midst of receiving a delivery of swimming pool chemicals when, according to Battalion Chief Chad Manchester of the Youngstown Fire Department, some aluminum sulfate was inadvertently mixed into a chlorine tank, producing chlorine gas.

“When the two chemicals got mixed together, it was pretty serious because it caused an inhalation hazard that did spread a little bit through the building,” Manchester said.

Suffering from minor breathing problems, two people were taken to the hospital by the Y’s CEO, and a third person was transported by ambulance.

A fourth person was checked outside the building but did not require further attention.

The fire department and Hazmat teams arrived after the building was evacuated and cleaned up the spilled chemicals to make sure there was no more chance of a reaction.

“The Hazmat team is very good at what they do. They’ve done considerable research on the chemicals that were mixed together. They’re going in in suits that will protect them and were able to neutralize the materials,” Manchester said.

The YMCA was closed for the day.

LATEST NEWS
Pool maintenance, repair remains healthy
Pool Corp’s financial performance indicates new pool build spend cooling
October 31, 2025
By Marcelle Dibrell For decades, the financial performance of Pool Corporation — the world’s largest distributor of pool and spa equipment — has serve...
October 31, 2025
When most people think about pool and spa chemistry, they think of chlorine, pH balancers, and maybe a stabilizer. But beyond these foundational treat...
Pool & Spa Show opens Jan. 27, 2026
October 31, 2025
It’s that time again — when the entire pool, spa, and hot tub industry converges in one place to learn, connect, and grow. The 45th Annual Pool & Spa ...
Crane carrying hot tub falls on roof
October 31, 2025
A crane employed to transport a new spa into the backyard of a New Jersey home toppled through the home’s roof. The incident occurred in Hamilton Town...
October 31, 2025
A leading Texas pool builder, Cody Pools, Inc., has reached a settlement with its insurers after a high-profile coverage battle, marking a pivotal mom...
October 31, 2025
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has sued the pool and spa sales and installation company Backyard Leisure, LLC, and its owner, Robert A. ...