An acid leak at a Utah hotel swimming pool sent a dozen people to the hospital.

The incident occurred on July 13 at the Vernal Comfort Inn when hydrochloric (muriatic) acid was sprayed into the indoor pool area.

The Tri-County Health Department stated that swimmers experienced vomiting and respiratory issues. Those who were hospitalized were released the same day.

Spokeswoman Sydnee Lamb said this type of incident is “extremely rare.”

“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.”According to the Health Department, the level of harm from hydrochloric acid exposure depends upon the dose and duration of exposure. Most people fully recover between 7-14 days after exposure.

A short-duration exposure from which a person recovers quickly is not likely to cause long-term effects.

TriCounty Health also stated that the first responders who arrived on scene quickly ventilated the area and moved people to safety. “At this time, the pool equipment has been repaired,” TriCounty Health officials stated, “and we anticipate the pool will be safe to reopen in the coming days, pending satisfactory water testing and equipment testing.”

Vernal Comfort Inn, Utah