Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon- based fuels, such as natural gas or propane. In pools and spas, gasfired heaters are common sources of CO. When these heaters malfunction or are improperly ventilated, CO can accumulate to dangerous levels, posing severe health risks.
Since the carbon monoxide-related deaths of their parents in 2013, the Jenkins family has been helping document carbon monoxide incidents occurring in hotels and motels. Several incidents underscore the critical need for vigilance. In nearly all of the following cases, no carbon monoxide detectors were present at the time of the incident.
• In February, 2023, 5 people were injured by carbon monoxide exposure from a pool heater at the Hampton Inn, Riverwalk, Texas.
• In November 2023, 4 individuals including 2 children were injured by carbon monoxide exposure from a pool heater failure at the LaQuinta Inn and Suites in Rochester, Minnesota. A technician said that an “icedup” condenser in the HVAC system was forced into a negative down draft situation and was drawing exhaust gases back into the building rather than allowing them to escape.
• In Marysville, Ohio, January 2022, a plastic bag-blocked air intake for a pool heater at a hotel caused CO poisoning, affecting 14 guests, including 6 children.
• In Helena, Montana, February, 2020, 7 people were injured from a faulty basement pool heater.
The last carbon monoxide-related fatality from a faulty hotel pool or spa heater occurred in Big Sky, Montana, during a newlywed couple’s honeymoon in January, 2021. The husband died and the wife was injured when carbon monoxide entered their room from an improperly vented boiler to the hot tub, which was located next door to their room.
Prior to that, a hotel employee was killed by carbon monoxide at the Baymont Inn in Mandan, North Dakota, in 2019, when he was found dead on the ground where he was working in the pool equipment room.
Numerous additional incidents have also occurred in residential settings.
These tragedies highlight the consequences of overlooked maintenance and inadequate safety measures.
As pool and spa service professionals, there is a responsibility to prevent such incidents through proactive measures. Regular inspection of gas heaters is paramount. Technicians should look for signs of wear, corrosion, or blockages that could impede proper combustion or exhaust. Ensuring that ventilation systems are correctly installed and free from obstructions is equally critical, as faulty ventilation can lead to CO buildup in enclosed spaces.
But installing carbon monoxide detectors near pool equipment, especially in indoor settings, provides an essential layer of protection. These devices can alert occupants to the presence of CO before it reaches hazardous levels. Educating clients about the risks of CO and the importance of regular maintenance and detector installation further enhances safety.
Staying informed about local building codes and regulations en- sures compliance and promotes best practices.
Some jurisdictions may have specific requirements for CO detectors or standards for heater installations. Adhering to these regulations not only ensures legal compliance but also reinforces a commitment to safety.
Finally, maintaining detailed records of all inspections, maintenance activities, and any issues identified or resolved fosters transparency and accountability.
These records can be invaluable in demonstrating due diligence and in the unfortunate event of an incident, can provide critical information for investigations.
Preventing carbon monoxide incidents in pool and spa environments requires a comprehensive approach encompassing regular equipment inspections, proper ventilation, installation of detection devices, client education, regulatory compliance, and meticulous documentation. Service professionals can play a vital role in safeguarding the health and well-being of pool users.
