Tettenhall Pool in Wolverhampton was evacuated on Saturday afternoon after a strong chemical smell caused concern among swimmers and staff. Witnesses reported seeing people coughing and covering their mouths as they left the building.
What Happened at Tettenhall Pool?
The evacuation took place at around 2:30pm on 15 March 2025, according to witnesses. Swimmers were told to leave the water and exit the building immediately. One witness, who did not wish to be named, said: "There was a really strong smell of chlorine, but it was different to normal. People were coughing and it was hard to breathe."
Staff at the leisure centre directed users to the car park, where they waited for around 30 minutes before being allowed back inside. The witness added: "No one knew what was going on. It was a bit scary, especially for parents with young children."
Emergency Services Response
West Midlands Fire Service attended the scene along with ambulance crews. A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said: "We were called to Tettenhall Pool at 2:35pm following reports of a chemical odour. Crews conducted an inspection and found that the smell was due to a minor issue with the pool's chemical dosing system."
The fire service confirmed that the issue was resolved safely and there was no risk to public health. No injuries were reported.
Leisure Centre Statement
Wolverhampton City Council, which operates the leisure centre, released a statement on Sunday. A council spokesperson said: "Following a precautionary evacuation of Tettenhall Pool on Saturday afternoon, we can confirm that the incident was caused by a fault in the pool's chemical dosing equipment. The system has been checked and is now operating normally. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
The council added that the pool reopened on Saturday evening and has been running as usual since then.
Witness Accounts
Another witness, who was at the pool with her two children, said: "We were in the water when we heard a loud announcement telling everyone to get out. The smell was really strong, like bleach. My kids were coughing, so we left quickly. The staff were helpful, but it was chaotic."
The witness said that after the evacuation, she and her children went home because they were worried about the smell. "We didn't go back in. I'm glad it was just a fault, but it was a worrying experience."
Impact on Visitors
The evacuation affected around 100 people, according to estimates from witnesses. Many families were forced to cut short their swimming sessions. The leisure centre offered free swim passes to those affected, but some visitors expressed frustration.
One man, who had travelled from Birmingham to use the pool, said: "I came here because it's a good pool, but this has put me off. They need to make sure the equipment is properly maintained."
Safety Measures at Tettenhall Pool
Tettenhall Pool is a popular 25-metre swimming pool in Wolverhampton. The council said that regular safety checks are carried out on all pool equipment, including chemical dosing systems. The fault on Saturday was described as a "one-off issue" that has been fully resolved.
The council added: "We take the safety of our customers very seriously. All necessary precautions were taken to ensure the safety of everyone at the pool. We thank everyone for their cooperation during the evacuation."
