Western Financial Place lane pool closed amid possible glycol leak

About 75 litres of ethylene glycol may have leaked into the lane pool at Western Financial Place, according to the City of Cranbrook and Interior Health. The pool remains closed following a mechanical problem with the main pool’s heat exchanger.

The heat exchanger behind the lane pool has been replaced. Staff are draining the pool and aim to have it refilled, heated and ready to reopen by Nov. 4.

The wave pool, hot tub and steam room remain open.

The city and Interior Health issued the advisory as a precaution. Both are investigating how much ethylene glycol may have entered the pool and over what period.

According to the advisory, ethylene glycol can be harmful if swallowed, but very little is absorbed through the skin. People who used the lane pool may have been exposed to small amounts.

Based on the estimated amount in the pool, the advisory says accidentally swallowing small amounts of water is not expected to cause health problems for youth or adults.

Serious effects from the described exposure are very unlikely, the advisory says. Anyone who used the lane pool on Oct. 26, 27 or 28 and has no symptoms or health concerns does not need to take action at this time.

Symptoms following exposure could include nausea, vomiting or stomach discomfort.

Anyone concerned that an infant or small child swallowed lane pool water, or that a pool user has symptoms of concern, should call the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre’s 24-hour Poison Information Line at 1-800-567-8911 or 604-682-5050.