At least 60 tourists, including children, required medical treatment after a toxic gas leak at a hotel swimming pool in Benahavis, it has emerged.

The incident happened on Sunday when a fault in the pool’s treatment system caused chlorine and pH controls to fail, allowing other gases to build up and expose guests to harmful fumes.

According to the Junta de Andalucia’s regional health department, the malfunction led to several hotel guests suffering symptoms of intoxication.

Emergency workers treated some of those affected at the hotel, while others were taken to nearby medical centres.

The Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella confirmed it treated around 60 people, all of whom were later discharged. The 061 emergency service separately confirmed it attended to two adults and two children.

No one remains in hospital.

Local newspaper Sur reported that the hotel’s swimming pool was sealed off on Monday for maintenance following the incident.

The authorities have not publicly identified the hotel where the incident occurred.

The scare comes as Andalucia prepares to introduce stricter rules for swimming pool maintenance.

From January 2, 2027, anyone responsible for maintaining or cleaning pools in hotels, campsites, public facilities and residential communities must hold an official professional qualification.

The regulation, introduced under Andalucia’s technical health and safety rules, was originally due to take effect this year but was postponed by 12 months.

Pools that fail to comply with the new standards could face fines of up to €600,000 or even closure.

Industry representatives say the new certification is designed to prevent accidents caused by incorrect chemical dosing, poor water disinfection or unsafe handling of pool treatment products, all of which can pose serious health risks to swimmers.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.