Hydrochloric acid leak shuts down Capaha Pool

A hydrochloric acid leak in the chemical storage room of the Cape Girardeau municipal pool in Capaha Park on Tuesday brought out the city's fire department to dispose of the hazardous material.

The department got the call at 5:33 p.m., after the regular pool hours had ended and lessons were being held. The pool was evacuated, even though the leak was contained to the storage room.

Three staff officers and two engines responded to the scene. Officers suited up in protective gear before entering the room, where they secured the leak and neutralized the acid with sodium bicarbonate.

About 15 gallons of acid was cleaned up and placed in a special container, and the whole room was flushed with water. The cleanup continued until 8:30 p.m.

No injuries were reported.

"It's an extreme corrosive. It can be very dangerous," said battalion chief Tom Hinkebein about hydrochloric acid, which is commonly used to balance the pH levels of pools.

When the pool's pH level is too high, the acid is added, and when the levels are too low, sodium carbonate is added.

According to Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation director Dan Muser, it is not yet clear what exactly is to blame for the leak, but he said it was likely a faulty pump or line that transports the chemical into the pool.

Muser said the age of the pool was most likely not a factor, as the pumps and plastic lines were replaced before the pool opened.

The 47-year-old Capaha Pool has undergone repairs in recent years, which has raised talk of the pool soon becoming too costly to repair.

Muser said another possibility is that one of the valves on the pumps was not operating properly. He said the situation will be investigated and the problem fixed.

There will be no pool closures as a result of the incident.

kalfisi@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182