A FAMILY has praised the emergency services after a small explosion in their indoor swimming pool.

Phil Wilkinson, his wife Vanessa, and their nine-year-old son Joseph, were evacuated from their home in Chine Avenue, Bitterne, Southampton, after chlorine gas leaked from a ruptured pipe.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service sent their Hazmat team to the incident at around 7pm.

The family was treated by paramedics on the scene and Mr Wilkinson told the Daily Echo everyone is fine.

He said: “The emergency services deserve all the credit they get.

“There is a Perspex container that dispenses chlorine in and out of the pool. There was pressure going in and out of it and it went off with a pop.

“It sprayed the chlorine out of it, which is in solid form, and it passed around the room.

“It was a little bit too strong for me to go into the room so I thought I had to get someone who can sort this out.

“The fire service were really great and helpful. They showed by son Joseph around the fire engine.”

Mr Wilkinson confirmed the pool will be up and running again by Saturday for children from the nearby Swim School Academy to use.

Fire crews from Redbridge, Hightown and St Mary's were sent to the scene, including the Hazmat team from headquarters.