The sauna reopened on May 8, but closed again after further complaints, and remains closed.
“We took a cautious approach and closed the sauna,” he said. “It will now remain closed while full remediation is undertaken.”
Other pools remain open at a discounted admission rate, with its gym and cafe also remaining open.
“A comprehensive investigation, including our own processes, will help ensure something like this doesn’t happen again,” he said. “
“Our focus is absolutely on the health and safety of Ocean Spa customers and staff. I apologise unreservedly for any distress and discomfort caused by this incident.”
Government workplace health and safety agency WorkSafe was notified as soon as the council became aware of the situation.
WorkSafe was satisfied with the actions taken and would not be undertaking a formal investigation, he said.
The complaints were mostly mild irritation, such as itchy or stinging eyes, breathing irritation or headaches, the council says.
The sauna will be open in three to six weeks while it is being fully relined, and Ocean Spa management are exploring opportunities to have a mobile sauna onsite during that time.
The council said the Haarlem Danish Oil used was not suitable for high-temperature environments.
Further advice is being sought from specialists to determine if any further health risk remains.
Doug Laing is a Hawke’s Bay Today reporter, based in Napier, with 53 years’ fulltime experience in news-gathering, mainly in Hawke’s Bay.