The outdoor pool originally opened its doors back in 1935 by Portsmouth City Council but its condition significantly deteriorated over the years, making it unsafe to use.
Following multiple consultations, a multi-million pound project was launched last year to completely restore the pool to its former glory. The pool, which will open in the summer, will feature new changing rooms, new benches and tables, artwork, a fountain and, most importantly, a fully functioning outdoor swimming pool.
In the most recent updates, the pool has been completely concreted and the contractors are currently pumping water out of the pool that collected in there over Christmas.
Bright shower unit cabins have now been installed at the lido. They need to be plumbed in and have gas and electrical connections completed.
The plant room floor has been concreted, and work will start to reinforce the walls. Three filtration tanks will be installed in the plant room in due course.
61. Hilsea Lido - January 2026
Groundwork is beginning by the entrance of the lido. | PCC
62. Hilsea Lido - October
Most of the walls have had the base coat and the contractors have started painting parts of the walls blue. Picture: Portsmouth City Council | PCC
63. Hilsea Lido - October
Here you can see the base coat from the deep section of the pool. It's looking a little patchy, but the team will use a special tool to measure the thickness of the base coat, ensuring it meets the correct manufacturing standards. Picture: Portsmouth City Council | PCC
64. Hilsea Lido - October
The contractors working on the lido have applied a white base coat on the walls, and have now started on the blue. Picture: Portsmouth City Council | PCC