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.
73. Hilsea Lido - June 2025
The team have started putting horizontal tiles around the edge of the pool, along with the black finger rests. Next, they will put the horizontal tiles on the other side of the drainage gulley. | PCC
74. Hilsea Lido - June 2025
The haul road has now been removed as all the heavy work at this end of the lido is complete. | PCC
75. Hilsea Lido - June 2025
Outside the tent are two industrial heating units which are standing by, ready to kick in and pump warm air inside if the temperature drops below 8°C. When it’s warmer than that, they provide unheated ventilation to help the render and grout dry inside the tent. | PCC
76. Hilsea Lido - June 2025
Large sections of the pool floor are now being rendered to create a smooth surface for the final epoxy coating. A two-metre gap is being left around the edges, so tiling can carry on without interruption. That area will be rendered later. | PCC