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.
133. Hilsea Lido - November 2024
This shows the shuttering that needed to be in place so the walls can be concreted. | PCC
134. Hilsea Lido - November 2024
A balance tank in a pool system is a reservoir that helps maintain a consistent water level. Water that overflows from the pool goes into the balance tank, and then back into the pool when required. Above you can now see the outlines of the lido's balance tank, which is situated between the two lagoons. | Portsmouth City Council
135. Hilsea Lido - November 2024
The steel reinforcing is now in place along the restored 'lagoons' in the north side of the pool, ready for the concrete pour in the next couple of weeks. This lagoon will have a step at the top, but the one on of the other side will have no steps ensuring that the restored lido is accessible to all. | Portsmouth City Council
136. Hilsea Lido - November 2024
The first sections of the pool wall have now been formed and the shuttering removed. In this section, you can see a recess where on the ladders for exiting the pool will go, along with a horizontal notch which will act as a footrest in the deepest area of the pool. | Portsmouth City Council