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.
25. Hilsea Lido 2026
Hilsea Lido is now full of water. The pool currently doesn't have any chemicals in it and the filters haven't been switched on yet. It is being tested, so the contractors will leave the pool at this level for a week, with a surveyor regularly measuring the water levels. After this the pool will be filled completely, and pool experts Barr and Wray will come and turn the filters on. | PCC
26. Hilsea Lido
Hilsea Lido has announced its opening date. Pictured: Councillor Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport, Judit Kollat, Hilsea Lido General Manager, Duncan Anderson, CEO South Downs Leisure and Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council. | Sea Lanes
27. Hilsea Lido
The protective tent at Hilsea Lido has been fully dismantled after being in place for almost a year. Picture: Marcin Jedrysiak | Marcin Jedrysiak
28. Hilsea Lido
The protective tent at Hilsea Lido has been fully dismantled after being in place for almost a year. Picture: Marcin Jedrysiak | Marcin Jedrysiak