Frequently Asked Questions

No, the membership will run all year as the pool will remain open.

Membership and pay-per-swim will both be available.

You can book swimming sessions up to 1 week in advance. Members benefit from priority booking and can book up to 2 weeks ahead. 

Small inflatables are allowed. Large inflatables, dinghies, and large floatation devices are not permitted as they can obstruct lifeguards’ visibility and pose safety risks. 

There will be designated shallow areas for children. Children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the pool area. Children aged 10+ may swim independently. 

• Children under 8 must be accompanied in the water by an adult. One adult may supervise up to two children under 8. 

• Children aged 8–9 must be accompanied on-site by an adult. 

The maximum capacity of the pool is 500 people. 

However, the recommended bather load for safe and comfortable use is just over 200 people at any one time. While the total number of people on site may approach 500, this does not mean all individuals can use the pool simultaneously. 

To maintain safety and a positive experience, if the pool reaches or approaches its operational bather load, a one-in, one-out system will be implemented to manage numbers. 

Pool temperature will be published on our website but not available on social media but it will be available on our website. 

In April, the water temperature is typically around 10°C and can reach approximately 23°C during the summer months. 

• Yes. Lifeguards will be on duty during all public swim sessions to ensure the safety of everyone in and around the water.

• Yes. events such as swim galas, family days, and seasonal celebrations are part of the long-term vision.

Yes. the splash pool will remain free to use.

The pool is 67 metres long by 13 metres wide.

• Yes, the full accessible pool will be family themed activities and open-water swimming to recovery zones, social spaces, food, drink, and events, the Lido will offer something for everyone.

• The pool will remain open throughout the pop-up providing a sauna and pop-up food and beverage to compliment the unheated pool.

The water will be chlorinated fresh water.

The pool will be unheated at the time of re-opening. However, Sea Lanes will be collecting data to model the energy required to heat the pool and to inform a long term sustainable heating solution. Ensuring that the pool is heated is key to the next chapter of Hilsea Lido and our vision for a year-round destination. For updates subscribe to our newsletter.

There are some picnic benches available, and you are welcome to bring your own camping or deck chairs. 

The minimum age for sauna use is 16. 

We offer some vegan and nongluten menu options. If you have more complex dietary requirements, you are welcome to bring your own food. 
Please note: While we take great care with allergen orders, cross contamination may occur due to the variety of ingredients in our catering units. 

The café unit in the Splash Park provides hot and cold drinks and light snacks such as sausage rolls, pastries, cakes, and ice creams. 

Dogs are not permitted in the pool or changing areas. Registered assistance dogs are welcome throughout the site.

Yes, there will be on-site bike storage. We offer limited free parking. We encourage visitors to use public transport-the bus station is conveniently located opposite the lido. 

• Yes, lockers will be available for visitors to store belongings during their visit.

Yes. The site includes step-free access, ramped pool entry, and a fully accessible changing places unit. The team will also be on hand to assist where required.

• Yes, it will be a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. Designed for accessibility and flexibility, serving swimmers of all ages and abilities, with no barriers to entry. Additional support will be available as needed.

Initially the sauna can only be booked as part of a swim and sauna session.

• A pool wheelchair will be available in the changing places unit for pool users. The pool can then be accessed via the ramped lagoon and the lifeguard team will assist pool users with entry and exit and retrieve the chair as needed.

• There will be family themed activities including inflatable days in Summer 26. To stay updated visit hilsealido.co.uk and sign up to our newsletter.

Our café unit offers hot and cold drinks as well as light snacks, including sausage rolls, pastries, cakes, and ice creams. 
Our burger unit serves burgers, breaded chicken, fries, salad, and cold drinks. 

• There will be hot showers and changing spaces for all, including a full accessible changing places unit.

BBQs are not permitted-no cooking or fires are allowed on site. You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy instead. 

No, gazebos are not permitted. However, small pop-up beach tents are allowed, provided they do not disturb or obstruct other visitors nearby. 

The safety of our customers and staff is our number one priority. Therefore, once any alcohol has been consumed, we do not allow re-entry into the water. You are welcome to continue enjoying the public spaces at Hilsea Lido. Anti-social or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. 

Yes. All visitors entering the pool area must purchase a swim ticket. We do not offer spectator-only tickets. 

You may transfer your booking to another available day or time if you provide at least 24 hours’ notice. Refunds are only issued in cases of service failure or adverse weather conditions that prevent pool operation. 

No. Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited across the entire lido site to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors. 

Yes, you may bring your own picnic. Glass is not permitted, and we ask that you take all rubbish home with you. 

Yes, wetsuits and trisuits are absolutely permitted. 

The regeneration of Hilsea Lido is designed to enhance the whole area, including complementary uses like the wake park and café.

As a hub for the local community safety and enjoyment is key. The site will be managed by a professional team who will not tolerate anti-social behaviour.

• Recruitment will be locally focused and a core team of approximately 15 roles will be created and as the regeneration progresses more roles will be made available. Keep an eye on on our website for opportunities as we start to recruit our local team.

Hilsea Lido will reopen on Saturday 2 May 2026, with the pool, sauna and food and beverage all ready to enjoy. Expect family-friendly activities, delicious eats and a programme of energising events to bring the space back to life.

• This project is part of the Council’s Transforming the Visitor Economy bid, which was awarded £20 million of UK Government funding. Other projects funded by this grant include Portsmouth International Port’s terminal transformation project and improvements to the wider Hilsea Lines area along the northern coast of Portsea Island.
  The long-term regeneration work will be funded by Sea Lanes.

• The visionary team behind Sea Lanes, a passionate group of open-water swimming enthusiasts and businesses, will partner with South Downs Leisure to steward the regeneration of Hilsea Lido.

The regeneration of Hilsea Lido begins with the introduction of a sauna and pop-up food and beverage to compliment the reopening of the unheated pool. The Sea Lanes team want to hear from the Portsmouth community as to how Hilsea Lido can meet their needs.