Swimming at Hilsea Lido

Your booking gives you access to your swim (and sauna, if included) session, but you’re welcome to stay and enjoy the wider facilities after your session.

No, water balloons are not permitted as they can block the filtration system and may lead to pool closure.

Yes, qualified lifeguards are on poolside to help keep swimmers safe. Please follow their instructions at all times.

Yes, hand paddles and flippers may be used responsibly in the lanes.

Yes, but please move to the side of the lane so other swimmers can continue without obstruction.

Yes, but only at the end of the lane or when it is safe to do so. Faster swimmers should be allowed to pass.

• Slow lane: over 2 minutes per length
• Medium lane: 1–2 minutes per length
• Fast lane: under 1 minute per length
• Training lane: front crawl only

Please choose a lane appropriate to your speed and follow the lane directions. Swim in a single file, allow space between swimmers and be aware of others when pushing off or overtaking.

Yes, babies and toddlers must wear swim nappies in the pool. These are available to purchase on site.

If supervising a child aged 3 or under and another aged 4–7, the younger child must wear an appropriate buoyancy aid.

Children aged 0–3 must be accompanied on a 1 adult to 1 child basis
Children aged 4–7 must be accompanied on a minimum 1 adult to 2 children basis
Children aged 8+ do not need to be accompanied, but parents should be confident in their swimming ability

Yes, all children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult (16+) in the water during all public swimming sessions.

No, smoking is not permitted.

No, bikes are not permitted.

No, dogs are not permitted.

No, for safety reasons, BBQs are not permitted.

No, for safety reasons glass is not permitted within the pool or splash pool area.

Children’s skin burns easily, so please use a high-factor, water-resistant sunscreen and reapply regularly. Keeping hydrated and seeking shade where possible is also recommended.

No, water balloons are not permitted as they can block the filtration system and may result in pool closure.

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 is published on our website but not available on social media.

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

• 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.

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

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

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.

Your booking gives you access to your swim (and sauna, if included) session, but you’re welcome to stay and enjoy the wider facilities after your session.

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.