Hilsea Lido Project Outline

The Hilsea Lido Renovation Project is an extensive restoration and regeneration initiative valued at £7.75 million, supported by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and spearheaded by Portsmouth City Council. The main goal of this project was to restore the historic lido, originally built in 1935, to safe public use after years of neglect while also establishing a modern, accessible, and financially viable leisure facility. Construction began in May 2024, extending through to 2026.

The lido faced considerable challenges, including severe structural decay, outdated mechanical systems, and inadequate facilities. The pool was deemed unsafe for long-term use without significant intervention. Consequently, the renovation aimed to be more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it represented a comprehensive structural restoration of the pool and its supporting infrastructure.

The Main Pool (measuring 67m x 18m) was originally 4.6 metres (15 feet) deep, the depth has now been reduced to 2.6m as part of the stabilisation work being carried out, to counteract the pressure of the groundwater pushing the pool tank up from below. A large Splash Pool (45m x 18m x 6ins deep) designed for younger swimmers has now been replaced by the Hilsea Jubilee Splash Pool.

The Hilsea Lido Project – Structural Stabilisation of the Pool

A key aspect of the project was the repair and reinforcement of the pool’s structure.

The work involved:

Stabilising the pool floor/base.
Strengthening the pool walls.
Installing over 80 tonnes of structural steel.
Adding approximately 30 lorry-loads of concrete to bolster the structure.
Repairing deteriorated areas of the historic pool shell.

These efforts were crucial to ensure the long-term integrity and safety of the 67-meter pool.

This key part of the project was where Resapol Southampton was involved in supplying materials for. The were contacted to provide the specified levelling material and coating material for the inner shell of the pool. Sikagard®-720 EpoCem® and Sikagard®-140 Pool were specified as products that are designed for these applications.

Resapol Southampton coordinated the delivery and application of these materials, ensuring that the pool’s restoration adhered to the highest standards. The use of Sikagard®-720 EpoCem® provided a smooth and durable levelling layer, ideal for addressing any irregularities in the pool’s surface. Meanwhile, Sikagard®-140 Pool offered superior protection and longevity, safeguarding the inner shell against the wear and tear of constant water exposure.

The Project Continued

The other key parts of the project included

Complete Replacement of Pool Filtration and Plant Systems
Refurbishment of the Plant Room
Restoration of the Historic Shallow Lagoons
Construction of New Changing and Welfare Facilities
Accessibility Enhancements
Pool Finishes and Restoration Efforts
Landscaping and External Improvements
New Visitor Facilities

The Products

Sikagard®-720 Epocem®

3 Part cement and epoxy combination pore filler and levelling mortar

Improved chemical resistance compared to PCC mortars
Good protection of concrete in aggressive environments
Waterproof
Application range 0.5-3mm on vertical and horizontal surfaces
Good adhesion to damp or dry concrete
Fast overcoating of Sika® resin based finish products
Good surface finishing
Does not require overcoating
Manual and machine application (wet spray technique)

Sikagard®-140 Pool

Acrylic, specialist, water-based coating for swimming pool lining

One-part, ready to use.
Can be applied onto various substrates.
Easy to apply and to refurbish, can be overcoated directly with itself.
Good yellowing & chalking resistance.
Good resistance to fatty acids from lotions and cosmetics.
Good resistance to chlorinated water and common swimming pool cleaning chemicals.
Good opacity (covering power).
With the addition of kiln-dried quartz sand, slip-resistance can be achieved.

To download a copy of the Hilsea Lido Case Study, click here.

Helen Kirby

Case Study – Hilsea Lido Renovation Project