Record-breaking summer for Portishead’s open air pool
Record numbers of people visited the pool during the summer. - Credit: Supplied
Record numbers of swimmers visited Portishead Open Air Pool over the summer.
More than 50,000 people made the most of the hot weather by spending time at the lido in Esplanade Road.
As well as the long period of warm conditions, the pool hosted a number of charity events and galas to attract even more visitors.
In the past week alone a Macmillan coffee morning was held while a dogs and owners swim was followed by a water safety session with the RNLI and Coastguard.
Pool trustee Barbara Thatcher said: “Staff and volunteers at Portishead Open Air Pool are celebrating a record season, with more than 53,000 visitors coming through the turnstiles since April, plus many more taking part in various galas, charity swims and other events throughout the summer.
“The recent screening of Mamma Mia 2 brought another 400 people to enjoy the first open air cinema at the lido, which was a huge success, with more screenings to follow next year.”
The success has prompted trustees to extend the pool’s heated season for an extra month.
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For the first time, swimmers will now be able to enjoy a paddle in warm water until October.
Ms Thatcher added: “Regular swimmers will be delighted to hear even more good news – the trust has decided for the first time to trial an extension to the season.
“The heated season, when the water is heated to 28C, normally ends around the third week in September, but ths year it will continue with limited hours up to the end of October, when the pool and café plan to celebrate with a Halloween party to see the season out.”
The pool will also continue holding its popular cold water sessions from November to December.
A major repair project was also carried out to improve the venue’s facilities last year.
Many parts were installed when the pool first opened in 1962 so replacements of pipes and pool lining to stop leaks were installed.
Indoor facilities including changing room showers, a re-tiled entrance and new toilets and lockers were also given an upgrade earlier this year.
