A SWIMMING POOL BY THE SEA
Brightlingsea Community Lido is a classic 1930s open air swimming pool right on the coast at Brightlingsea, Essex. Run by the community for the community, it is the place for a few hours of family fun or a regular fitness session.
Find out what's happening in our latest newsletter:
Brightlingsea Lido – Trustee Statement 6th July 2020.
As lockdown restrictions are eased and we experience some hot sunny weather, many residents and visitors will be asking ‘why can the Lido not be opened?’
The reality is that the facility was hit by devastating flooding on 10th February and the partial recovery was stopped in its tracks when the pandemic lockdown began on 23rd March.
Currently the flood-damaged changing rooms have been stripped out and are awaiting refurbishment; the plant room still requires major repairs to pumps, electrical systems, and technical equipment. The Lido is in no state to open as it stands, but even if there had been no flood damage, to prepare the pool for opening takes 6-8 weeks. The pool needs to be emptied, jet-cleaned and repainted (with three weeks to cure the specialist paint) – then it needs to be filled up with 2000 tons of new fresh water, which has to be chemically dosed and balanced. Staff and volunteers have to be recruited and trained. Overall it is not a simple operation to open the pool up!
Trustees understand the frustration caused by the continuing closure but the impact of two massive and unprecedented incidents in quick succession has unfortunately left us with no alternative.
The Lido will open and return in 2021; work will take place to make it safe and as future proof as possible, with appropriate risk assessments and flood resilience measures.
The trustees thank everyone in our community for their support, patience and understanding during these difficult times, and we look forward to welcoming residents and visitors back to enjoy our cool clear water in 2021.
Please check our Facebook page for a full statement and regular updates.
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ABOUT THE POOL
The lido has a 50 metre (unheated) outdoor pool plus a smaller pool for toddlers with parents. Changing facilities and sunloungers are available and there is a cafe on site.
VISIT
The lido is now closed until further notice.
Promenade Way
Brightlingsea
Essex
CO7 0HH
Brightlingsea Lido is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registered charity number 1178539.