Hinksey Outdoor Pool should finally open in mid-May after work to reline it was halted by the weather.

It was hoped the outdoor swimming pool would be ready to open at the end of April, but the unusually wet weather delayed the project, Oxford City Council said.

England experienced the wettest March in over 40 years – and the third wettest on record.

It was only possible to start the relining of the pool after the worst of the winter weather had passed, as temperatures above 10C were needed.

Once the liner has been fitted, the pool will need to be filled and brought up to swimming temperature.

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It will take around three weeks for the water to reach around 27C once the refilling process starts.

If the weather remains dry, it is hoped the pool will reopen in mid-May.

The pool opened on May 12 last year.

The £132,000 upgrade is being overseen by Fusion Lifestyle, which manages the pool on behalf of the council. 

Last year, the city council installed a heat pump – which converts thermal energy from the nearby Hinksey Lake – to reduce the reliance on gas boilers to heat the water and changing facilities at the outdoor swimming pool.

The new heating system is part of a decarbonisation programme that has reduced the carbon emissions from some of Oxford City Council’s public leisure centres by 21 per cent.

Graham Ashby, Regional Commercial and Operations Manager at Fusion Lifestyle, said: "We know how much the lido means to the community and our contractors are ready to start work as soon as the weather conditions allow.

"We are looking forward to having the work completed so we can announce the opening date for the lido for 2023."

As well as the heated pool, the lido also has different activities such as group exercise sessions and family sessions. There is also a café on site.

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Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Parks, added: “I’m really looking forward to Hinksey Outdoor Pool reopening, and I would like to thank Fusion Lifestyle for their efforts to make this happen as quickly as possible.

“I’m a keen swimmer and have such good memories of using the pool.

"I’m delighted that the new investment will ensure families can continue to enjoy Hinksey Outdoor Pool for years to come.”

Fusion Leisure is currently searching for Team Leaders to help run the pool this summer. For full details, visit Fusion Lifestyle’s website at fusion-lifestyle.com.