New pool covers will be installed at Peterborough’s Lido in February.

The motorised retractable covers will be fitted over the Grade II listed Lido’s main 50 yard pool and its smaller learners’ pool as part of plans to cut costs.

The Lido faces financial challenges each year, with operating costs of around £400,000. Such were these costs that plan were made in 2024 for the facility to be ‘mothballed.’

The covers have been designed to enhance energy efficiency and retain heat in the pools, which could extend the swimming season and therefore increase revenue. The season currently runs from the end of May to the beginning of September. The estimated instillation cost is £90,000.

After previously issuing a ‘use it or lose it’ plea, user numbers for were praised for the 2025 season; rising to 26,000 visitors from the previous year’s 15,000 visitors.

The council has also been considering plans to install a retractable roof across the whole Lido, which could extend the opening season much further. Plans have been costed up and a rendering created by design company Outside Space Solutions. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW5FB8SU3NU.

The council has, however, said that it will not be proceeding with the plans due to costs.

Cllr Zameer Ali, Cabinet Member for Communities, Poverty and Public Health, said: “The new pool covers for the Lido are being installed in late February due to electrical works required for the mechanical system. We took this decision as we did not want to disrupt this year’s season with closing for a few days to install the covers.

“It would also have been impractical to install the covers during winter and have them lay idle for several months. This way, the covers will be ready for next year, which will be the Lido’s 90th season and I look forward to seeing them installed.

“Whilst we have considered options with regards to a retractable roof, this is not something we are looking to pursue at present due to potential costs.”