Regulars give a warm welcome to newly-lined pool that keeps the heat in

AFTER eight months of closure and controversy the Lido in Gospel Oak finally threw open its doors on Saturday following its £2.9 million refit.
More than 500 swimmers took the plunge on its first morning, taking advantage of the opening special offer of free entrance.
The New Journal went along on Bank Holiday Monday to investigate whether the Corporation of London, which manages the pool, had spent its money wisely. The overwhelming view from the swimmers we spoke to was a resounding Yes.
More than 150 annual passes have been sold for early-morning swims, but on a late spring bank holiday, the lido feels deserted. The temperature gauge for the water reads 58 degrees Celsius – but someone has stuck a sign over it saying 66.
Whether it is the work of an optimistic prankster or whether the thermometer has actually packed up was not clear.
There are three people in the water: one man is swimming lengths, surfacing to take a gulp of air before disappearing again. Two women are swimming widths.
The lifeguards were cheerful. Wait till the word gets round, they say. Punters might not be here at the moment, but they have been coming to buy their season tickets.
The problem of making a listed pool appealing had Corporation of London officials scratching their heads.
It was built in 1938 for people who did not go on foreign holidays, who did not know about water slides at Center Parcs and did not mind swimming in cold water.
But a Lido is not the sort of place today’s children nag their parents to take them to.
The answer, according to some regulars, is to heat the pool, but the cost, according to the Corporation, means it is not viable.
But those who have shown up on the third day of opening say something incredible has happened: instead of the usual take-your-breath away shock as you enter the water, the pool feels refreshing. The water is almost warm.
A steel skin has been fitted to stop the leaks – the Lido was losing 100,000 cubic litres a day – and this means it doesn’t need to be topped up. It is also shallower, so it can heat up more efficiently.
The thermometer was accurate – it is 66 degrees, a temperature the old pool would normally have reached only at the end of July after a 10-day hot spell.
It is not just the warmth that has surprised users.
Edward Taylor, who lives in Belsize Avenue, has been using the pool for 30 years. He said: “I’m sorry to lose the flower beds but we are happy with the pool. It looks lovely.”
Sarah Dawes, who lives in Dartmouth Park Road and has been coming to the Lido since the early 60s, is glad the old pool floor has gone.
She said: “It was horrible to step on. It was chipped and would stub your toes.”
Not any more. The steel, which changes the water colour as the sun or clouds reflect on it, is smooth to the touch and the talk in the changing rooms is of how attractive it looks.
The red brick building has changed little on the outside – it is listed by English Heritage – but as well as the new lining, the Lido’s ageing filters have been replaced. Other improvements include new paving and benches and ramps for wheelchair users.
The water fountain, a feature whose practical use is to aerate the pool, has had the fences round it taken down and Perspex sheets put up instead, while a small paddling pool for toddlers has been built on the north-west terrace.
Swimmers say other improvements are needed. Heating would attract and keep the doubters.
An inflatable dome would keep the Lido open all year. The Rotunda café, currently deserted, should be handed over to an Italian restaurant, be allowed to serve non-swimmers and open in the evenings.
Imagine chairs on the terraces and the pool lit up, swimmers say. But so far, so good. These are plans for another day. For the swimmers, a 1930s white elephant has become a 21st century leisure attraction.