HILSEA LIDO

Project Summary

Hilsea Lido is a community open-air swimming facility serving Portsmouth and the surrounding area. The pool shell — comprising concrete walls, floor slab, entry ramps and curved transitions — had been subject to a programme of concrete repair works prior to MPS's engagement.

MPS was brought in to apply a full waterproof protective coating system to all internal surfaces following completion of those repairs, restoring the pool to operational condition ahead of its forthcoming season.

Scope of Works

MPS's scope covered the full internal surface area of the pool: walls, floor slab, access ramps and curved transitions. Works comprised surface preparation of the repaired substrate, application of a multi-coat Sika waterproof pool coating system in white and blue, and the reinstatement of lane markings in black to the specified configuration.

Surface Preparation and White Base Coat

All surfaces were thoroughly cleaned ahead of coating. The floor slab received a Sika sand-modified primer coat to ensure adequate adhesion to the substrate. Pool walls, ramps and curved sections received a Sika white waterproof pool coating applied in two passes to achieve consistent coverage across the full internal surface area.

Blue Overcoat and Lane Line Reinstatement

The Sika blue waterproof pool coating was applied across all internal surfaces in a defined sequence — walls first, followed by the floor slab, ramps and curved transitions. Multiple passes were used to achieve uniform coating thickness throughout. Lane lines were taped to position prior to final coat application, ensuring clean, accurate markings across the full pool length.

Completion

Works were completed in January 2026, with the pool structure fully coated across all internal surfaces — floor slab, walls, access ramps and curved transitions. The completed system presents a consistent waterproof finish across the entire pool shell, with lane markings reinstated to the required configuration. The pool was handed back to Hilsea Lido ready for the forthcoming season.