From October Petersfield Lido moves into its cool water season, with the pool temperature dropping to 18°C.

If you’ve loved swimming with us through the summer, we invite you to keep going. Cooler water brings a different experience to outdoor swimming: bracing, invigorating and a wonderful reason to keep getting outside as the seasons change.

And you don’t have to be an experienced cooler-water swimmer to join us.

New to cooler water? Start here.

If 18°C feels like a big step, our cooler-water familiarisation sessions are designed to help you make the transition safely and confidently.

Join our Assistant Manager Edurne to learn how to approach cooler water, what to bring and how to make your first cooler swim an enjoyable one.

Swim, sauna or both

There’s more than one way to enjoy the Lido as the temperature drops.

Book our poolside sauna, enjoy a cooler swim, or try one of our 55-minute Sauna Contrast Therapy sessions, moving between the heat of the sauna and cooler water at your own pace, with pool access included.

  • 55 minutes
  • Over 16s £14 (online price) £15 (pool price)

Make it a habit

Our membership passes help you make the most of your time at the pool. If you’re a regular swimmer or love the new sauna, becoming a member is the best way to visit when you want at the best price.

Members benefit from priority booking to swim when it suits them.

We have a range of membership options, including a Pay Monthly membership for swim and sauna.

Your Lido all year round.

Cool water season isn’t about enduring colder water. It’s about discovering a different side of outdoor swimming and finding out that the end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of your time at the Lido.

Come and discover what cool water season at Petersfield Lido can feel like.

Join us for cool water season.

Frequently asked questions

It will feel different, but that’s the point of cool water swimming. You don’t need to think of yourself as a cold-water swimmer. We want to help people who already love swimming at the Lido discover what it feels like when the water gets a little cooler.

Absolutely. That’s what our familiarisation sessions are for. Tom and the Lido team will talk you through what to expect, what to bring and how to get started, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

No, a wetsuit isn’t compulsory, but you’re very welcome to wear one. Some swimmers find a wetsuit or rash vest helps them stay warmer and enjoy a longer swim.

If you need any kit, Lido swimmers can also get 20% off at ZONE3 using the code PETERSFIELDLIDO.

Your usual swimming kit: swimsuit, towel and, if you use them, a swimming hat and goggles. We’d also recommend non-slip footwear and plenty of warm layers to put on afterwards.

There isn’t a magic number. The important thing is to listen to your body and get used to cooler water gradually.

Yes. The pool is still heated, we maintain the water temperature at 18°C throughout the cool water season

Hopefully, you keep swimming! The end of the summer season doesn’t have to mean the end of your time at the Lido. Cool October is our invitation to keep going and discover a different side of outdoor swimming.

From October, we’ll also be offering 55-minute Contrast Therapy sessions, giving you the chance to move between the heat of the sauna and cooler water at your own pace. Pool access is included.

Not at all. The cold plunge is there if you want to use it, but it isn’t compulsory. You can also cool down in the open air, shower or pool if you have a swim or Contrast Therapy (hot and cold) session booked.