TEIGNMOUTH’S open air Lido pool will be officially opened tomorrow.

Newly elected chairman of Teignbridge District Council Cllr Chris Clarance will perform the opening after the 25m heated pool underwent an £800,000 decarbonisation scheme.

Now open to the public after three years due to Covid restrictions and delays in the upgrading work, swimmers were able to take the plunge from Saturday. 

The work was undertaken to reduce the pool’s carbon footprint, cut running costs and make it financially and environmentally sustainable.

A spokesperson for Teignbridge Council, which runs the pool, said: ‘The Lido has been busy over the Bank Holiday weekend with visitors really enjoying swimming in warm water in the fresh air.’

A few minor teething problems were reported over the weekend including issues with the showers and toilets.

But the spokesman explained: ‘We are sorry that some toilets were not flushing properly on Saturday but the fault was identified and fixed by Sunday.  

‘For a short period on Tuesday, the showers were not as hot as they should have been but again this was swiftly fixed.’

Teignbridge Council’s executive member for sport, recreation and wellbeing, Cllr John Nutley spent considerable time at the Lido on Saturday and was delighted by the number of customers who came through the doors.   

He said: ‘Despite these teething problems, everyone looked like they were having a really good time and it was great to see the pool bustling with people, young and old, enjoying themselves.

‘Our staff did a great job making sure everyone was safe and they received many positive comments from customers.’ 

Town district and county councillor David Cox said: ‘When a third of all Council pools are closed because of energy costs, it’s great to have a ‘decarbonised’ pool.’

A new team of staff from Teignbridge Leisure have been recruited to run the Eastcliff Walk pool, which first opened in 1976. 

It suffered various setbacks since the Covid pandemic.

The work had been due to be completed in time for the school holidays last year but instability issues with the foundations of the solar pergola foundation and problems with material supply extended the construction time.

One of the swimmers who took the plunge on the first day, Sandie East said: ‘I went on Saturday, weather fabulous and it was great to have it open again.’