The water has gone in, the chairs are out and the forecast is looking bright for the opening of Beccles Lido tomorrow.

Staff and volunteers at the outdoor swimming pool in Puddingmoor have spent months carrying out repairs and improvement works.

Last year, more than 42,000 people passed through the turnstiles, and hopes are high that this year could see 50,000 visitors.

Shaun Crowley, chief executive of the lido, said: “There has been year on year increases since community-run charity Beccles Lido Limited took the pool over and re-opened in 2010.

“At one stage last year it looked like 2013’s record number of 46,000 visitors would be beaten, but sadly the poor weather in August put paid to that.”

The charity bought the lido from Waveney District Council and now employs 36 people to run and maintain the pool.

And events at the pool will get off to a flying start this month with the third annual Beccles Triathlon on May 31, organised by the lido, which is also the starting and finishing point for the competitors.

The lido aims to introduce something new each season with previous years seeing the installation of a springboard, slide, all-weather awning and giant inflatable aquarun.

The charity had hoped to install a three-metre diving platform for this season but Mr Crowley said unfortunately the project had been delayed.

He said: “Following a winter-long programme of fundraising, the grants required to build and install the board were thought to have been secured until engineers investigating the foundations recommended that piling would be required.

“This could cost in excess of £10,000 and so further grants are now being sought with the project having to be put back until they are secured.”

Fundraising includes the Beccles Lido Lottery which raises £5,000 each year for the pool, including the provision of new facilities, and organisers are urging people to sign up and stand a chance of winning cash from the £500 prize pot while helping fund the new diving platform.

During recent months, the pool has undergone repairs and refurbishments behind the scenes, including the replacement of one of the four boilers that heats the pool.

The cafe has a new manager this season, but regulars will see many familiar faces among the staff and lifeguards when the pool re-opens at 7.30am tomorrow.

After that, the pool will be open from 7am Monday to Friday and 7.30am on weekends. More information and the full timetable can be found at www.beccleslido.com

Are you holding an event for the summer season? Email lynn.crombie@archant.co.uk or call 01502 712060.