Guildford’s lido is closing for “urgent and major repairs”, which could risk its long-term future if not fixed.

The outdoor pool, in Lido Road, needs work done on a leaking tank, which requires it being completely emptied.

Rumours of the closure began circulating over the weekend on social media, with some users saying they were unable to book for future swims.

Freedom Leisure, which operates the pool, confirmed on Monday the pool would be shut over its winter season, which usually runs until April.

The group said without the works the “longer-term future of Guildford Lido would be compromised” and said the works being done would benefit “more people and the wider Guildford community in years to come”.

A £2 million project was agreed by the council last summer to fix the pool’s “failing drainage”, which also saw the changing rooms replaced at the same time.

Brian Lamplough, Freedom leisure’s area manager, said the planned and necessary repairs would take longer than first anticipated.

He said: “We hope people will see this as another example of both the council and ourselves investing further to enhance the facility and keep it operational and open for the peak spring and summer months.”

Cllr Catherine Houston (Lib Dem, Shalford) said: “Regrettably there are some urgent and major repairs that need to be done on the large tank.

“Without these repairs we risk the 2024 summer season.

“Guildford Borough Council has just invested in wonderful new facilities and our commitment to The Lido and its future is obvious.”

The 1930s pool’s summer season will end on October 1.

Cllr Houston said: “We are so lucky to have this wonderful 1930’s pool in the heart of our town.

“Continuous care and attention to the whole facility is an ongoing job though.

“We fully intend to do as much as we can during this prolonged period of closure to further enhance and improve the whole facility.”