The Hinksey Heated Outdoor Pool is back up and running after bad weather delayed improvement works.

The pool was relined as part of the city council's £132,000 upgrade and it had been due to reopen at the end of April.

People were finally able to enjoy the facility again as it reopened on Monday morning. 

England experienced the wettest March in over 40 years, and this hampered the work’s progress.

READ MORE: Oxford's Hinksey Outdoor Pool reopening delayed by wet weather

Oxford Mail: Councillors take a morning dipCouncillors take a morning dip (Image: Linda Smith)

With the hottest day of the year falling on Saturday, it is likely that many will be relieved the pool has reopened in time for some warm weather again this week.

READ MORE: Met Office forecasts soaring temperatures for this week

City councillor Linda Smith, who went down to the pool along with other councillors for its opening, said: “It was fabulous to be amongst the first to swim in Hinksey Pool this season.

“Hinksey Pool is so well loved and such a fantastic amenity during the summer months.

“I’m really pleased with the investment Oxford City Council has made in the pool, the new pool lining and environmentally friendly water source heat pump.”

READ MORE: Oxford LTNs: Why 45 seconds is a delay 'we cannot afford'

Ms Smith said this pump would mean the pool could continue “bringing joy to local residents of all ages for years to come.”

She also encouraged all children under 17 with an Oxford postcode to make use of the free swimming scheme, which the council funds.

City councillor Mike Rowley said: "I love Hinksey Pool and always make sure that I'm there at 7am on the first day- usually the start of May but it was worth the wait.

"I'm so pleased our investment in a heat pump and new lining will mean we can keep the pool for future generations."

It was only possible to start relining the pool after the worst of the winter weather had passed, as temperatures above 10C were needed.

Last year, the pool opened slightly earlier on May 12.

The upgrade was overseen by Fusion Lifestyle, which manages the pool on behalf of the council.

Chief executive of Fusion Lifestyle, Anthony Cawley, previously said: “We would like to thank Oxford City Council for funding the replacement liner at Hinksey Outdoor Pool.

“This will ensure it is ready for everyone to enjoy both in 2023 and beyond.”

It comes after the condition of the play surface and fountains at the Hinksey Splash Park had been deemed unsafe for children to use by the city council which had delayed the reopening.