The planned reopening of an Art Deco lido will be delayed as a water leak has been discovered below the ground.

Saltdean Lido typically opens its heated pool from May until September and was due to open on May 1.

Preparations for the opening had been progressing well but a leak discovered by the pool maintenance team from Wave Leisure, Saltdean Lido’s new partners, is likely to delay the opening.

Paul Douglas-Smith, general manager of Saltdean Lido, said: “The pipe work is 1m below the paved area around the pool so the challenge is identifying where to start digging so that we can fix the leak as quickly as possible. We will be using tracing dye and cameras to help us.”

The lido team said a water leak cannot be viewed simply as an expensive inconvenience because allowing chlorinated water to seep into ground is prohibited.

A water leak could also make the pool dangerous for swimmers as it compromises the water quality.

Derek Leaver, Saltdean Lido’s chairman, said: “On one hand, its fortunate that the Wave Team has discovered this now before the pool reopens but obviously it’s extremely disappointing to be forced to delay the new season.

“It’s a shame for everyone, particularly the volunteers, involved in the preparations that have been taking place over the past few weeks but also for all the residents looking forward to being able to swim in the pool from next month.

“It is frustrating that having taken the decision to absorb the increased energy costs and then put an immense amount of effort into recruiting lifeguards that we are prevented from opening because of a leak in a pipe.”

Saltdean Lido’s team will keep people informed of progress on repairs and publish a new opening date on the website and through social media as soon as it can.

In the meantime, poolside entertainment events will continue and more may be scheduled.

Derek said: “We still have a lovely environment and an attractive blue pool with poolside catering and intend to keep the children’s splash pool open for young families.”

It is hoped the delay will be short and the pool will be open before the end of May.