A group of 10 volunteers, including members of the Hilsea Lido Pool For The People group got their hands dirty to clean up the lido and splash pool.
This is the first push for the group in getting the lido ready for its official opening in late July. It comes just in time for the opening of the splash pool this Saturday.
They hope that by cleaning up the under-threat attraction the crowds will come back.
Portsmouth City Council plans to close the lido at the end of August, but the group hopes to raise enough money to register themselves as a charity and take on the running of the pools themselves.
One of the volunteers, Norma Young, who used to bring her children to the lido in the 1960s, said: 'When my children were young they had swimming lessons.
'Over the years it has become neglected so there has been a low attendance so that gave the council grounds for closure.'
Mrs Young, of Mayfield Road, Copnor, had been helping to sweep up the poolside and pull up weeds. She added: 'Unlike a lot of things I can find the energy to help clear up here and help out.'
The group will meet again next Wednesday and hope that more people in the community will help them.
Jane Smith, 60, chairwoman of the pressure group, got stuck in with the clear-up.
'It is hard graft, there's no two ways about it,' she said. 'This sort of work just wasn't done before now which is why it has got to this state. But we need to keep the place nice to attract people to coming here.'
Mrs Smith added: 'Our mission is to keep the lido open and running beyond August 2008. We have raised £2,500 already so we are halfway to registering ourselves as a charity.'
The group have also heard from businesses interested in sponsoring the lido.
Sabrina Richards, vice-chairwoman of group said: 'The real focus is on the main pool as it is suitable for everyone of all ages, the whole family can come.'