HIDE Manhole Covers
Description
Conceal large exterior service access openings without compromising the surrounding finish. HIDE Manhole Covers are large, flush-fitting removable covers designed for access points that may require full-person entry for inspection or maintenance.
Available in 506 × 506 mm and 656 × 656 mm sizes, the 316L stainless steel lid and frame system supports your chosen tile, stone, paver or other securely bonded exterior inlay. This allows the surrounding surface pattern to continue through the cover for a discreet, level finish.
The cover is removed using the supplied lifting keys, providing practical access to underground tanks, sewer inspection points, equipment chambers and other exterior services.
Key benefits
- Conceals large exterior service openings
- Supports full-person service access
- Seamless inlay finish
- Flush, level installation
- Strong edge protection and inlay support
- Durable 316L stainless steel construction
- Suitable for pedestrian traffic
- 10-year warranty
- Made in Australia
Availability: Options shown in grey are not currently stocked as standard products in Europe and cannot be selected. Please contact HIDE to enquire about availability. Your enquiry will also help guide future European stock.
Do not imply vehicle loading. These are for pedestrian traffic only.
Click for more about HIDE manhole covers.
Care Guide
Maintenance is required.
Regular Cleaning: Clean and rinse the stainless steel parts with clean, fresh water frequently to remove debris and reduce the effects of pool chemicals.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach or acidic cleaners, as they can damage the protective layer of stainless steel, leading to 'tea staining'.
Read more on the Maintenance page
Manhole Covers
Engineered for Full Bodily Access
HIDE Manhole Covers are precision-crafted to accommodate full-person entry for inspection and maintenance tasks. Fabricated from marine-grade 316 stainless steel, these robust external covers deliver secure, concealed access to large service zones — from drainage to equipment housing — without compromising the surface finish. Available in 506mm and 656mm square formats, each unit is designed for 20mm or 30mm stone inlays, ensuring seamless integration with surrounding hardscapes.
Easy, Concealed Entry
Designed for Seamless Functionality
Whether you're accessing water pumps, swim jets, or utility services, HIDE Manhole Covers make it easy. Their generous opening dimensions ensure unobstructed access for pedestrian maintenance needs, while the sleek flush-fitting design maintains the visual integrity of surrounding surfaces. From private residences to public courtyards, they’re engineered to serve without being seen — marrying durability with discreet practicality.
Room for Real Work
Built for Maintenance Access and Efficiency
Service personnel need more than a small hatch — they need space to move. The HIDE 656mm Manhole Cover delivers that space. Designed with functionality in mind, it allows maintenance teams to access critical infrastructure safely and efficiently. Ideal for areas housing filtration systems, pumps, or inspection zones, this cover is your assurance of compliant, clear, and convenient entry points.
Image credit: SPECK Badu Swimjet system
Product features and benefits
Every Detail Considered
- Crafted from marine-grade 316 stainless steel
- 10-year warranty for peace of mind
- Select your own inlay up to 30mm thick
- Available in 506mm & 656mm sizes (20mm & 30mm depths)
- Thicker stone? Simply shave the underside to fit 30mm
- Suitable for new builds or retrofit into existing landscapes
- On-site inlay install ensures perfect tile pattern alignment
- Achieves a flush finish — no trip or slip hazards
Cross-sectional view
A) Product Order Code
The product order code of a HIDE Kit represents the product, size and depth. For instance, the HSL306-10 is a HIDE Skimmer Lid, 306mm square and suits infill materials 8mm to 12mm in thickness. (10mm nominal)
B) Material Depth
Choosing the right HIDE Kit starts with knowing the depth of your chosen material to be infilled into the cover.
From the Material Depth column (B), choose a HIDE Kit that will suit the thickness of your material.
C) Infill Cover Size
The HIDE Infill Cover securely holds your chosen surface material for a seamless finish. It lifts easily to provide discreet access to the concealed service points. See the installation instructions for more technical detail.
D) Infill Cover Internal Depth
This measurement indicates the maximum infill cover depth for this kit. Add together the thickness of your chosen surface material and the adhesive (up to 3 mm) to ensure they fit within this depth, allowing the cover to sit perfectly flush (as per installation instructions). The kit includes adhesive and an optional 2 mm acrylic height adjuster, which can be used to fill any excess void between the infill material, adhesive, and the base of the cover.
E) Frame Size
The Frame Size (E) refers to the overall external dimensions of the frame, which determine the total footprint of the kit. This measurement is used to calculate the required recess size in the surrounding surface. Note: Leave a 1-2 mm expansion gap around the frame, filled with flexible filler, to allow for seasonal expansion.
F) Frame External Depth
The frame’s External Depth is greater than that of the infill cover. This extra depth means the bedding or substrate beneath the frame must be recessed during installation to accommodate the frame’s profile. Correct preparation ensures the frame sits flush with the surrounding surface, providing a precise fit and maintaining the overall seamless finish of the HIDE Cover.
G) Frame Access Opening
The Access Opening is the clear opening within the frame that allows the skimmer basket and other components to pass through freely when the Infill Cover is removed. When selecting the correct kit, consider this dimension alongside the depth to ensure suitability.
H) Electrical Compliance
Conductive components near pools
Stainless steel components (e.g., HIDE Edge Protector and tray) are conductive. Local regulations in many European countries require supplementary equipotential bonding of fixed metal parts within the pool safety zones. Where required, the Edge Protector includes a bonding/earthing hole to accept a licensed electrician’s bonding connection.
Important: Requirements vary by country and installation. HIDE does not provide earthing/bonding design. Consult a licensed electrician to assess local code obligations and complete any bonding.
Manhole Cover Kits - Dimensions
506 mm
| Hide Kit | Material Depth | Infill Cover | Frame | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Order Code | mm | Size | Internal Depth | Size | External Depth | Access Opening |
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
| HAC506-20 | 15 - 22 mm | 500 x 500 mm | 23 mm | 506 x 506 mm | 33 mm | 452 x 452 mm |
| HAC506-30 | 25 - 32 mm | 500 x 500 mm | 33 mm | 506 x 506 mm | 43 mm | 452 x 452 mm |
656 mm
| Hide Kit | Material Depth | Infill Cover | Frame | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Order Code | mm | Size | Internal Depth | Size | External Depth | Access Opening |
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
| HAC656-20 | 15 - 22 mm | 650 x 650 mm | 23 mm | 656 x 656 mm | 33 mm | 602 x 602 mm |
| HAC656-30 | 25 - 32 mm | 650 x 650 mm | 33 mm | 656 x 656 mm | 43 mm | 602 x 602 mm |
Maximum Utility, Minimal Disruption
Large Covers for Large Jobs
HIDE Manhole Covers are purpose-built to accommodate a wide range of access requirements — all while preserving the finish of your architectural design. Their substantial opening sizes offer flexibility for various applications, from commercial landscaping to high-spec residential installations. Pedestrian-rated and retrofit-friendly, they strike the ideal balance between practicality and aesthetic cohesion.
Learn more
Technical Information
Find out more about Installation, Safety, and Electrical compliance guidelines for your HIDE Utility Cover.
Use & Safe Operation
Learn more about how to safely open, close and lift your HIDE Utility Cover. Also routine maintenance tips.
Questions and Answers
Are HIDE Manhole Covers suitable for vehicle traffic?
No. HIDE Manhole Covers are designed for pedestrian applications only.
They must not be installed in driveways, roads, car parks or other areas exposed to vehicle loads.
Why aren’t HIDE Manhole Covers available in greater depths?
Because of their large size, deeper Manhole Covers would hold more inlay material and become significantly heavier.
Limiting the depth helps keep the finished lid at a practical weight for safer lifting and future access.
Are HIDE Manhole Covers large enough for a person to access the services below?
Yes. Depending on the selected size and the clear opening created during installation, a HIDE Manhole Cover can provide access large enough for a person to reach or enter the service area below.
The opening, supporting structure and access requirements must be confirmed before installation.
What is a HIDE Manhole Cover?
A HIDE Manhole Cover is a large-format inlay cover designed to conceal substantial service openings while maintaining access to underfloor or underground services.
Tile, stone or paving is installed into the stainless steel lid, allowing the access point to blend with the surrounding surface.
What sizes are available?
HIDE Manhole Covers are available in two square sizes:
- 506 × 506 mm
- 656 × 656 mm
These larger formats provide generous access for inspection, maintenance and servicing below the finished surface.
How do I choose between the 506 mm and 656 mm Manhole Cover?
Choose the size according to:
- The clear access opening required
- The size of the service area below
- The equipment that may need to pass through the opening
- The available supporting structure
- The finished weight of the lid
- The surrounding surface layout
Review the relevant technical drawing and confirm the required access with the project designer or contractor before ordering.
