A HIDE Cover is a premium 316L stainless steel inlay cover system designed to conceal skimmer boxes, drains and below-ground access points within pool surrounds and landscaped areas.

The removable lid is filled onsite with a matching surface material, such as tile, stone, paving, concrete, decking or artificial grass. This allows the cover to sit flush with the surrounding surface and create a discreet, seamless finish.

The HIDE Edge Protector frames the opening and helps protect the surrounding surface from chipping when the lid is removed or replaced. Access remains secure and child-resistant, with the Cover opened using the purpose-designed HIDE Safety Key.

You can inlay almost any surface material into a HIDE Cover such as stone, tile, pavers, decking, artificial grass, or wet-pour concrete for a seamless finish. Choose a HIDE kit depth that is suited to your infill material thickness. Depth options typically range from 8 mm up to ~62 mm (see the installation instructions).

HIDE Covers are designed to conceal below-ground service points, including skimmer boxes, drains, inspection openings and general access points. They are ideal for use around pools, patios, pathways and landscaped areas where a discreet, flush finish is preferred.

By replacing raised or highly visible lids, HIDE Covers help create a cleaner appearance and reduce potential trip hazards. They are suitable for pedestrian traffic only and are not rated for vehicles.

Yes. HIDE Access Covers, Drain Covers and Manhole Covers may be suitable for commercial pedestrian areas, including hotels, resorts, apartment developments, hospitality venues, commercial pool surrounds, courtyards, rooftop terraces and landscaped walkways.

The inlay system allows the surrounding tile, stone, paving, concrete, decking or artificial grass finish to continue across the access point, creating a discreet and consistent appearance.

Suitability should be assessed for each commercial project. HIDE Covers are designed for pedestrian traffic only and must not be installed where they may be exposed to vehicles or loads beyond their intended use.

Before specifying a HIDE Cover, the project designer, specifier or contractor should confirm the required cover size, frame support, clear access opening, inlay material, drainage requirements, anticipated foot traffic and applicable local regulations.

No. The inlay material is supplied separately, allowing you to match the HIDE Cover with the surrounding tile, stone, paver, decking, concrete or artificial grass.

Each HIDE kit includes the inlay Lid, Edge Protector, Safety Key, Height Adjuster and adhesive. Your chosen surface material is then installed into the lid onsite.

Yes. A HIDE Cover can be retrofitted to replace an existing plastic skimmer box lid, access cover or drain grate, or installed as part of a new pool or landscaping project.

For retrofit installations, the existing plastic lid is removed and the HIDE inlay cover system is fitted over the service opening. Some bedding or surrounding material may need to be removed to accommodate the additional depth of the HIDE Edge Protector and ensure the finished cover sits flush with the surrounding tile, stone, paving or landscape surface.

Refer to the cross-section diagrams and installation information on each product page in the HIDE Europe Shop to confirm sizing and installation requirements.

Correct preparation is essential to ensure your HIDE Cover sits flush with the surrounding tile, stone or paving.

1. Check the required recess depth
   The HIDE Edge Protector extends deeper than the inlay lid. For example, a HIDE-30 lid is approximately 33 mm deep, while the Edge Protector is approximately 43 mm deep. Ensure the recess can accommodate the full depth of both components.
2. Install the Edge Protector flush
   Allow sufficient space within the bedding material so the top of the Edge Protector finishes level with the surrounding surface. This creates a smooth, seamless result and helps reduce potential trip hazards.
3. Allow for movement
   Leave approximately 1 mm of clearance around each side of the Edge Protector. Fill this perimeter gap with a suitable flexible sealant to accommodate seasonal movement and help protect the surrounding paving.

Always refer to the product-specific cross-section drawings and installation instructions before installing your HIDE skimmer cover, access cover or drain cover.

Yes. Although HIDE Covers are square, they may be installed over round, rectangular or irregular service openings.

The HIDE Cover must completely bridge the clear opening and be securely supported by the surrounding substrate. The remaining access opening must also be large enough to remove skimmer baskets, inspection caps or other equipment below.

Before ordering, compare the clear opening with the access-opening dimension shown in the relevant product sizing table.

This is a particularly useful SEO question because customers often search for solutions based on the shape of their existing skimmer box or service opening.

All HIDE products use the same flush-fitting inlay cover principle, but each product category is designed for a different application.

• Skimmer Covers conceal swimming pool skimmer boxes.
• Access Covers conceal smaller inspection openings, valves, plumbing connections and other exterior service points.
• Drain Covers conceal drainage openings while allowing surface water to enter through a perimeter drainage gap.
• Manhole Covers provide larger-format access to underground or underfloor service areas.

Choosing the correct cover depends on the service point below, the required clear opening, drainage requirements and the thickness of your chosen inlay material.

Yes. Select a concrete-compatible HIDE Cover with a 40 mm inlay depth.

HIDE Concrete Covers are available for selected skimmer, access and drainage applications. The concrete is poured and finished inside the removable lid at the same time as the surrounding surface, helping achieve a consistent colour and texture.

Suitable finishes may include standard concrete, honed concrete and exposed aggregate. Installation should be completed by an experienced concrete contractor, and acid must not be used to expose or clean the aggregate.

A standard HIDE kit includes the 316L stainless steel inlay lid, Edge Protector, HIDE Safety Key, 2 mm Height Adjuster and purpose-formulated adhesive.

Your chosen tile, stone, paver, decking, artificial grass or other surface material is supplied separately and installed into the lid onsite.

Concrete-compatible kits also include the components required to form the Safety Key openings and secure wet-pour concrete within the lid.

HIDE Covers should be installed by an experienced contractor familiar with the surrounding surface material and the service point below.

Depending on the project, installation may involve a pool builder, landscaper, tiler, paver, concrete contractor or other qualified tradesperson. Any required electrical bonding or earthing must be assessed and completed by a qualified electrician in accordance with local regulations.

Always review the applicable product dimensions, cross-section drawings and installation instructions before ordering or installing a HIDE Cover.

Insert the correct HIDE Safety Key into the keyway and use it only to release and slightly raise the lid. Once raised, remove the lid carefully with both hands.

The Safety Key is not designed to carry the full weight of the lid. Never carry the cover using the key, leave the key inserted or allow children to open or handle the cover.

Larger or heavier covers may require two adults to lift them safely.

Replacement HIDE Safety Keys are available through the HIDE Shop or your original product supplier.

Select the replacement key that suits the depth of your HIDE Cover. If a Safety Key has broken and you believe it is covered under warranty, retain the damaged key and provide proof of purchase when contacting the original supplier or HIDE.

Always store the Safety Key securely and away from children when it is not being used.

No. HIDE Covers are designed for exterior access points and pool surrounds but are not watertight and must not be permanently submerged.

Water may pass through the small clearances around an Access Cover. HIDE Drain Covers are specifically designed with a wider perimeter gap to allow surface water to enter the drainage system below.

The service point, drainage requirements and suitability of the installation must be assessed before selecting a cover.

No. HIDE Covers are designed for pedestrian areas only.

They are suitable for applications such as pool surrounds, patios, terraces, pathways and landscaped areas. They must not be installed in driveways, roads, car parks or other locations exposed to vehicle traffic or excessive loads.

When correctly installed, a HIDE Cover sits flush with the surrounding surface, helping to eliminate raised edges that could create a trip hazard.

The slip resistance of the finished cover is primarily determined by the tile, stone, paver, concrete or decking installed inside the lid. The chosen inlay material should be suitable for the location and meet any applicable local slip-resistance requirements.

This wording is important because HIDE supplies the supporting cover system, while the exposed walking surface is selected and installed onsite.

Yes. HIDE Skimmer Covers are designed to improve safety around swimming pools by creating a secure, flush-fitting cover without exposed handles or raised edges.

The Lid can only be removed using the purpose-designed HIDE Safety Key, helping to restrict access by young children while still allowing convenient access for pool cleaning and maintenance.

The stainless steel inlay lid supports and protects the surrounding tile, stone, paver or decking material, helping to reduce the risk of unsupported materials cracking underfoot. When correctly installed, the Cover sits level with the pool surround to create a clean finish and help minimise potential trip hazards.

HIDE Covers must always be selected and installed in accordance with the applicable local pool-safety, construction and electrical requirements.

HIDE stainless steel covers are conductive and may require electrical bonding or earthing, depending on local regulations and the location of the installation.

The stainless steel Edge Protector includes a pre-drilled bonding point, allowing a qualified electrician to connect the system where required. Electrical requirements can vary between countries and individual pool installations, so always consult a licensed electrician and follow the applicable local electrical and swimming pool regulations before installation.

Yes. HIDE Covers are manufactured from marine-grade 316L stainless steel and are designed for outdoor and swimming pool environments, including areas exposed to salt and chlorine.

Regular cleaning is still required. Rinse the stainless steel components frequently with clean, fresh water to remove salt, chlorine, mineral deposits and other contaminants. Do not expose the stainless steel to acid washes, bleach, concentrated chlorine or harsh chemical cleaners.

Standard HIDE Covers are manufactured from premium marine-grade 316L stainless steel, selected for its strength, durability and resistance to corrosion in outdoor and swimming pool environments.

HIDE stainless steel kits include a 10-year warranty covering the inlay lid, Edge Protector and Safety Key, subject to the product warranty terms and recommended care and maintenance requirements.

This durable construction makes HIDE Skimmer Covers, Access Covers and Drain Covers suitable for long-term use in pool surrounds, patios, pathways and landscaped areas. Read more here

Regular cleaning will help maintain the appearance and performance of your HIDE stainless steel cover.

Wash the Lid, Edge Protector and Safety Key with fresh water and mild soapy water. For stubborn marks, use a nylon scourer and always clean in the direction of the stainless steel grain. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after cleaning.

Avoid acidic cleaners, harsh chemicals and concentrated chlorine, as these may stain or damage the stainless steel. When cleaning surrounding tiles, stone or paving, use a suitable non-acidic or green acid alternative and prevent cleaning products from pooling on the HIDE Cover.

Regularly remove dirt, leaves and other debris from inside the Edge Protector so the Lid remains correctly aligned and sits evenly within the frame. Wipe away salt, mineral deposits and other foreign materials promptly to help preserve the finish of your HIDE Skimmer Cover, Access Cover or Drain Cover. Learn more here

How do I know what size kit to purchase?

1. Confirm the Cover type. Decide whether you need a Skimmer Lid, Access Cover or Drain Cover first.
   
2. Measure the clear opening (aperture). This is the underside opening the lid must bridge. Match it to the “G” column in our size chart (e.g. 252 mm opening ⇒ 306 mm kit; 288 mm ⇒ 342 mm kit).
   
3. Measure your inlay thickness. Find the thickness of your tile, stone, paver, decking or concrete topping.
   
4. With these considerations, use the tables to choose the kit that suits your needs. These tables can be found on the product pages—Skimmer Lids, Drain Covers and Access Covers, etc.
   

The HIDE website displays our complete range of Skimmer Covers, Access Covers, Drain Covers and related products. However, not every product, size or depth is currently stocked in Europe.

As we continue to expand HIDE’s European distribution network, our regional warehouse is initially carrying the sizes and depths expected to be in greatest demand. Additional HIDE products will be introduced over time in response to customer and industry requirements.

If the product or size you need is not currently available, please contact us. Your enquiry helps us understand local demand and plan future stock for the European market.

Yes, we ship all over the world. Shipping costs will apply, and will be added at checkout.

Once your order is placed, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know that our fulfillment team has received your order. Once your order is fulfilled, you will receive an email notification with your tracking information. Shipping fees are non-refundable in the case of returns.

Orders that have not yet been dispatched may be cancelled by contacting HIDE as soon as possible.

Return rights and procedures depend on whether the product was purchased directly from hidecovers.com or through an authorised distributor. Website customers must contact HIDE before returning an item and obtain return authorisation. Products purchased through a distributor or reseller must be returned through the original place of purchase.

Refer to the HIDE Returns and Refunds Policy for eligibility requirements, applicable timeframes, return costs and consumer withdrawal rights.

Do not install or modify an item that appears damaged, incomplete or incorrectly supplied.

For orders placed through HIDECovers.com, contact HIDE promptly and provide your order number, a description of the issue, photographs of the product and photographs of the packaging.

For products purchased through an authorised distributor or reseller, contact the original place of purchase first so they can arrange the appropriate resolution.

For deliveries within the European Union, applicable VAT is calculated according to the delivery location and displayed during checkout.

Orders sent to non-EU destinations, including Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein, may be subject to import duties, local taxes, customs charges or carrier handling fees. Unless these charges are expressly included at checkout, they are the responsibility of the recipient.

Orders placed directly through HIDECovers.com are dispatched from HIDE’s European fulfilment warehouse in Bremen, Germany.

Orders are generally processed and dispatched within 1–2 business days, subject to stock availability, public holidays, warehouse capacity and carrier collection times. Tracking details are provided by email after dispatch where tracking is available.

Orders purchased through an authorised distributor or reseller are dispatched according to that seller’s delivery arrangements.