Warranty

Introduction & Statutory Rights

You have purchased a quality product from Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd (ABN 52 169 398 636), the manufacturer of HIDE Access Covers. This Product Quality Guarantee (“Warranty”) offers you additional protection beyond your standard legal rights. All consumer products sold in the European Union come with a mandatory legal guarantee of at least two (2) years from the date of delivery.

This means that under EU law, you are entitled to have faulty goods repaired or replaced free of charge, or to receive a refund if repair/replacement is not possible within a reasonable time.

Nothing in this Warranty limits or replaces any rights you have under European consumer protection laws – any benefits provided by this Warranty are in addition to your statutory rights, not instead of them.

Quality Guarantee: Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd guarantees that its HIDE Access Cover products:

• Are of Acceptable Quality and Fit for Purpose – The product will be of durable and safe quality, commensurate with its price and description, and suitable for the purpose for which products of this type are commonly used, as well as any specific purpose made known to us. It will conform to the descriptions and specifications provided on our websites, brochures, and instructions at the time of purchase.
• Correspond to Description and Samples – Any sample or display model you’ve seen represents the typical quality and appearance of the product you will receive, with no significant variation (aside from allowable differences in natural materials or finishes).
• Are Free from Defects – The product is free from manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship that would affect its normal use, for the duration of the Warranty Period defined below. If any defect in materials or workmanship arises during normal proper use within the Warranty Period, Skimmer Lids will provide a remedy as described in this Warranty.

These assurances are provided in line with your rights under the EU Sale of Goods Directive, which require goods to conform with the contract of sale in terms of quality, functionality, and durability.

Warranty Period and Coverage

This commercial Warranty provided by Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd applies for a period well beyond the minimum legal guarantee:

HIDE 316 Stainless Steel components (such as Inlay Lids, Edge Protectors, and Safety Keys): 10 years from the date of purchase.

The Warranty Period begins on the date of purchase (as shown on your purchase invoice or receipt). Please retain your proof of purchase and this document for your records, as they will be required for any warranty claim.

This Warranty applies only to new, genuine Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd products purchased from an authorised dealer, distributor or from this website www.hidecovers.com, and only to the original purchaser (it is not transferable to subsequent owners without our consent). If the product was provided as new at the time of sale and correctly installed, it will be covered by this Warranty.

During the Warranty Period, if the product fails to meet the guaranteed standards of quality and performance under normal use and proper installation, Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd will repair the product or replace it with the same or equivalent product, at no cost to you, in accordance with the terms of this Warranty. Repair may include the use of new or refurbished parts that are equivalent in functionality and performance. Replacement may be with a new or reconditioned unit of the same model or a model with equivalent features. If repair or replacement is impossible or disproportionate, or cannot be provided within a reasonable time, we will offer you an appropriate refund of the purchase price, in line with your legal rights.

Note: Within the first two (2) years from delivery, which is the EU statutory guarantee period, all such remedies (repair, replacement, or refund) will be provided completely free of charge, including any costs of disassembly, transport, labor, or reinstallation that are necessary to carry out the remedy.

For claims made after the initial two-year statutory period (if the commercial Warranty extends beyond that time), Skimmer Lids may require the customer to cover certain costs such as shipping the product for service or the labor to remove/re-install, as permitted by law. We will inform you of any such costs in advance. (In all cases, the actual repair or replacement of the defective product itself remains free of charge under this Warranty; only ancillary service costs outside the statutory period might be charged, if applicable.)

Conditions for Warranty Validity

To ensure your Warranty remains valid, please note the following proper use and maintenance requirements. Failure to meet these conditions may result in the Warranty being void or a claim being denied (if the issue is a result of misuse or improper care rather than a product defect):

Professional Installation: The product must be installed correctly by a suitably qualified and licensed contractor, following all official installation instructions provided (e.g., a licensed pool builder or tiler should install a skimmer cover in accordance with the HIDE installation guide). Products not installed per our guidelines or installed by unqualified persons may experience issues that are not due to a product defect, and such issues are not covered by the Warranty.

• Follow Installation & Use Instructions: The product must be used and maintained in accordance with the Home Owners Manual and any guidelines provided by Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd (either included with the product or available on our websites). This includes using only the recommended adhesives or materials during installation, and adhering to any specified weight limits or usage instructions. Normal residential use is expected; any use of the product outside the scope of its intended purpose must be approved in writing by Skimmer Lids, or it may void the Warranty.
  
  
• Safety and Usage: HIDE Access Covers are designed for adult operation only. The included Safety Key (the tool used to open the lid) must be used correctly and safely at all times. The Safety Key should always be kept out of reach of children and stored in a secure, childproof location when not in use.
  DO NOT leave the Safety Key in the cover’s keyhole; it is not designed to remain in the lid permanently. Only the designated Safety Key (or authorized replacement from Skimmer Lids) should be used to open the cover. Using improvised tools or methods (such as screwdrivers, hooks, etc.) to open the lid can damage the product and will void the Warranty. Likewise, never use the Safety Key or lid improperly (for example, DO NOT use the Safety Key as a lever to carry or lift the entire weight of the lid off the ground). Such misuse can bend or break the key or lid and is not a manufacturing defect.

• Regular Care and Maintenance: Perform any basic maintenance as advised in the Home Owners Manual and on our website. This includes periodic cleaning and inspection of the stainless steel components (e.g., rinsing off pool chemicals or salt residues, lubricating moving parts if instructed, etc.). Occasional “tea staining” or surface discoloration on stainless steel can occur if not cleaned – this is usually cosmetic. Cleaning the product and avoiding harsh chemicals will help maintain its appearance and functionality. DO NOT expose the product to acids or harsh chemical washes (for example, acid washing a pool or patio while the cover is in place, or using corrosive cleaners on or near the lid) unless the product is protected or removed, as such chemicals can damage stainless steel or other components. Damage resulting from improper maintenance or care (or from ignoring the care instructions) will not be covered by the Warranty.

By following the above guidelines for installation, usage, and maintenance, you ensure that any problem that arises is more likely due to a genuine defect and therefore covered. If a failure to meet these conditions directly causes or contributes to a problem with the product, Skimmer Lids may not be responsible for remedying that problem under this Warranty. (However, non-compliance with these conditions will not reduce your statutory rights unless the issue is genuinely caused by misuse. For example, damage from an acid wash is not a "defect" in the product, so it wouldn’t be covered by any guarantee.)

What Is Covered by the Warranty

This Warranty covers any faults in the product’s materials or workmanship that manifest during normal use within the Warranty Period. “Normal use” means use of the access cover in a domestic outdoor setting for the purpose of covering a pool skimmer box or similar access point, in accordance with the product’s intended function and the instructions given. In summary, the Warranty covers:

1. Defective Materials or Assembly: If any component of the HIDE Access Cover (the Inlay Lid, Edge Protector, Safety Key, or other included parts) has a manufacturing defect or fails under normal intended use due to poor workmanship or faulty material, it is covered. For example, if a weld joint on the stainless steel frame fails, or the handle mechanism does not perform as it should due to a manufacturing issue, these would be covered issues.
   
2. Repair or Replacement of Defective Parts: Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd will decide, in consultation with you if needed, whether a reported issue is due to a manufacturing defect in materials or workmanship. If so, we will arrange for repair or replacement of the defective part or the whole unit as necessary. Replacement parts or products will be new or equivalent to new in performance. The aim is to restore your product to proper working condition at no charge. This Warranty is applicable only to the repair or replacement of the original product (and any components supplied with it); it does not cover upgrading to newer models.
   
3. Duration of Coverage: If a part is repaired or replaced under this Warranty, the Warranty continues to apply to the original product for the remainder of the original Warranty Period. (Repair or replacement does not restart the 10-year or 5-year period anew; it continues from the original purchase date as per EU rules on commercial guarantees.) However, please note that your statutory right to a remedy for a defect can, in some jurisdictions, extend or have certain suspensions – for instance, the period during which the product was being repaired may not count against the legal guarantee duration. We will always comply with such laws to ensure you receive the full benefit of your rights.

What Is Not Covered (Exclusions)

This Warranty is intended to cover manufacturing defects or failures arising from normal, intended use of the product. It does not cover other issues or damage that result from external causes, misuse, or conditions not related to a defect in manufacture. Specifically, the Warranty will not cover:

1. Improper Installation or Modification: Any damage or failure caused by incorrect installation, inadequate support, or installation not in accordance with our guidelines. This includes scenarios such as wrong use of adhesives, incorrect leveling or positioning, or modification of the product (e.g., cutting, drilling, or altering the lid or frame without Skimmer Lids’ approval). If the product has been dismantled, repaired, or modified by a non-authorised person or contractor (other than normal use of the removable lid with its key), any resulting damage or defects are excluded from coverage.
   
2. Lack of Maintenance or Care: Problems caused by failure to reasonably maintain the product are not covered. For example, excessive rust or corrosion caused by long-term exposure to saltwater or chemicals without cleaning, or damage from accumulated dirt, leaves, or debris, would be considered lack of maintenance. Surface discoloration such as minor rust spots or “tea staining” on stainless steel that does not affect functionality is generally cosmetic and not covered (however, serious corrosion due to a defect in the steel itself would be covered).
   
3. Environmental and External Factors: Damage resulting from environmental conditions or external events not due to a manufacturing defect. This includes damage from natural disasters (flood, lightning, etc.), extreme environmental conditions beyond what the product is designed for, or contact with harmful substances. Examples: If the lid is used in a highly corrosive environment (such as a chemical plant or near ocean spray) beyond normal outdoor pool conditions, or if acid/chemical cleaning solutions are used on the surrounding area and cause damage to the cover () (), such damage is not covered. Normal weathering and wear-and-tear that occurs over time (fading, minor scratches, etc.) is not considered a defect.
   
4. Abusive or Abnormal Use: Any excessive or non-intended use of the product. The HIDE cover is designed for pedestrian traffic and occasional removal using the provided key. If the product is subject to excessive load or impact (e.g., driven over by vehicles if it’s not rated for that, or heavy objects dropped on it causing cracking) or used as a tool or support (standing or jumping on the lid beyond intended weight limits), such damage is not covered () (). Similarly, using the Safety Key or lid in a way not intended (as described in the conditions above, such as using the key to lift the lid improperly or letting children play with the lid) is considered misuse and any resulting damage or injury is not covered by this Warranty.
   
5. Cosmetic Damage that Does Not Affect Function: Minor cosmetic issues, such as slight changes in color, finish or minor scratches, dents, or stains that do not affect the operation or integrity of the product, are not covered. For instance, superficial scratches on the stainless steel, or slight fading of polymer parts over years, would not be covered if the part still functions properly. This also includes normal wear-and-tear over time, which is expected and will not be remedied under Warranty.
   
6. Accessories or Ancillary Equipment Not Provided: Any issues caused by equipment that is not part of the Skimmer Lids product itself. For example, if a third-party lock or tool is used and causes damage, or if the cover is used in combination with non-approved products that then cause a failure, those are outside the scope of our Warranty.
   
7. Incidental or Consequential Losses: This Warranty is focused on the product itself. Therefore, it does not cover any indirect losses arising from a product defect, such as damage to other property, personal injuries, loss of income, or other consequential damages. For example, if a defective cover causes a pool leak or injury, those broader damages are not covered by this Warranty’s promise of repair/replacement of the product. However, nothing in this Warranty limits or excludes our liability for injury or damage caused by a defective product where such liability is mandated by law. You may have separate rights to claim compensation for such losses under applicable product liability laws. This Warranty simply does not contractually promise that level of compensation; it provides for fixing or replacing the product itself.

Please note that these exclusions apply only to coverage under this free commercial Warranty. Even if an issue falls under an exclusion (e.g. damage due to misuse), you retain any rights you may have under statutory law. For instance, if it’s debatable whether an issue was caused by misuse or a defect, we will abide by applicable consumer protection laws in handling the claim.

1. When the Warranty May Be Void or Cease: In addition to the above exclusions, certain actions or events may void this Warranty (meaning Skimmer Lids may refuse warranty service because the contract of the Warranty is breached). Many of these are already described in the conditions and exclusions, but to be clear, the Warranty will cease to apply if:
2. The product is resold or transferred to a new owner. (This Warranty is for the benefit of the original purchaser only, unless otherwise agreed by Skimmer Lids in writing.) In particular, if the product is sold via auction or private sale second-hand, this Warranty does not transfer to the new buyer. They may still have rights against the original seller, but Skimmer Lids’ commercial Warranty won’t automatically cover second-hand purchases.
3. The product has been used for rental or commercial purposes without prior agreement. (This product is designed for residential use; commercial use may involve heavier wear and may not be covered unless explicitly agreed as part of a commercial supply contract.)
4. Misuse or violations of instructions occur – for example, if it is discovered that the product was routinely operated by children despite warnings, or the Safety Key was left inserted for convenience and an accident or damage occurred, or required maintenance was willfully ignored leading to damage. Essentially, if the owner knowingly disregards safety and usage instructions, the Warranty can be considered void due to misuse.

Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd takes product safety seriously. We provide these conditions and exclusions not to evade responsibility but to ensure that the product is used correctly and safely. We will always honor our obligations for genuine product defects, but we cannot be responsible for damage or injury resulting from improper use that is beyond our control.

How to Make a Warranty Claim

If you experience an issue with your HIDE Access Cover that you believe is covered by this Warranty, you can make a claim as follows:

1. Contact the Seller or Skimmer Lids: You may either contact the authorized retailer or distributor from whom you purchased the product, or contact Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd directly for assistance. We recommend writing an email to our customer service at admin@skimmercovers.com (or via the contact form on our website) describing the issue. You can also call our service line if one is available in your region. Provide your name, contact details, and the product model/details in your communication.
2. Provide Proof of Purchase: Have your purchase receipt or invoice available. You will need to provide a copy or photo of the proof of purchase showing the date and place of purchase and the product details. This helps us verify that your product is within the Warranty Period and is a genuine Skimmer Lids product purchased through authorized channels ().
3. Describe the Issue: Describe the problem you encountered with as much detail as possible. What part of the product is not functioning or has broken? In what circumstances did you notice the problem? If you can, include photographs of the issue (for example, a photo of a crack or defect) as this can help us assess the situation more quickly.
4. Follow Further Instructions: Our team (or the retailer) will advise you on the next steps. In many cases, we might be able to assess the issue through photos and description. For straightforward cases, we might ship you a replacement part or product immediately. In other cases, we may arrange an inspection. We might ask you to return the product or part to us or to an authorized service center for examination. If so, we will provide instructions for safe removal (if relevant) and shipping. If the claim is within the two-year legal guarantee period, any shipping costs to return a defective product for assessment will be reimbursed or pre-paid by us. If the claim is made after that period, we will inform you whether any shipping cost needs to be initially covered by you (and whether it will be reimbursed if the claim is found to be valid).
5. Resolution: Once we receive the required information (and the product, if we asked for a return), we will promptly evaluate the claim. If the issue is clearly a defect covered by this Warranty and within the coverage period, we will confirm the approval of your claim. We will then either repair the item or send you a replacement at no charge. In some cases, we may send a technician or authorize a contractor to perform a repair on-site, if feasible, or we may send replacement components with instructions. Our goal is to resolve the problem to your satisfaction as quickly as possible.
   
   
   We aim to complete warranty remedies within a reasonable timeframe. What is “reasonable” can depend on the nature of the defect and the remedy required, but generally we try to resolve most warranty claims within 30 days from the date the claim is confirmed. If there are any unexpected delays (for instance, waiting for a specific part), we will keep you informed. If we cannot repair or replace within a reasonable time, you have the right to request a refund per your legal rights, which we will honor if the circumstances warrant.

Refunds:

In the unlikely event that a defect cannot be repaired or a suitable replacement cannot be provided (especially if it’s within the legal guarantee period or is a serious defect), you may be given the option of a refund. If a refund is issued, it will typically be processed through the same channel you used to purchase the product (e.g., through the retailer or directly from us if you bought from us). The refund will usually be the original purchase price you paid (or a proportional amount if you agree to keep the product at a reduced value). We will discuss the refund process with you if that situation arises.

Throughout the warranty claim process, our priority is to ensure you are not left without a remedy for a valid product issue. We are committed to abiding by all applicable EU consumer protection laws during this process, which means you can expect a fair and hassle-free resolution in line with your rights.

Limitations of Liability

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights under applicable law. We emphasize that this Warranty does not limit our responsibility for product quality or negate any mandatory liabilities. However, it’s important to understand the extent of our obligations under this Warranty contract:

1. Scope of Remedy: The Warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the product itself (or refund where appropriate). As noted, the Warranty does not cover secondary losses or damages (such as personal injury, property damage, or economic loss) that might result from a product defect. That being said, EU laws (including product liability laws) may give you the right to claim compensation for such losses from us in certain cases (Liability for defective products - European Commission), especially if the product defect caused injury or property damage. We do not seek to limit any such liability where it is unlawful to do so. For example, we cannot and do not exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence or a product defect, and any implied warranties or conditions that cannot be excluded by law are not excluded by this Warranty.
2. No Other Warranties: Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd is providing this Warranty as a free additional guarantee of quality. We make no other express warranties or guarantees except as set out in this document. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we disclaim any implied warranties (for example, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose) except to the extent that such implied warranties are guaranteed by law (in which case they are limited to the duration of the legal guarantee or the Warranty Period, as applicable). In essence, you should not rely on any statements about the product as a warranty unless explicitly documented here or required by law – but rest assured, the promises we do make here are binding and in addition to your legal protections.
3. Geographical Coverage: This specific Warranty version is intended to be compliant with European consumer law and thus is applicable to products purchased within the European Union (and, where applicable, in other European Economic Area countries or the UK if similar laws are followed). If you purchased this product outside of Europe, a different warranty may apply according to local law. If you are unsure, please check with us or the local distributor. Regardless, the basic assurance of quality and conformity holds universally, but the exact terms of remedy might vary slightly to meet local legal requirements.
4. Duration of Implied/Statutory Guarantees: As noted, EU law provides a 2-year mandatory guarantee. In some countries, consumer law might provide additional rights beyond those 2 years for certain products or allow claims for latent defects for a longer period. This commercial Warranty does not restrict any such rights. If local law provides for any longer statutory protection, we will, of course, comply with it. Our intent is to give you at least the protection you’re entitled to by law, and in many cases more (with our extended 5-year/20-year coverage for defects).

Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd – Contact Information for Warranty Claims or Inquiries:

Email: admin@skimmercovers.com

(For additional contact options or local service centers, please refer to the documentation or the retailer from whom you purchased the product. You can also visit our website for up-to-date contact details for your region.)