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 or 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 have 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 requires 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 316L stainless steel components (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 or distributor, or from this website, www.hidecovers.com. It is provided to the original purchaser and is not transferable to subsequent owners without our consent.

Trade and contractor purchases. Where the product is purchased by a builder, landscaper, pool professional or other contractor for installation at a customer’s property, this Warranty runs to the owner of the property at which the product is installed. At handover, the installer should pass the Home Owners Manual and the Safety Key or Keys to the owner, along with the proof of purchase or installation records. A normal trade installation of this kind is not a transfer to a subsequent owner and does not affect coverage.

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 an 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, labour or reinstallation necessary to carry out the remedy.

For claims made after the initial two-year statutory period, Skimmer Lids may require the customer to cover certain costs such as shipping the product for service, or the labour to remove and reinstall it, 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 may be charged, where 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, where 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 — for example, a licensed pool builder or tiler should install a skimmer cover in accordance with the HIDE installation guide. Products not installed to 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 this Warranty.
• Follow Installation and 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 website. This includes using the supplied adhesive for bedding your inlay material, and adhering to the loading limit set out below.
• Intended Use and Loading: HIDE Access Covers are suitable for both residential and commercial installations — domestic pools, hotels, apartment complexes, public landscapes, and comparable settings. The one restriction is loading: the covers are rated for pedestrian traffic only and must never be subject to vehicle traffic of any kind, including light vehicles, trailers, ride-on mowers or wheeled plant. They are also not watertight and are not designed for permanent submersion. Any use outside these limits must be approved by Skimmer Lids in writing, or it may void the Warranty.
• Safety and Usage: HIDE Access Covers are designed for adult operation only. The Safety Key or Keys supplied with your kit — one with 10, 20 and 30 mm kits, two with 40 mm kits — must be used correctly and safely at all times, and kept out of reach of children 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. Only the designated Safety Key, or an authorised replacement from Skimmer Lids, should be used to open the cover. Using improvised tools or methods, such as screwdrivers or hooks, 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. The key releases and raises the lid; it is not a handle. Such misuse can bend or break the key or lid and is not a manufacturing defect.
• Protection During Construction: Stainless steel is easily contaminated by carbon steel. Angle grinders, wire brushes, steel wool, carbon steel scrapers, and cutting or polishing work carried out nearby leave microscopic steel particles embedded in the surface, and those particles rust. This is the most common cause of what appears to be a rusting cover. While any grinding, cutting or polishing is taking place near the product, remove the Inlay Lid and store it away from the work area, cover or tape the exposed Edge Protector, and use only non-ferrous tools on the stainless steel.
• Regular Care and Maintenance: Perform the basic maintenance advised in the Home Owners Manual and on our website. This includes periodic cleaning and inspection of the stainless steel components, such as rinsing off pool chemicals or salt residues. Occasional “tea staining” or surface discolouration can occur on stainless steel if it is not cleaned — this is cosmetic, and a nylon pad with mild soapy water worked along the grain will remove it. 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 will damage stainless steel. Damage resulting from improper maintenance or care, or from ignoring the care instructions, will not be covered by this Warranty.

By following the above guidelines for installation, usage and maintenance, you ensure that any problem which arises is more likely to be 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. Non-compliance with these conditions will not reduce your statutory rights unless the issue is genuinely caused by misuse — damage from an acid wash, for example, is not a defect in the product, so it would not be covered by any guarantee.

What Is Covered by the Warranty

This Warranty covers faults in the product’s materials or workmanship that appear during normal use within the Warranty Period. “Normal use” means use of the cover to conceal a pool skimmer box, drain, valve pit, inspection opening or similar service point, in a residential or commercial setting, in accordance with the product’s intended function, the instructions given, and the pedestrian-traffic-only limit above. 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 on the stainless steel frame fails, or a lid will not seat correctly because of a manufacturing fault, these would be covered issues.
2. Repair or Replacement of Defective Parts: Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd will decide, in consultation with you where needed, whether a reported issue is due to a manufacturing defect in materials or workmanship. If so, we will arrange repair or replacement of the defective part, or of 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 applies 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 period; it continues from the original purchase date, as per EU rules on commercial guarantees. Your statutory right to a remedy for a defect can, in some jurisdictions, extend or be suspended — 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 covers manufacturing defects and failures arising from normal, intended use of the product. It does not cover issues or damage resulting from external causes, misuse, or conditions unrelated 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 wrong use of adhesives, incorrect levelling or positioning, insufficient recess depth, and modification of the product — 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. Carbon Steel Contamination and Site Damage: Rusting, staining or pitting arising from contact with carbon steel particles — from angle grinders, wire brushes, steel wool, carbon steel tools, or grinding, cutting or polishing work carried out near the product — is contamination of the surface rather than a defect in the stainless steel, and is not covered. Nor is damage caused by concrete slurry, grout, tile adhesive, sealers or other building materials left on the product during construction.
3. Third-Party Coatings and Finishes: HIDE products are supplied in their natural 316L stainless steel finish. Where the product is powder coated, painted, anodised or otherwise coated by anyone other than Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd, the coating itself is not covered, and neither is any corrosion arising from the coating process — blasting, etching and similar preparation remove the passive layer that gives 316L its corrosion resistance. The underlying stainless steel remains covered for genuine defects in the steel.
4. Lack of Maintenance or Care: Problems caused by failure to reasonably maintain the product. For example, excessive corrosion caused by long-term exposure to saltwater or pool chemicals without cleaning, or damage from accumulated dirt, leaves or debris inside the Edge Protector. Surface discolouration such as minor tea staining, which does not affect functionality, is cosmetic and not covered — although serious corrosion arising from a defect in the steel itself would be covered.
5. Environmental and External Factors: Damage resulting from environmental conditions or external events not due to a manufacturing defect. This includes damage from natural disasters such as flood or lightning, extreme conditions beyond what the product is designed for, or contact with harmful substances. If the product is installed in a highly corrosive environment beyond normal exterior and poolside conditions, such as a chemical processing area, or if acid or chemical cleaning solutions used on the surrounding area damage the cover, that damage is not covered. Normal weathering and wear and tear over time, such as minor scratches, is not considered a defect.
6. Abusive or Abnormal Use: Any excessive or unintended use of the product. HIDE covers are designed for pedestrian traffic and periodic removal using the supplied key. Damage caused by vehicle traffic of any kind, by excessive load or impact, by heavy objects dropped on the lid, or by using the cover as a working platform or support, is not covered. Damage caused by permanent submersion is likewise not covered. Using the Safety Key or lid in a way not intended, as described in the conditions above, is misuse, and any resulting damage is not covered by this Warranty.
7. Cosmetic Damage that Does Not Affect Function: Minor cosmetic issues such as slight changes in colour or finish, or minor scratches, dents or stains that do not affect the operation or integrity of the product. Superficial scratching of the stainless steel, for instance, would not be covered where the part still functions properly. This also includes normal wear and tear over time, which is expected and will not be remedied under Warranty.
8. 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 this Warranty.
9. Incidental or Consequential Losses: This Warranty is focused on the product itself. It does not cover indirect losses arising from a product defect, such as damage to other property, personal injury, loss of income or other consequential damages. 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 repairing or replacing the product itself.

These exclusions apply only to coverage under this free commercial Warranty. Even where an issue falls under an exclusion, you retain any rights you may have under statutory law. Where it is debatable whether an issue was caused by misuse or by a defect, we will abide by applicable consumer protection laws in handling the claim.

When the Warranty May Be Void or Cease

In addition to the exclusions above, certain actions or events may void this Warranty, meaning Skimmer Lids may decline warranty service because the terms of the Warranty have been breached. Most of these are described in the conditions and exclusions, but to be clear, the Warranty will cease to apply if:

1. The product is resold or transferred to a new owner. This Warranty is for the benefit of the original purchaser, or of the property owner where the product was purchased by a contractor for installation at that property, as set out above. If the product is subsequently sold on second-hand, by auction or by private sale, this Warranty does not transfer to the new buyer. They may still have rights against the seller, but Skimmer Lids’ commercial Warranty does not automatically cover second-hand purchases.
2. The product is subjected to vehicle traffic or loading beyond pedestrian use without our prior written agreement.
3. Misuse or disregard of instructions occurs — for example, if the product was routinely operated by children despite warnings, if the Safety Key was left inserted in the lid for convenience and an accident or damage occurred, or if required maintenance was wilfully ignored, leading to damage. Where 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 the product is used correctly and safely. We will always honour 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 contact the authorised retailer or distributor from whom you purchased the product, or contact us directly. We recommend emailing our customer service team at admin@hidecovers.com, or using the contact form on our website, describing the issue. Please provide your name, contact details and the product model and code.
2. Provide proof of purchase. Have your purchase receipt or invoice available. You will need to provide a copy or photograph showing the date and place of purchase and the product details. This allows us to verify that your product is within the Warranty Period and is a genuine Skimmer Lids product purchased through authorised channels.
3. Describe the issue. Describe the problem in as much detail as possible. Which part of the product is not functioning or has broken? In what circumstances did you notice the problem? Photographs of the issue help us assess the situation far more quickly.
4. Follow further instructions. Our team, or the retailer, will advise you on next steps. In many cases we can assess the issue from photographs and your description. For straightforward cases we may ship a replacement part or product immediately. In others we may arrange an inspection, or ask you to return the product or part to us or to an authorised service centre for examination. If so, we will provide instructions for safe removal 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 tell you whether any shipping cost needs to be covered by you initially, and whether it will be reimbursed if the claim is found to be valid.
5. Resolution. Once we have the required information, and the product if we have asked for its return, we will evaluate the claim promptly. If the issue is a defect covered by this Warranty and within the coverage period, we will confirm approval of your claim, and then either repair the item or send a replacement at no charge. In some cases we may authorise a contractor to perform a repair on site where that is practical, or send replacement components with instructions.

We aim to complete warranty remedies within a reasonable timeframe. What is reasonable depends on the nature of the defect and the remedy required, but we aim to resolve most warranty claims within 30 days of the claim being confirmed. If there are unexpected delays, for instance while 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 in line with your legal rights, which we will honour where the circumstances warrant it.

Refunds

This section concerns refunds arising from a defect. If you have simply changed your mind about an unused product, that is a separate right with its own process and timeframe — see Returns & Refunds.

In the unlikely event that a defect cannot be repaired and a suitable replacement cannot be provided, you may be offered a refund. Where a refund is issued it will normally be processed through the same channel used to purchase the product — through the retailer, or directly from us if you bought from this website. The refund will usually be the original purchase price 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, which means you can expect a fair and straightforward resolution in line with your rights.

Limitations of Liability

This Warranty gives you specific rights, and you may also have other rights under applicable law. This Warranty does not limit our responsibility for product quality, nor negate any mandatory liabilities. However, it is important to understand the extent of our obligations under it.

1. Scope of Remedy: The Warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the product itself, or a refund where appropriate. As noted, it does not cover secondary losses or damages such as personal injury, property damage or economic loss that might result from a product defect. EU law, including product liability law, may give you the right to claim compensation for such losses in certain cases, particularly where a product defect has caused injury or property damage. We do not seek to limit any such liability where it would be unlawful to do so. We cannot and do not exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence or by 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 provides 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. You should not rely on statements about the product as a warranty unless they are documented here or required by law; the promises we do make here are binding, and are in addition to your legal protections.
3. Geographical Coverage: This version of the Warranty is intended to comply with European consumer law, and applies to products purchased within the European Union and, where applicable, in other European Economic Area countries and the United Kingdom. If you purchased this product outside Europe, a different warranty may apply according to local law. If you are unsure, please check with us or with your local distributor. The basic assurance of quality and conformity holds universally, but the exact terms of remedy may vary to meet local legal requirements.
4. Duration of Implied and Statutory Guarantees: As noted, EU law provides a two-year mandatory guarantee. In some countries consumer law may provide additional rights beyond those two years for certain products, or allow claims for latent defects for a longer period. This commercial Warranty does not restrict any such rights. Where local law provides for longer statutory protection, we will comply with it. Our intent is to give you at least the protection you are entitled to by law, and in most cases considerably more, through our extended 10-year coverage for defects.

Related Policies

This Warranty covers faults — defects in materials or workmanship. It is separate from your right to change your mind about a purchase, and the two have different timeframes and different processes. Neither one limits the other.

• Returns & Refunds — including your right of withdrawal. If you buy directly from this website as a consumer in the EU or EEA, you may withdraw from your purchase within 14 days of receiving the goods, for any reason, provided the product is unused, uninstalled and in its original packaging. This is a change-of-mind right and is entirely separate from the Warranty above: a fault appearing in month eight or year six is a warranty matter, not a withdrawal matter, and is unaffected by the 14-day window.
• Shipping Policy — dispatch times, delivery estimates, duties and taxes.
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Impressum — company and legal identification details.
• Care & Maintenance — the cleaning routine referred to throughout this Warranty.

Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd — Contact Information for Warranty Claims or Inquiries

Email: admin@hidecovers.com

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