Pool skimmer lids can be an unsightly eye sore when it comes to pool design, particularly within the most elegantly designed outdoor spaces. Often made from brittle plastic, which can easily become damaged or broken from UV exposure, traditional pool skimmer lids also dome slightly, creating a trip hazard in an already dangerous, slippery backyard area. Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design’s Hannah McDonald sits down with Brett Arnott, the international marketing manager of HIDE Skimmer Lids, to discuss how specifically designed skimmer lids can help maintain visual appeal, ease access and enhance safety around the pool.
HIDE is a proudly Australian, family-owned company based in Yatala, Queensland, that masterfully designs and produces pool skimmer lids that integrate seamlessly into your pool space. “Originally, we set out to offer a superior alternative to the traditional, unsightly round plastic skimmer lid. Since then, our product range has significantly expanded to include access and drain covers for plumbing, electrical utilities, storage and other external service points. We specialise in manufacturing premium 316 stainless steel cover systems, available as complete kits ready for onsite installation by tradespeople or pool builders,” Arnott says. The company’s expansion continues to flourish, servicing not just Australia but clients internationally. “Our solutions quickly became industry standards across Australia, and we’re now experiencing substantial growth in North America, Europe, and the UAE. Our Yatala facility features cutting-edge manufacturing technology, including 14 robots dedicated to producing high-quality, precise products at scale.”
HIDE stands out from the crowd through its ingenious designs that achieve uninterrupted visual flow within outdoor spaces, perfectly complementing contemporary, luxury and minimalist designs. “By integrating seamlessly into various hardscape materials – whether stone, tile, concrete, pavers, or decking – our covers maintain clean, elegant lines without visual interruptions. Our system accommodates a wide range of materials, from 8mm up to 62mm thick, and we have sizes from 156mm square to 656mm square, providing unmatched design versatility and elegance,” Arnott details. The company expertly balances style and safety in their pursuit of a visually pleasing skimmer lid. “HIDE covers preserve the aesthetic integrity of meticulously designed spaces while delivering functional access and safety, creating a harmonious blend of style and purpose,” Arnott adds.
Seamlessly Sophisticated
Arnott emphasises the importance of an integrated skimmer lid for the overall visual appeal of a pool space. Plastic skimmer lids not only rapidly discolour but stick out as an unsightly feature. Arnott continues, “Historically, architects and photographers deliberately excluded these elements from visual representations because they compromised the overall appearance of outdoor spaces. Metal drain grates, although practical, similarly interrupt the visual harmony of well-designed areas, becoming distracting features in otherwise beautiful landscapes.” The ingenious technology of HIDE products allows for skimmer lids to seamlessly blend into the pool design. “HIDE kits incorporate an ‘Edge Protector’ frame, embedded directly into the substrate, safeguarding surrounding materials from chipping and ensuring exact depth positioning. This sets the lid securely and flush with the surface, allowing the lid to house any chosen inlay – stone, tile, concrete, or decking, etc. Installers can achieve a seamless continuation of surface patterns, creating a virtually invisible integration,” Arnott explains.
Function without Fuss
Not only do HIDE pool skimmers maintain aesthetic appeal, but its hidden designs also allow for pool builders and architects to place pool skimmers in the most convenient location, instead of the most visually pleasing. “HIDE has significantly enhanced the flexibility designers have when approaching pool edge finishes. Previously, designers felt limited by the placement of skimmer boxes due to their unsightly appearance, often attempting to hide or minimise their visibility. With HIDE, designers now confidently position skimmer boxes and access covers exactly where they function best – without compromising the pool’s visual integrity,” Arnott describes. “For example, a standpipe can now be positioned conveniently at the edge of a pool, ensuring easy maintenance without disrupting the aesthetic appeal.
Traditional plastic lids are notorious for access issues. Arnott elaborates, “Compared to traditional skimmer lids, HIDE is notably easier and safer to handle. Our lids fit flush with the surface, eliminating the issues of jamming and sticking common with traditional plastic covers. Maintenance is straightforward – simply lifting the lid with the included HIDE Key provides easy, reliable access without damaging surrounding surfaces or compromising aesthetics.”
Flat-out Safer
HIDE’s integrated skimmer lids are a must for safety around the pool. Every element of the design is highly considered to be as safe as possible. “Our stainless steel lids securely protect the inlaid material from cracking or chipping, providing a durable and stable surface. Enhanced ventilation further reduces the risk of blockages and entrapment incidents, complying fully with rigorous Australian safety standards. The flush-fitting lid is specifically designed to prevent unauthorised access to the skimmer pump, requiring a dedicated key to open – making it exceptionally safe, particularly for families with young children.” Current safety regulations are easily adhered to with HIDE pool skimmers. Arnott asserts, “HIDE covers eliminate common trip and slip hazards by fitting flush with surrounding surfaces and incorporating matching materials. This design ensures a smooth, uninterrupted surface, critical for compliance with modern safety regulations and creating safer outdoor environments.”
All in all, HIDE Skimmer Lids set themselves apart in a myriad of ways. “Unlike traditional plastic lids that degrade and become brittle under UV exposure, causing jamming and breakage, HIDE lids are crafted from robust 2mm thick 316 marine-grade stainless steel. They maintain structural integrity, provide smooth, reliable operation, and carry a 20-year warranty with minimal maintenance – simply requiring periodic fresh water cleaning to keep the steel looking its best.”
Images courtesy of HIDE Skimmer Lids
