HIDE Exterior Covers | Inlay Access & Drain Solutions / Blog

HIDE Exterior Covers Europe: Sizes, Safety, Installation and Ordering

Written by Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd | Jul 20, 2026, 2:03:46 AM

The Complete European Guide to HIDE Exterior Covers

HIDE Exterior Covers offer a discreet way to conceal skimmer boxes, drains, inspection points and other outdoor services beneath the surrounding surface finish.

Instead of interrupting a pool surround, terrace or landscaped area with an exposed plastic lid, metal grate or utility hatch, a HIDE Cover holds the same tile, stone, paving or other suitable finish used around it. The service remains accessible, but the cover becomes part of the design.

This guide explains how HIDE Exterior Covers work, their safety and architectural benefits, how to select the correct size and depth, what is currently available in Europe, and how to order through hidecovers.com or an authorised European distributor.

Important: this guide applies to Europe only.
HIDE product availability differs between Europe, Australia, New Zealand and North America. Australia has access to the widest HIDE range, while the European range is newer and currently includes a selected number of popular products. European stock will continue to develop as HIDE and its distributors learn which sizes, depths and applications are most in demand.

Contact

For orders, shipping, returns, product selection and all other enquiries: admin@hidecovers.com

To register interest in a size or depth not currently stocked in Europe: hidecovers.com/pages/register-your-interest

HIDE aims to respond to customer-support enquiries within two business days.

Table of Contents

  • What are HIDE Exterior Covers?
  • Why are traditional service covers difficult to integrate?
  • What are the safety benefits of HIDE Covers?
  • What are the architectural benefits of HIDE Covers?
  • How does a HIDE Cover protect the inlay material?
  • What can a HIDE Cover be installed over?
  • Does the HIDE Cover need to match the opening underneath?
  • What types of HIDE Covers are available in Europe?
  • How do HIDE Cover sizes work?
  • What do the dimensions in the technical drawings mean?
  • How do HIDE Cover depths work?
  • Which HIDE products are currently stocked in Europe?
  • Why are some options greyed out on hidecovers.com?
  • Can I request a size that is not currently available?
  • What materials can be installed inside a HIDE Cover?
  • How are HIDE Covers installed?
  • How deep does the recess need to be?
  • Protecting the stainless steel during construction
  • Can HIDE Covers be retrofitted?
  • How is a HIDE Cover opened?
  • Are HIDE Covers suitable for public and commercial spaces?
  • Where are HIDE Covers manufactured?
  • What awards has HIDE received?
  • How should stainless steel HIDE Covers be maintained?
  • How can I order HIDE Covers in Europe?
  • Can I purchase through a European distributor?
  • Where are European online orders dispatched from?
  • How long does European delivery take?
  • How do VAT and import charges work?
  • What happens if an order arrives damaged or incorrect?
  • What is the European returns process?
  • What warranty applies to HIDE products in Europe?
  • How can I become a HIDE distributor?
  • Who can help me select the right cover?
  • Frequently asked questions

What are HIDE Exterior Covers?

HIDE Exterior Covers are removable inlay covers designed to conceal outdoor service points while maintaining access for inspection and maintenance.

A typical HIDE Kit consists of:

  • A removable 316L stainless steel inlay lid
  • A surrounding stainless steel Edge Protector
  • The HIDE Safety Key or Keys needed to open it — one with 10, 20 and 30 mm kits, two with 40 mm kits
  • A purpose-formulated adhesive that bonds tile, stone, paver, decking and artificial grass to the stainless steel
  • Installation documentation

The installer places the chosen surface material inside the lid. This may be the same tile, stone, paving, decking or other approved material used around the cover.

Once completed, the surface finish continues across the lid, helping the service point blend into the surrounding area.

HIDE supplies the cover system. The visible inlay material is selected and installed locally as part of the project.

Why are traditional service covers difficult to integrate?

Pool skimmer lids, inspection hatches, drainage grates and utility covers are generally designed for function rather than appearance.

They often introduce:

  • A different material
  • A contrasting colour
  • A raised edge
  • A visible plastic or metal grate
  • An interruption to tile or paving patterns
  • An obvious utility element within an otherwise finished space

These interruptions can be particularly noticeable in architectural pools, landscaped courtyards, terraces, resorts, hotels and premium residential projects.

A HIDE Cover allows the surrounding finish to continue through the access point, creating a more considered result without permanently sealing the service below.

What are the safety benefits of HIDE Covers?

HIDE Covers help address several practical safety considerations within pedestrian environments.

How can a HIDE Cover help reduce trip hazards?

A correctly installed HIDE Cover sits flush with the surrounding finished surface. This helps avoid raised lids, protruding handles and uneven edges that may create a trip point.

Slip and trip risks are a growing consideration in modern built environments and are commonly assessed during architectural specification, accessibility planning and project risk reviews.

The complete installation must still be correctly levelled and supported by the surrounding substrate.

How can a HIDE Cover help reduce slip hazards?

A HIDE lid can be filled with the same suitably rated tile, stone, paver or other approved surface material used around it. This avoids introducing a separate smooth plastic or exposed metal surface into the pedestrian area.

The slip resistance of the completed cover depends on:

  • The selected inlay material
  • Its slip-resistance classification
  • The quality of installation
  • Surface contamination
  • Cleaning and maintenance
  • The intended environment

Architects and installers should select an inlay material with a slip-resistance rating appropriate for the location and to the standard that applies locally, particularly around pools and other wet areas.

Why is the cover difficult to open without the Safety Key?

A correctly installed HIDE Cover has no exposed handle and no practical grasping point. The lid is lifted using the dedicated HIDE Safety Key, which engages with the patented keyway.

This helps discourage children, members of the public and other unauthorised users from lifting the cover casually.

It can be particularly beneficial in:

  • Residential pool surrounds
  • Family homes
  • Resorts and hotels
  • Shared residential developments
  • Public landscaped areas
  • Hospitality venues
  • Pedestrian spaces

Never leave the Safety Key in an installed lid. It should be stored securely out of reach of children and made available to the property owner, facility manager or authorised service technician.

Are HIDE Covers suitable for vehicle traffic?

No. HIDE Exterior 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.

What are the architectural benefits of HIDE Covers?

HIDE Covers help resolve a common design problem: retaining access to essential services without allowing the access point to dominate the finished space.

A more continuous surface

The same or a coordinating tile, stone, paver or other finish can continue into the lid. This allows patterns, material selections and grout lines to remain visually consistent.

Less visual clutter

Traditional lids, grates and service caps can interrupt otherwise clean architectural lines. HIDE Covers help conceal these service points while retaining the access required for maintenance.

Flush integration

A correctly installed lid sits level with the surrounding finish, supporting a more consistent pedestrian surface.

Greater flexibility around the service opening

The HIDE Cover does not normally need to be the exact size or shape of the opening below. This gives the architect or installer more freedom to select a cover according to:

  • The amount of access required
  • The surrounding surface layout
  • The available installation area
  • The desired visual proportions
  • The type and thickness of the inlay material

Suitable for repeated specification

HIDE’s automated manufacturing process supports accurate and repeatable production. Architects and specifiers can discuss future projects, expected quantities and required delivery dates with HIDE, even where a particular product is not currently held as standard European stock.

Because the European range is still developing, early discussion is recommended for large projects or future specifications.

How does a HIDE Cover protect the inlay material?

Porcelain, natural stone and other architectural finishes can be brittle, particularly when they are cut into a removable access panel.

The HIDE lid supports the inlay using 2 mm 316L stainless steel on five sides:

  • Across the base of the inlay
  • Along each of the four sides

This tray-style construction helps protect the material against:

  • Unsupported movement
  • Edge impact
  • Chipping
  • Cracking
  • Breakage during normal use and removal

The surrounding Edge Protector also helps protect the finished edges around the removable lid.

Correct cutting, adhesive coverage and installation remain important. The inlay material must be suitable for the location and securely bonded inside the lid.

What can a HIDE Cover be installed over?

HIDE Covers can be used over many types of outdoor service points, including:

  • Swimming pool skimmer boxes
  • Pool water-level control points
  • Plumbing inspection openings
  • Irrigation valves
  • Lighting junctions
  • Drainage pits
  • Drainage outlets
  • Service pits
  • Utility access points
  • Existing access hatches
  • Round screw caps
  • Small equipment openings

The product category indicates its most common application, but it does not necessarily restrict how the product can be used. For example, a HIDE Skimmer Cover may also be suitable above another service point where its dimensions and access opening are appropriate.

The final selection should consider the opening below, access requirements, inlay material, site conditions and surrounding construction.

Does the HIDE Cover need to match the opening underneath?

No. A HIDE Cover does not normally need to be the same size or shape as the service point below it. The HIDE system becomes the finished surface treatment above the original opening.

A square HIDE Cover may therefore be installed above:

  • A round screw cap
  • A smaller plastic skimmer lid
  • A rectangular inspection opening
  • An irregular service point
  • A smaller hatch
  • A plumbing or irrigation opening

The important requirements are that:

  • The HIDE frame is properly supported.
  • The frame fits within the available finished area.
  • The clear opening provides sufficient access to the service below.
  • The surrounding construction can accommodate the frame depth.
  • Drainage, ventilation and normal servicing are not obstructed.

Selecting a larger cover can provide more room for hands, tools and removable equipment.

What types of HIDE Covers are available in Europe?

The developing European range includes three cover types.

HIDE Skimmer Covers (HSL)

HIDE Skimmer Covers are commonly installed above swimming pool skimmer boxes. They conceal the traditional plastic skimmer lid while preserving access to the basket and skimmer components.

HIDE Access Covers (HAC)

HIDE Access Covers can be installed over inspection points, plumbing services, irrigation valves, lighting connections and other external access requirements.

The larger 506 mm and 656 mm Access Covers serve the role that manhole covers do elsewhere in the HIDE range, providing a substantially larger service opening for pits and larger access requirements.

HIDE Drain Covers (HDC)

HIDE Drain Covers conceal drainage points while retaining a designed perimeter gap through which surface water can enter. They provide an alternative to exposed plastic or metal drainage grates.

Covers with a concrete finish

There is no separate concrete product in Europe. Every 40 mm kit — currently the HSL306-40 — ships with the concrete conversion parts included: 4 polymer lugs and 2 key slot formers that snap into the lid to make it ready for a wet-pour finish.

Fit them and you can pour concrete straight into the lid, so the surrounding surface continues across the cover while access stays available below. Leave them in the box and the same kit takes a 40 mm paver or thick stone instead — you are not committing either way at the point of order.

Note the 40 mm lid opens with two Safety Keys and a straight vertical lift, rather than the single-key pivot on the shallower kits.

How do HIDE Cover sizes work?

The advertised size generally refers to the external dimensions of the HIDE frame. For example:

  • A 206 mm kit has a frame measuring approximately 206 × 206 mm.
  • A 306 mm kit has a frame measuring approximately 306 × 306 mm.
  • A 412 mm kit has a frame measuring approximately 412 × 412 mm.
  • A 506 mm kit has a frame measuring approximately 506 × 506 mm.
  • A 656 mm kit has a frame measuring approximately 656 × 656 mm.

There are three horizontal measurements to consider.

What is the external frame size?

This is the overall footprint of the installed HIDE Kit. The surrounding substrate must provide enough room and structural support for the complete frame.

What is the inlay lid size?

This is the removable stainless steel tray that holds the chosen surface material. It is slightly smaller than the external frame.

What is the access opening?

The access opening is the clear space available after the removable lid has been lifted. This measurement determines how much room is available to inspect or service what lies below.

A product should not be selected from its external size alone. Measure the largest item that has to pass through the cover — the skimmer basket, a valve, a pump lid, a hand and forearm — and check it against the access opening. A basket that will not lift out is a far bigger problem than a tile that needs packing up.

What do the dimensions in the technical drawings mean?

HIDE cross-sectional drawings use letter references to identify the main dimensions.

Reference Measurement
A Product order code
B Recommended inlay material thickness
C Removable inlay lid size
D Internal depth of the lid
E External frame size
F Overall frame depth
G Clear access opening
H Earthing or bonding provision where shown

The drawings illustrate how the inlay material, adhesive, removable lid and surrounding Edge Protector sit within the finished surface. They also show why the external frame size is larger than the service opening below.

HIDE Skimmer Cover cross-sectional installation drawing
Below: cross-sectional view showing the inlay material, adhesive, removable stainless steel lid, surrounding Edge Protector and access opening above the skimmer box.

HIDE Access Cover cross-sectional installation drawing
Below: cross-sectional view showing how a HIDE Access Cover is supported within the surrounding finished surface.

HIDE Drain Cover cross-sectional installation drawing
Below: cross-sectional view showing the inlay lid positioned above a drainage opening while retaining service access and perimeter water entry.

40 mm concrete conversion cross-sectional drawing
Below: cross-sectional view showing the wet-pour concrete configuration within the removable 40 mm HIDE lid.

How do HIDE Cover depths work?

The final number in a HIDE product code identifies the nominal material-depth category. For example, the 20 in HAC206-20 indicates a product intended for inlay materials within the corresponding 20 mm category.

The number is nominal rather than an exact internal measurement. HIDE lids include additional internal space to accommodate the supplied adhesive and reasonable variation in tile and natural stone. You do not need to add anything for the adhesive when choosing a depth — that space is already allowed for inside the lid.

Nominal depth Recommended material thickness Internal lid depth Overall frame depth
10 mm 8–12 mm 12 mm 23 mm
20 mm 15–22 mm 23 mm 33 mm
30 mm 25–32 mm 33 mm 43 mm
40 mm 35–42 mm 43 mm 53 mm

For example, HAC206-20 is intended for an inlay material within the published 15–22 mm range. Its internal lid depth is approximately 23 mm, allowing room for the supplied adhesive and material variation.

The installer should measure the actual material before ordering. A “20 mm” stone can arrive at 18 or 24, so check a few pieces off the pallet. This matters particularly where:

  • Natural stone varies in thickness
  • The underside of the material is uneven
  • The material has been manually cut
  • A different adhesive or bedding method is proposed
  • The inlay contains significant natural variation

If your material falls between two categories, go up to the next size and pack the bed out with the supplied adhesive and a shim, so the inlay finishes flush with the top of the lid.

The completed inlay should sit securely within the stainless steel tray and should not project above its surrounding edge.

What is the deepest HIDE Cover?

Across the wider international HIDE range, nominal depths extend to 60 mm. A 40 mm nominal product is the deepest HIDE Cover available in Europe, taking inlay material up to 42 mm.

Where material is thicker than the available lid, it is usually more practical to rebate or cut down the underside of the piece going into the lid. Only that one piece needs cutting — everything around it stays full thickness, and the finished surface still reads as continuous.

Using an unnecessarily thick inlay also makes the completed lid heavy. The total weight of the lid and inlay should remain manageable for the person who will need to access the service point.

European availability is currently limited to selected products and depths. The active options on hidecovers.com should be checked before ordering.

Which HIDE products are currently stocked in Europe?

Europe is a new and developing market for HIDE. The initial European warehouse range focuses on selected sizes and depths expected to suit common pool, landscape and exterior construction applications.

HIDE Access Covers currently stocked in Europe

Product External frame Inlay lid Material thickness Internal lid depth Access opening
HAC206-10 206 × 206 mm 196 × 196 mm 8–12 mm 12 mm 162 × 162 mm
HAC206-20 206 × 206 mm 196 × 196 mm 15–22 mm 23 mm 162 × 162 mm
HAC206-30 206 × 206 mm 196 × 196 mm 25–32 mm 33 mm 162 × 162 mm
HAC506-20 506 × 506 mm 500 × 500 mm 15–22 mm 23 mm 452 × 452 mm
HAC656-20 656 × 656 mm 650 × 650 mm 15–22 mm 23 mm 602 × 602 mm

HIDE Drain Covers currently stocked in Europe

Product External frame Inlay lid Material thickness Internal lid depth Access opening
HDC314-10 314 × 314 mm 300 × 300 mm 8–12 mm 12 mm 260 × 260 mm
HDC314-20 314 × 314 mm 300 × 300 mm 15–22 mm 23 mm 260 × 260 mm
HDC314-30 314 × 314 mm 300 × 300 mm 25–32 mm 33 mm 260 × 260 mm

HIDE Skimmer Covers currently stocked in Europe

Product External frame Inlay lid Material thickness Internal lid depth Access opening
HSL306-10 306 × 306 mm 300 × 300 mm 8–12 mm 12 mm 280 × 280 mm
HSL306-20 306 × 306 mm 300 × 300 mm 15–22 mm 23 mm 280 × 280 mm
HSL306-30 306 × 306 mm 300 × 300 mm 25–32 mm 33 mm 280 × 280 mm
HSL306-40 306 × 306 mm 300 × 300 mm 35–42 mm 43 mm 280 × 280 mm
HSL412-10 412 × 412 mm 406 × 406 mm 8–12 mm 12 mm 358 × 358 mm
HSL412-20 412 × 412 mm 406 × 406 mm 15–22 mm 23 mm 358 × 358 mm
HSL412-30 412 × 412 mm 406 × 406 mm 25–32 mm 33 mm 358 × 358 mm

Stock quantities and online availability can change as products are sold and new shipments arrive. The live, active selections on hidecovers.com should always be treated as the current source for online purchasing availability.

Why are some options greyed out on hidecovers.com?

The European website displays more of the wider HIDE range than is currently held in European stock. This gives homeowners, contractors, architects, specifiers and distributors an understanding of the additional products that may be considered for Europe.

On hidecovers.com:

  • Active selections are currently available to purchase online.
  • Greyed-out selections are not currently available for online purchase in Europe.

Greyed-out products remain visible so customers can identify possible future requirements. This distinction is important because the European range is still developing.

HIDE and its distributors are learning:

  • Which external sizes are most frequently required
  • Which depths suit European materials
  • Which products suit local pool and landscape construction
  • Which countries have the greatest demand
  • Which applications require larger access openings
  • Which products distributors should hold locally

More stock and additional sizes are expected to be introduced as this information develops.

Can I request a size that is not currently available?

Yes. Customers, installers, architects, specifiers and distributors are encouraged to register interest in products shown on the website that are not currently active for purchase. Expressions of interest help HIDE determine which products should be included in future European shipments.

Register the size and depth you need here: hidecovers.com/pages/register-your-interest

Tell us the size, the depth and roughly how often you would use it. If you are a builder, landscaper, specifier or distributor with a recurring need, that is exactly what we want to know — it is what gets a variant onto the next shipment. It is worth telling us even if you solve the current job another way.

In the meantime, there is usually a way through with what is stocked: going up a depth and packing the inlay out with the supplied adhesive, or rebating the underside of a thick paver so it falls within range.

Registering interest does not guarantee that a product will be stocked or included in a future shipment, and no delivery date is implied.

What materials can be installed inside a HIDE Cover?

Depending on the product and installation method, HIDE Covers may be finished with:

  • Porcelain tile
  • Ceramic tile
  • Natural stone
  • Pavers
  • Timber decking
  • Composite decking
  • Artificial grass
  • Wet-pour concrete and exposed aggregate, using a 40 mm kit with the supplied conversion parts

The supplied adhesive is formulated to bond all of these materials to the stainless steel lid.

The inlay must be:

  • Suitable for the location
  • Suitable for pedestrian use
  • Securely bonded inside the lid
  • Within the published material-thickness range
  • Appropriate for exposure to water and the surrounding environment

The installer should consider material thickness, weight, slip resistance, adhesive requirements, movement, edge finishing and the need to remove the lid later.

Loose stone or unsecured fill should not be installed inside the lid.

How are HIDE Covers installed?

A HIDE Cover should be installed by a suitably qualified and experienced contractor as part of the surrounding tiling, paving, decking, concrete or landscape work.

The general installation process is:

  1. Identify and measure the service point.
  2. Determine the clear access required.
  3. Select a suitable HIDE frame size.
  4. Confirm the available area around the opening.
  5. Measure the actual inlay material.
  6. Select the appropriate material-depth category.
  7. Prepare the surrounding substrate.
  8. Form the recess, then support and level the Edge Protector.
  9. Cut the selected inlay material.
  10. Bond the material inside the removable lid using the supplied adhesive, applied in strips rather than a solid bed so water can still drain.
  11. Align patterns and joints where practical.
  12. Confirm the finished lid sits flush.
  13. Test removal using the HIDE Safety Key.
  14. Confirm the service below remains accessible.

Do not grout the inlay tight against the lid, and do not let grout or adhesive bridge the gap between the lid and the frame. That is the single most common cause of a lid that will not lift cleanly later.

Always follow the installation instructions supplied for the specific product.

How deep does the recess need to be?

Form the recess 13 mm deeper than your kit’s nominal depth — the last two digits of the kit code. That rule holds for every HIDE kit, whatever the size or type.

Kit Nominal depth Recess depth below finished surface
-10 10 mm 23 mm
-20 20 mm 33 mm
-30 30 mm 43 mm
-40 40 mm 53 mm

Put another way: form the recess 13 mm below the level your surrounding tile or paver beds onto. Both measurements describe the same thing.

The Edge Protector sits deeper than the inlay lid because it wraps below it, taking the load off your coping and surrounds so nothing chips when the cover is lifted.

Form the recess before you set the frame, and check the frame’s top rim against your string line and finished height before the bed goes off. Once it is set, it is set.

Leave approximately 1 mm of clearance around each side of the Edge Protector and fill this perimeter gap with a flexible sealant, so seasonal movement has somewhere to go.

Protecting the stainless steel during construction

This is the single most common cause of what later looks like a faulty cover.

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.

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.
  • Use only non-ferrous tools on the stainless steel.

Keep acid off it too, including acid-washing tiles or paving anywhere nearby. Surface contamination arising from site work, and damage from acid or chemical contact, are not defects in the steel and are not covered by the warranty.

Can HIDE Covers be retrofitted?

Yes. HIDE Covers may be used in renovation projects as well as new construction.

In many retrofit installations, the existing plastic skimmer lid, inspection cover or screw cap remains below the new HIDE Cover. The HIDE system is installed above it as part of the renovated finished surface.

Before proceeding, the installer should confirm that:

  • There is enough surrounding space for the frame.
  • The substrate can be recessed to the required depth.
  • The frame can be fully supported.
  • The selected access opening is large enough.
  • The original service remains functional.
  • Drainage and ventilation are not obstructed.
  • The surrounding finish can be reinstated correctly.

If the cover is being installed close to a swimming pool, earthing or bonding of the frame is achievable where required. Earthing and bonding requirements vary according to the project, local regulations and the position of the cover. The builder should confirm the installation requirements with a licensed electrician before work begins.

Pool renovations are a common application because the system can conceal a faded, damaged or visually intrusive plastic skimmer lid without necessarily replacing the entire skimmer box.

How is a HIDE Cover opened?

The removable lid is opened using the HIDE Safety Key, which engages with the purpose-designed keyway and provides the lifting point required to remove the lid.

The opening method depends on the depth of the kit:

  • 10, 20 and 30 mm kits are pivoted open using one Safety Key. Insert it, turn to 90° so it locks onto the back of the lid, and raise the edge.
  • 40 mm kits are lifted vertically using two Safety Keys, one each side. Both keys are supplied with the kit.

In both cases the key releases and raises the lid rather than carrying it. Once the edge is up, take the weight with both hands. Using two keys on the deeper kits provides a more controlled and balanced lift, which matters because thicker inlay materials increase the total weight of the completed lid.

There is no exposed handle and no easy grasping point on a correctly installed cover.

After servicing, the lid is returned to the Edge Protector so it again sits flush with the surrounding finished surface.

The Safety Key or keys should be handed to the owner or facility manager and stored securely, out of reach of children. Never leave a key in an installed lid.

Are HIDE Covers suitable for public and commercial spaces?

Yes. HIDE Covers are suitable for pedestrian areas within both residential and commercial projects when correctly selected and installed.

Applications include:

  • Hotels
  • Resorts
  • Public pool surrounds
  • Apartment developments
  • Hospitality venues
  • Courtyards
  • Landscaped pedestrian areas
  • Shared outdoor spaces

Their flush finish, concealed lifting method and ability to accept a suitably rated inlay material make them valuable where visual consistency, pedestrian safety and controlled service access all matter.

The single restriction is loading: pedestrian traffic only, never vehicles.

The architect, specifier and installer remain responsible for confirming that the selected product, inlay material, supporting substrate and installation method are appropriate for the intended project.

Where are HIDE Covers manufactured?

HIDE Exterior Covers are Australian-made, produced in Brisbane, Australia.

The HIDE manufacturing line uses 14 robots to produce stainless steel lids and Edge Protectors with repeatable accuracy and controlled quality.

The automated process supports:

  • Accurate cutting
  • Precise folding
  • Consistent dimensions
  • Repeatable component fit
  • High-quality fabrication
  • Reliable production across larger quantities

This manufacturing capacity enables HIDE to supply significant quantities for architectural developments and repeated project requirements.

European warehouse stock is still developing, so architects and specifiers should contact HIDE early when planning a project that requires a specific product, depth or quantity.

What awards has HIDE received?

HIDE has received industry recognition for product innovation, manufacturing and its contribution to the pool and landscape sectors.

Best New Pool Building Product — 2019. Awarded at the International Pool, Spa and Patio Expo in New Orleans.

Supplier of the Year — 2025. Awarded by The Landscape Association.

Best New Product — 2025. Also awarded by The Landscape Association.

These awards recognise HIDE’s approach to combining service access, safety, durability and a more integrated architectural finish.

How should stainless steel HIDE Covers be maintained?

HIDE Covers are manufactured from 316L stainless steel — the low-carbon marine grade — but stainless steel still requires regular care.

To help maintain the product:

  • Rinse exposed stainless steel regularly with clean, fresh water.
  • Remove dirt, salt and chemical residue.
  • Wash with mild soapy water; for stubborn marks use a nylon scourer worked along the grain of the steel.
  • Clear leaves and dirt from inside the Edge Protector so the lid keeps seating and releasing cleanly.
  • Clean more frequently around pools and coastal environments.
  • Do not expose the stainless steel to acid washing.
  • Do not use bleach or aggressive acidic cleaning products.
  • Avoid abrasive tools that may damage the surface.
  • Provide maintenance instructions to the owner at project handover.

Some light brown discolouration — tea staining — is normal on 316L around a pool or near the coast. It sits on the surface rather than eating into the steel and washes off. Left to build up over years it can stain permanently and leach onto the surrounding stone, which is entirely avoidable with the occasional clean.

Construction chemicals, pool chemicals and airborne salt should not be allowed to remain on the stainless steel surface.

Full guidance: Care and Maintenance

How can I order HIDE Covers in Europe?

European customers can purchase HIDE products:

  • Directly through hidecovers.com, where the required option is active.
  • Through an authorised European HIDE distributor or reseller.

When ordering through hidecovers.com:

  1. Select the product category.
  2. Choose the external frame size.
  3. Choose the required material-depth category.
  4. Confirm that the selection is active.
  5. Review the dimensions and access opening.
  6. Measure the actual inlay material.
  7. Review shipping and tax information.
  8. Complete payment.
  9. Retain the order confirmation and proof of purchase.

A greyed-out option is not currently available to purchase online. To register interest in one, use the Register Your Interest page.

Can I purchase through a European distributor?

Yes. HIDE already works with distributors in several European markets and is continuing to expand its distributor network.

Distributor Market
GERIT Systems Italy
BEHNCKE GmbH Germany
Aqua Hendrickx Belgium
Fairlocks Pool Products United Kingdom

Distributor inventory may differ from the stock available through hidecovers.com. A distributor may:

  • Carry only selected products
  • Hold different quantities
  • Focus on locally relevant sizes
  • Order additional stock according to demand
  • Use its own delivery arrangements
  • Apply its own return procedures

Customers should contact the relevant distributor directly to confirm stock, pricing and delivery.

Where are European online orders dispatched from?

Orders placed directly through hidecovers.com are fulfilled through HIDE’s European warehouse partner:

TERRATRANS Internationale Spedition GmbH
Ludwig-Erhard-Str. 40A
D-28197 Bremen
Germany

This warehouse is also used for authorised returns of eligible hidecovers.com purchases. Products purchased from a distributor are dispatched according to that distributor’s arrangements.

How long does European delivery take?

HIDE aims to process and dispatch hidecovers.com orders within one to two business days, excluding weekends and public holidays.

Destination Estimated transit time
Germany 1–3 business days
Neighbouring EU countries 2–5 business days
France, Italy and Spain 3–7 business days
Nordic countries 4–8 business days
Other EU destinations 5–10 business days

These are estimates rather than guaranteed delivery dates. Remote destinations, carrier delays, peak periods, public holidays and customs processes may affect delivery. Tracking details are provided where available.

How do VAT and import charges work?

For deliveries within the EU or EEA, VAT is calculated according to the customer’s location and included at checkout where required.

For destinations outside the EU or EEA — including Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein — additional charges may apply. These can include import duties, local taxes, customs charges and carrier administration fees, and are the recipient’s responsibility unless shown at checkout.

Shipping costs and applicable checkout information are displayed before payment is completed.

What happens if an order arrives damaged or incorrect?

Customers should inspect their order promptly after delivery.

For a hidecovers.com order that is damaged, incomplete or incorrect, email admin@hidecovers.com and include:

  • The order number
  • A description of the issue
  • Photographs of the product
  • Photographs of the packaging
  • Details of missing components

Do not install, alter or use a product that appears damaged, faulty or incorrectly supplied before contacting HIDE.

For products purchased through a distributor, contact the original distributor first. HIDE may provide technical support where required.

What is the European returns process?

Returns are handled by the original place of purchase.

Orders purchased through hidecovers.com

Contact HIDE before returning any product. The usual process is:

  1. Email admin@hidecovers.com with the order details.
  2. Receive return authorisation and instructions.
  3. Pack the product securely.
  4. Include all supplied parts and documentation.
  5. Clearly identify the authorised return.
  6. Use a suitable tracked freight service.
  7. Retain proof of shipment.

Right of withdrawal

If you buy directly from hidecovers.com 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 with all components and documentation. Notify us within 14 days of delivery, then return the goods within 14 days of notifying us.

For eligible withdrawals, the refund may include the returned product price and the cost of the least expensive standard outbound delivery option. Additional premium or express delivery costs are generally not refundable. Unless the goods are faulty, damaged or incorrectly supplied, the customer is responsible for the direct cost of return freight where this was disclosed before purchase.

This change-of-mind right is separate from the warranty, and neither limits the other. Full detail: Returns & Refunds

Products purchased through a distributor

Returns, cancellations and credits must be requested from the distributor or reseller that supplied the product. The seller’s return policy and applicable local consumer law will apply.

Consumer and business purchases

European consumer withdrawal rights apply to private consumer purchases. They do not apply to products purchased for trade, professional, installation, business or resale purposes. Trade and distributor returns may therefore be subject to separate commercial terms.

What warranty applies to HIDE products in Europe?

European HIDE stainless steel products carry a 10-year HIDE commercial product warranty, subject to correct selection, installation, use, care and maintenance. The HIDE warranty is additional to any mandatory statutory rights that apply to the customer.

Warranty coverage may be affected by:

  • Incorrect installation
  • Unsuitable use or loading, including any vehicle traffic
  • Failure to maintain the stainless steel
  • Acid or chemical washing
  • Carbon steel contamination from site work
  • Third-party powder coating, painting or other coatings
  • Unauthorised alterations
  • Incorrect inlay installation
  • Permanent submersion

Customers should retain proof of purchase and relevant installation information.

Full terms: HIDE Warranty

How can I become a HIDE distributor?

HIDE is continuing to expand its European distributor network. Potential partners may include:

  • Pool product distributors
  • Pool equipment suppliers
  • Tile and stone suppliers
  • Landscape product suppliers
  • Building-product distributors
  • Trade supply businesses
  • Drainage specialists
  • Architectural product suppliers

Businesses interested in discussing a European distribution opportunity can email admin@hidecovers.com with information about the business, its market, existing customer base, relevant product categories and likely demand.

Who can help me select the right cover?

Before getting in touch, collect as much of the following as possible:

  • Type of service point
  • Size and shape of the opening
  • Required access for maintenance
  • Available area around the opening
  • Actual tile, stone or paver thickness
  • Intended finished surface
  • Country and project location
  • Quantity required
  • Expected project date
  • Photographs, plans or drawings

For product selection, orders, shipping, returns, distribution opportunities and all other enquiries: admin@hidecovers.com

To register a size or depth not currently stocked: Register Your Interest

You can also use the Find Your Kit tool, which asks three quick questions and matches you to the size, depth and where to buy.

Frequently Asked Questions About HIDE Covers in Europe

Are all HIDE products available in Europe?

No. Europe currently carries a selected range of popular sizes and depths. Australia has the widest HIDE range. Europe is a newer market, and the local range will grow as HIDE learns which products are most frequently required.

What does a greyed-out product option mean?

A greyed-out selection is not currently available for online purchase in Europe. It remains visible to show the wider potential range and allow customers to register interest.

Is the current warehouse selection the complete European range?

No. It represents products currently stocked or active for purchase. Additional products may be added as demand develops.

Can a distributor hold different products from hidecovers.com?

Yes. Distributor stock is managed separately and may differ from European online warehouse stock.

Does the HIDE Cover need to match the service opening?

No. The cover sits above the original service point and may be larger than the opening below. The clear access opening must still be large enough for inspection and servicing. A HIDE Kit can be larger than the service point, but not smaller, as that would restrict access.

What is the difference between the frame size and access opening?

The frame size is the overall external footprint of the HIDE Kit. The access opening is the clear space available after the removable lid has been lifted, and is smaller than the frame. Refer to the relevant product table for the underside opening measurement.

Should I choose the depth from the product code alone?

No. Use the published material-thickness range and measure the actual inlay material before ordering. The lid already includes depth for the supplied adhesive and normal material variation, so you do not need to add anything for adhesive yourself.

How deep does the recess need to be?

13 mm deeper than the kit’s nominal depth — every kit, every size. A -20 kit needs 33 mm below the level your surrounding material beds onto.

Does HIDE supply the tile or stone?

No. HIDE supplies the stainless steel cover system. The inlay material is selected and installed locally.

Can HIDE Covers help reduce slip risks?

They can help avoid introducing a separate smooth lid into the surrounding surface. The final slip performance depends on the selected inlay material, its rating, installation and maintenance.

Can HIDE Covers help reduce trip risks?

A correctly installed HIDE Cover sits flush with the surrounding finished surface, helping avoid raised edges and protruding handles.

Can the lid be lifted without the Safety Key?

A correctly installed HIDE lid has no practical grasping point. It is intended to be lifted using the HIDE Safety Key.

How many Safety Keys come with a kit?

One with 10, 20 and 30 mm kits. Two with 40 mm kits, because the deeper lid lifts straight up rather than pivoting on a single key.

How does HIDE protect porcelain and natural stone?

The inlay is supported across its base and four sides by a 2 mm 316L stainless steel tray. This five-sided support helps protect the material from edge impact, unsupported movement and breakage.

Can HIDE Covers be installed over existing skimmer lids?

In many projects, yes. The HIDE Cover can often be installed above the existing service opening, provided there is enough space and the frame can be properly supported.

Are HIDE Covers only for swimming pools?

No. They may also conceal irrigation points, plumbing services, inspection openings, drainage points, lighting junctions and other exterior services.

Can vehicles drive over HIDE Covers?

No. HIDE Exterior Covers are for pedestrian traffic only.

Can HIDE Covers be used on commercial projects?

Yes. Residential and commercial installation are both covered, with pedestrian traffic only as the single restriction.

Where are HIDE Covers manufactured?

HIDE Covers are manufactured in Australia using an automated production line that includes 14 robots.

Where are European online orders shipped from?

Orders placed through hidecovers.com are fulfilled from the European warehouse in Bremen, Germany.

Can architects enquire about products for future projects?

Yes. Architects and specifiers should contact HIDE early with the product, quantity, project location and expected delivery date.

Can I request an unavailable size for a future shipment?

You are welcome to register interest in an unavailable size, as this helps HIDE understand demand across Europe. Registering does not guarantee that the product will be stocked or included in a future shipment.

Send the product type, size, depth, application, country, quantity and expected timeframe through the Register Your Interest page. HIDE will review the enquiry alongside broader European demand, shipping schedules and stock-planning priorities.

Can I use a coupon code?

Prices shown online are the European retail prices in euros, with VAT calculated for your delivery country at checkout. Trade and volume enquiries are handled by our team rather than through the site — email admin@hidecovers.com with your business details and what you would typically be ordering.