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.
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:
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.
Pool skimmer lids, inspection hatches, drainage grates and utility covers are generally designed for function rather than appearance.
They often introduce:
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.
HIDE Covers help address several practical safety considerations within pedestrian environments.
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.
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:
Architects and installers should select an inlay material with a slip-resistance rating appropriate for the location, particularly around pools and other wet areas.
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:
The Safety Key should be stored securely and made available to the property owner, facility manager or authorised service technician.
Standard HIDE Exterior Covers are intended for pedestrian applications.
They should not be installed in vehicle traffic areas unless the particular product and complete installation have received appropriate written engineering approval.
HIDE Covers help resolve a common design problem: retaining access to essential services without allowing the access point to dominate the finished space.
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.
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.
A correctly installed lid sits level with the surrounding finish, supporting a more consistent pedestrian surface.
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:
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.
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:
This tray-style construction helps protect the material against:
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.
HIDE Covers can be used over many types of outdoor service points, including:
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.
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:
The important requirements are that:
Selecting a larger cover can provide more room for hands, tools and removable equipment.
The developing European range includes several HIDE product categories.
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 can be installed over inspection points, plumbing services, irrigation valves, lighting connections and other external access requirements.
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.
HIDE Manhole Covers are larger-format access covers for service pits and substantial openings where greater access is required.
HIDE Concrete Covers - Selected deeper HIDE kits can be prepared for an appropriate wet-pour concrete finish.
The surrounding concrete surface can continue into the removable lid while access remains available below.
The advertised size generally refers to the external dimensions of the HIDE frame.
For example:
There are three horizontal measurements to consider.
This is the overall footprint of the installed HIDE Kit.
The surrounding substrate must provide enough room and structural support for the complete frame.
This is the removable stainless steel tray that holds the chosen surface material.
It is slightly smaller than the external frame.
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. The clear access opening must also be suitable for the service requirement.
Image is an example of the six depths, ranging from 10mm to 60mm in thickness
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.
HIDE Concrete Cover cross-sectional installation drawing
Below: Cross-sectional view showing the wet-pour concrete configuration within the removable HIDE lid.
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.
| Nominal depth category | Recommended material thickness | Actual 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 |
| 50 mm | 45–52 mm | 53 mm | 63 mm |
| 60 mm | 55–62 mm | 63 mm | 73 mm |
For example, HAC206-20 is intended for an inlay material within the published 15–22 mm range. Its actual 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. This is particularly important where:
The completed inlay should sit securely within the stainless steel tray and should not project above its surrounding edge.
Across the wider international HIDE range, nominal depths extend to 60 mm.
A 60 mm nominal product is the deepest standard HIDE Cover produced.
Where material is thicker than the available lid, it may be more practical to have the underside of the stone or paver cut down or rebated.
Using an unnecessarily thick inlay can make the completed lid difficult to lift. 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.
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.
| 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 |
The larger 506 mm and 656 mm covers may also be described as HIDE Manhole Covers because they provide a larger service opening.
| Product | External frame | Inlay lid | Material thickness | Internal lid depth | Access opening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDC314-10 | 314 × 314 mm | 300 × 300 mm | 8–11 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 |
| 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.
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:
This distinction is important because the European range is still developing.
HIDE and its distributors are learning:
More stock and additional sizes are expected to be introduced as this information develops.
Yes.
Customers, installers, architects, specifiers and distributors are encouraged to contact HIDE about 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.
Include as much of the following information as possible:
Email expressions of interest to:
info@hidecovers.com
An expression of interest does not guarantee a specific delivery date, but it helps HIDE plan future European stock.
Depending on the product and installation method, HIDE Covers may be finished with:
The inlay must be:
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.
A HIDE Cover should be installed by a suitably experienced contractor as part of the surrounding tiling, paving, decking, concrete or landscape work.
The general installation process is:
The overall Edge Protector depth is greater than the internal lid depth.
For example:
The surrounding substrate must be prepared to accommodate the full frame depth.
Always follow the installation instructions supplied for the specific product.
Yes. HIDE Covers may be used in renovation projects as well as new construction.
Watch this 5-minute video of a retrofit
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:
Earthing and bonding requirements can 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.
The removable lid is opened using the HIDE Safety Key.
The key 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 HIDE Kit:
Using two keys for the deeper kits helps provide a more controlled and balanced lift, which is particularly important because thicker inlay materials can 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 in a secure, accessible location.
HIDE Covers may be used in pedestrian areas within residential and commercial projects when correctly selected and installed.
Potential applications include:
Their flush finish, concealed lifting method and ability to accept a suitably rated inlay material can make them valuable in areas where visual consistency, pedestrian safety and controlled service access are important.
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.
HIDE Exterior Covers are Australian-made. See the video of HIDE Covers being made in the factory - 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:
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.
HIDE has received industry recognition for product innovation, manufacturing and its contribution to the pool and landscape sectors.
HIDE received the Best New Pool Building Product award at the 2019 International Pool, Spa and Patio Expo in New Orleans.
HIDE was named Supplier of the Year by The Landscape Association in 2025.
HIDE also received Best New Product recognition from The Landscape Association in 2025.
These awards recognise HIDE’s approach to combining service access, safety, durability and a more integrated architectural finish.
HIDE Covers are manufactured from 316L stainless steel, but stainless steel still requires regular care.
Construction chemicals, pool chemicals and airborne salt should not be allowed to remain on the stainless steel surface.
European customers can purchase HIDE products:
When ordering through hidecovers.com:
A greyed-out option is not currently available to purchase online.
Customers may register interest in a greyed-out option by emailing info@hidecovers.com.
Yes. HIDE already works with distributors in several European markets and is continuing to expand its distributor network.
Current European distributors include:
| 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:
Customers should contact the relevant distributor directly to confirm stock, pricing and delivery.
Like HIDE, distributors are still learning which products and applications are most in demand within their markets.
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.
HIDE aims to process and dispatch hidecovers.com orders within one to two business days, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Estimated delivery times after dispatch are:
| 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.
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 and Switzerland, additional charges may apply.
These can include:
Shipping costs and applicable checkout information are displayed before payment is completed.
Customers should inspect their order promptly after delivery.
For a hidecovers.com order that is damaged, incomplete or incorrect, email:
admin@hidecovers.com
Include:
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.
Returns are handled by the original place of purchase.
Contact HIDE before returning any product.
The usual process is:
For eligible consumer 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 generally responsible for the direct cost of return freight where this was disclosed before purchase.
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.
European consumer withdrawal rights generally apply to private consumer purchases.
They do not generally apply to products purchased for trade, professional, installation, business or resale purposes.
Trade and distributor returns may therefore be subject to separate commercial terms.
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:
Customers should retain proof of purchase and relevant installation information.
HIDE is continuing to expand its European distributor network.
Potential partners may include:
Businesses interested in discussing a European distribution opportunity can contact:
info@hidecovers.com
Include information about the business, its market, existing customer base, relevant product categories and likely demand.
Before contacting HIDE or a distributor, collect as much of the following information as possible:
For product selection, future-stock enquiries and distribution opportunities:
info@hidecovers.com
For orders, shipping, returns and customer-service enquiries:
admin@hidecovers.com
HIDE aims to respond to customer-support enquiries within two business days.
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.
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 express interest.
No. It represents products currently stocked or active for purchase.
Additional products may be added as demand develops.
Yes. Distributor stock is managed separately and may differ from European online warehouse stock.
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.
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.
No. Use the published material-thickness range and measure the actual inlay material before ordering.
The lid includes additional depth for the supplied adhesive and normal material variation.
No. HIDE supplies the stainless steel cover system.
The inlay material is selected and installed locally.
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.
A correctly installed HIDE Cover sits flush with the surrounding finished surface, helping avoid raised edges and protruding handles.
A correctly installed HIDE lid has no practical grasping point.
It is intended to be lifted using the HIDE Safety Key.
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.
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.
No. They may also conceal irrigation points, plumbing services, inspection openings, drainage points, lighting junctions and other exterior services.
No. Standard HIDE Exterior Covers are intended for pedestrian applications.
HIDE Covers are manufactured in Australia using an automated production line that includes 14 robots.
Orders placed through hidecovers.com are fulfilled from the European warehouse in Bremen, Germany.
Yes. Architects and specifiers should contact HIDE early with the product, quantity, project location and expected delivery date.
Yes. Send the product type, size, depth, application, country, quantity and expected timeframe to info@hidecovers.com.