POWDER-COATING TESTED

Ongoing industry uncertainty has raised growing concerns about the earthing of items around swimming pools, particularly skimmer lids. This article reveals a licensed electrician’s findings after testing the effectiveness of powder coating as an electrical barrier and compliance.

HIDE has a range of Skimmer Lids that are 100% compliant with Australian/NZ regulations for any new pool build or renovation. If your licensed electrician requires earthing your skimmer lid, you can safely earth HIDE’s 316 Stainless Steel Edge Protector or opt for HIDE’s extensive Bond-Free Polymer range.

While powder coating may be chosen for aesthetic reasons, it should never be considered a substitute to avoid simple and safe earthing practices. 
Read below to make an informed decision.

Key facts on using powder coating as an insulation barrier

flaking_1080

Durability Concerns:

  • Powder coating is prone to flaking, especially under harsh conditions like chlorinated or saltwater.
  • Flaking exposes the stainless steel underneath, compromising the insulation and potentially allowing electrical conductivity.
  • Repairs to powder-coated skimmer lids are difficult and costly, making replacement the main option once damaged.
Corner-damaged_1080

Electrical Safety Risks:

  • Powder coating is a temporary insulating layer but does not ensure long-term non-conductivity.
  • Any damage to the coating exposes the underlying conductive stainless steel, posing a risk of electrical current transfer.
  • Conductive surfaces near pools may require proper earthing to meet safety standards, as per AS/NZS 3000:2018.
  • Read warranties and fine print before purchasing a powder-coated product for your pool.
Powder-coat-installed-flaking

Aesthetic Degradation:

  • Powder-coated finishes can fade, discolour, or stain over time due to chemical exposure from pool environments.
  • Damage to the coating impacts the appearance, reducing the overall visual appeal of the skimmer lid.

Maintenance Challenges:

  • Repairing flaked or damaged powder coating requires extensive labour, including stripping, preparing, and re-coating, which adds significant costs and time.

Testing by a "licensed electrician" finds powder-coating a temporary solution.

Powder coating for non-conductivity IS NOT COVERED once removed from the box.

  • Don't be misled: Once removed from its packaging, powder-coated skimmer lids are not covered by any certificate. Read the fine print.
  • HIDE's independent testing of powder-coated stainless steel skimmer lids failed to pass once exposed to harsh conditions.

Test New 'in the box':

Non-Conductive

Test 1 - Pass:

New Powder-Coated Lid – Non-conductivite.

A "Licensed Electrician" has conducted the conductivity test on the powder-coated lids.

"Licensed Electrician" - The powder coating minimizes conductivity when tested on a solid surface and when new and unused.

Test uneven coat:

Damaged-more-current

Test 2 - Fail:

New Powder-Coated Lid - Remains Conductive

"Licensed Electrician" - The powder coat is compromised slightly in hard-to-spray surfaces and conducts current.

 

After use:

Full-Conductive

Test 3 - Fail:

Tested at any point where the coating has been scraped or damaged - Fail with full conductivity.

"Licensed Electrician" - The product has gained full conductivity.

Technical Bulliton

TECHNICAL INSIGHTS FROM LEADING PROVIDERS

Powder coating is a durable surface treatment, but it has limitations that can impact its long-term effectiveness: Powder coating offers good initial protection, however, it is susceptible to damage over time, particularly under harsh conditions. 

1. Thin Layer and Fragility: Powder coating forms a relatively thin layer that, despite initial robustness, can chip, crack, or wear thin over time. Edges and corners, in particular, are vulnerable due to challenges in ensuring complete coating coverage. This can lead to areas where the metal beneath becomes exposed and prone to further damage from environmental elements like wind and water.
[Full Blown Coatings]

2. Aging and Environmental Impact: Over time, exposure to UV light, extreme weather, and abrasive contact can weaken the coating, leading to flaking or peeling. Such deterioration exposes the underlying metal, risking corrosion and reducing the part's lifespan.
[Keystone Koatings]

3. Pre-Treatment and Curing Issues: Proper surface preparation and curing are crucial for ensuring powder coating adherence. Any compromise in these processes can lead to early chipping and cracks.
[Powder Coating]

HIDE-Logo-Exterior-Covers 2

If you can't run an earthing wire, HIDE Combination Kits are you best option.

Combination-Range

HIDE Combination Kits:

Combination Kit (Stainless Steel Lid + Polymer Edge Protector)

The Best of Both Worlds: Combine the unrivalled strength of a stainless steel lid with the safety of a 100% non-conductive polymer edge protector that resists deterioration over time. This innovative design ensures durable, risk-free insulation and superior performance.

  • 100% Compliant: The polymer edge protector insulates the removable stainless steel lid, ensuring full compliance with safety standards.
  • Three Colours: Ash, Bone, and Charcoal, which will seamlessly blend with your pool coping.
  • Depth Options: 20mm and 30mm in all three colours. 40mm depth in Ash
  • Concrete: 40mm concrete infill kits available in Ash.

HIDE Warranty and Quality Assurance

Enjoy peace of mind with a 20-year warranty on stainless steel and a 5-year UV-colour-rated warranty on polymer components. HIDE provides reliable, non-conductive solutions built to last.

Combination-Range

HIDE Full Polymer Kits:

Polymer Edge Protector and Polymer Lid

Experience simplicity and safety with this 100% polymer kit, which requires no earthing and is compliant with Australian/New Zealand pool safety standards.

  • 100% Non-Conductive: Polymer is inherently non-conductive, maintaining its properties without breaking down over time.
  • Three Colours: Ash, Bone, and Charcoal, which will seamlessly blend with your pool coping.
  • Two Depth Options: Choose 20mm or 30mm depths to suit your inlay thickness.
  • Two Sizes Available: 342mm square skimmer lid and 206mm square access cover.

HIDE Warranty and Quality Assurance

Polymer components are UV colour-rated for 5 years, ensuring lasting performance and aesthetic appeal.

EARTHING IS STRAIGHTFORWARD

Earthing-Wire

Earthing Wire

This standard earthing wire is used throughout your home and pool builds across Australia.

Earthing-Wire-close-up

Attach Earthing Wire

Simply attach the lug to the underside of the HIDE Edge Protector. The HIDE Lid does not need to be earthed as it is removable and is separated from the base by polymer corner lifters.

hero HIDE

Getting the job done right 

HIDE Skimmer Lids Pty Ltd recommends earthing any stainless steel item, including powder-coated skimmer lids, within 1.25m of the pool edge. We are pleased to arrange powder coating for our stainless steel products at an extra cost.

HIDE-Skimmer-Lid

HIDE Stainless Steel Kits

HIDE Full Stainless Steel Kits – the leading inlay skimmer lid for over 10 years – come with a pre-drilled hole, allowing a "Licensed Electrician" to easily install an earthing wire and lug to the HIDE Frame. This procedure is compliant with Australian safety standards, ensuring reliable installation and safe operation.
[Care and maintenance + Warranty]

20-year warranty

Earthing-hole
MEA-Guidelines

Be safe and be compliant for the life of your pool

  1. HIDE offers a full range of products that are compliant with Australian/New Zealand safety regulations, including 100% non-conductive polymer, which will remain compliant for the life of your pool.
  2. If you choose to powder coat your stainless steel skimmer lid, you should continue to follow pool safety regulations and earth (bond) the product to gain the required certification certificates from a licensed electrician.
  3. Powder-coating may offer attractive aesthetic benefits for your client in some situations. HIDE will have any of its stainless steel kits powder-coated to your preferred colour; however, to comply with safety standards, HIDE does not offer powder-coated treatments as a non-conductive solution. 
  4. HIDE products were voted "Best new pool building product" at the New Orleans International Pool & Spa Expo 2019 and have been the industry leader in external coverings since 2014.
  5. Only HIDE offers a 20-year warranty on their quality 316 Stainless Steel products.

Contact details

For over 10 years, Skimmer Lids has been proud to serve the industry, consistently developing innovative products that meet Australian and New Zealand safety standards. We celebrate this milestone by continuing to deliver excellence and support. If you have any questions or need assistance, our dedicated team is here to help.

Head Office Admin Brisbane (Yatala) 
Phone: (07) 3807 2551

Email: admin@skimmerlids.com.au

Website: www.skimmerlids.com.au

 

QLD/NZ

Contact Head Office:
(07 3807 2551)

admin@skimmerlids.com.au

 

NSW

Sarah-Jane Winston: Sales Manager
(0447 981 121)

sarahjane@skimmerlids.com.au

VIC/SA

Brett Dodge: Sales Manager
(0499 260 254)

brett.dodge@skimmerlids.com.au

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