HIDE Buyer's Guide — TradieCart
This guide is here to help you choose the right HIDE cover for your job. HIDE invented the patented recessed-inlay lid system — a marine-grade stainless tray you inset with your own tile, stone or timber so the cover disappears into your pool surrounds or patio.
Product Range
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| Skimmer Lid Kit 316 Stainless Steel | Flush, key-locked access to the pool skimmer. 306mm or 342mm square, each in 8–12mm, 15–22mm and 25–32mm inlay depths. The most popular choice for new builds. |
| Combination Skimmer Lid Kit (Stainless Lid / Polymer Base) | Renovation-friendly version — the stainless lid sits in a non-conductive polymer base, so no earthing is needed (see below). Ash colour; 306mm (15–22mm depth) or 342mm (15–22mm or 25–32mm). |
| Access Cover Kit 316 Stainless Steel | Smaller 206mm version of the skimmer lid for access points — water-table inspection pipes, taps, valves and irrigation. Same three depths as the skimmer lids. |
| Drain Cover Kit 316 Stainless Steel | Flush drainage in patios and paths — replaces industrial-look grates; suits 90mm and 100mm drainage. 214mm (8–11mm, 15–22mm or 25–32mm depth) or 314mm (8–11mm or 25–32mm). Cover only — no drain or pit. |
Quick Recommendation Guide
- New pool build with tiled or paved surrounds → 316 Stainless Skimmer Lid Kit — bond it while the earthing wire is still accessible
- Renovating a pool with no bonding wire in place → Combination Kit — no earthing needed per HIDE
- Covering an inspection pipe, tap or valve → 206mm Access Cover Kit
- Replacing an ugly drainage grate in a patio or path → Drain Cover Kit — 214mm or 314mm to suit the job
- Matching 30mm stone coping → stainless skimmer lid, access cover or drain cover in the 25–32mm depth (Combination Kits: 342mm only)
Do I Need to Earth My HIDE Cover?
Australian wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000:2018) require equipotential bonding of conductive metal items larger than 100mm within arm's reach of the pool edge — which can include metal skimmer covers. HIDE's 316 stainless kits have a pre-drilled hole in the edge protector for an earthing lug, so they're easily bonded during construction. The Combination Kit's polymer edge protector insulates the stainless lid — HIDE states it requires no earthing, making it the go-to for renovations. Either way, always confirm with your licensed electrician.
Key Features & Benefits
- 316L marine-grade stainless steel with a 20-year warranty (5-year on polymer parts)
- Patented recessed-inlay system, 100% Australian designed and made
- Child-resistant Safety Key — compliant with Australian pool safety standards
- Inset your own tile, stone or timber for a completely flush, invisible finish
- Retrofits to existing pools and landscapes — not just new builds
Common Questions
Should I choose the 316 Stainless Skimmer Lid or the Combination Kit? — Stainless for new builds where the lid can be bonded during construction; Combination for renovations where earthing is impractical — the polymer base insulates the lid.
Which size skimmer lid do I need — 306mm or 342mm? — The measurement is the external size of the square edge protector. Check the technical datasheet on each TradieCart product page against your skimmer opening and coping space. The 342mm × 15–22mm kit is our most popular.
What depth kit do I need? — Match your inlay thickness: 8–12mm for standard tiles, 15–22mm for 20mm pavers, 25–32mm for 30mm stone. The included height adjuster brings a thinner inlay up flush.
Can I use a skimmer lid as an access cover? — Yes — any HIDE skimmer lid can double as an access cover or cover your auto-fill.
What's included, and what do I still need? — The Safety Key, stainless inlay tray, edge protector, height adjuster and adhesive. You supply the inlay material; drain covers are cover-only (no drain or pit). For current prices, see the product pages on TradieCart.
Why Choose HIDE?
- The original, patented hidden-lid system — invented and made in Australia
- Same-day delivery in Metro Melbourne through TradieCart
- A flush, invisible finish that lifts the look and value of pool and landscaping jobs