How to hide a pool skimmer box

A standard plastic skimmer lid can be the one thing that spoils a beautiful surround. A tile-in lid takes the same paving as the rest of the area, so the skimmer all but disappears.

SSL Distributors · Updated 21 October 2026

HIDE skimmer lid with paving inlay beside a pool

Every pool has a skimmer box, and most have a round plastic lid sitting in the middle of the paving. An inlay lid solves that. It's a shallow stainless steel tray that you fill with the same paver, tile, timber or concrete as the surround, so only a fine stainless outline shows.

HIDE skimmer lid being lifted to show the skimmer box underneath — A HIDE lid lifts out for skimmer access.

HIDE skimmer lid set in pool coping with the grout line running through the lid — Once in place, the lid blends into the paving.

How HIDE inlay lids work

HIDE lids are made from marine-grade 316 stainless steel with fully welded corners. Each kit includes:

Inlay lid: holds your tile, paver, decking or concrete flush with the surface.
Edge protector: a welded stainless frame that protects the surrounding paving and drains water away.
Safety key: lifts the lid. Always store it out of reach of children.
Adhesive to bond the inlay material to the lid.
Height adjuster: a 2mm acrylic sheet for thinner inlay materials (not in concrete kits).

Step 1: Choose the size

Measure the opening of your skimmer box, or check its brand and model. HIDE skimmer lids come in 306mm, 342mm and 656mm sizes. For smaller access points such as valves and pipes, there are 156mm and 206mm access covers.

Step 2: Choose the depth to suit your paving

Your paving	Lid depth
20mm porcelain, such as CMP	15–22mm lid
Thicker stone, around 25–30mm	25–32mm lid
Poured or exposed aggregate concrete	Concrete lid, 35–42mm
Thin tiles (from 10mm)	15–22mm lid with the height adjuster

There are also Ash polymer lids, a lighter-weight option in 342mm.

HIDE skimmer lid with concrete and crazy pave inlay — A HIDE lid with a crazy-pave concrete inlay.

HIDE access cover with timber decking inlay — Access covers also take timber decking.

Step 3: Cut and fit the inlay

Cut the paver to fit the lid, lining up joints with the surrounding paving so the pattern runs straight across.
Bond it in with the supplied adhesive and let it cure before use.
Install the edge protector level with the finished paving.

Tips

Plan the skimmer position at the design stage, so it lands neatly within the paving layout.
Order a spare paver from the same batch for the lid.
Keep the safety key somewhere safe and out of reach of children.

Not sure which lid fits your skimmer box? Send us a photo and we'll confirm the right size. Shop HIDE skimmer lids.