HIDE HSL12-1.6

I recently underwent a renovation of my inground pool and replaced our old concrete paver stones. We added the HIDE HSL 12-1.6 when we noticed the previous simmer cover was going to be sitting below the paver line and posed a tripping hazard. The mason we used to install the paving stones hadn't installed a HIDE brand cover before but was able to use the instructions to easily insert the metal base into the skimmer cover opening, adjust it to the correct height, and insert and secure the cut stones. The look of the cover is great. Although our mason insert stones cut to closely match the pattern around the cover, I think this cover would still look great with a single inlayed stone. My only gripe is the two tools used to pull the cover off. Since the neck of each tool is rather thin and the cover itself can be fairly heavy depending on the weight of the material used in the insert, I worry that the tools may break. In my specific case, the mason managed to bend one of the tools at the middle of the neck that inserts while he was lifting the cover. I'm not actually sure how he managed to do it because I haven't had a problem when I use both tools and lift them each together to remove the cover. Also with the tools, each has the brand name inscribed on the handles and look really nice when the package is opened. The handles appear to be stainless steel. However, this seems to only be a plating because the day after I used them for the first time I started to see some rust residue originating from the brand inscription from the handle. This is likely because my wet hands got water exposed to the metal inside. This isn't a big deal to me though and didn't affect my review score. Pros: Great nondescript, low profile skimmer cover that is customized to your unique pool patio surface Reasonably priced for what you get Cons: The tools used to remove the cover could be better designed to not rust since they will be exposed to water at some point

While on the expensive side, they are very well built and super easy install. Great instructions included for all types of installs. Relative to the huge investment I am making in the pool, this is well worth it to add nice clean touch to the finish. I have 2 skimmers and 1 autofill with the 9" round openings which I bought 3 of the HIDE HSL12-1.6 for. Now that I am finished I probably could have went with the 1.2" depth and it also would have worked fine with the concrete poured inside them. I installed the surround before the concrete deck pour and it was very easy. I decided to mix up a little Mortar and I set them in the mortar bed a day before to ensure they didn't move around while the deck was being poured. The deck and inlay is sand finish with charcoal color added. The picture is right after the concrete expansion joint was sawed. Once final acid wash and sealer was applied they look seamless with the rest of the deck. I also installed them and poured the concrete before cutting the round plastic skimmer tube off at the proper height. I just used a multitool to cut it down. Turned out great - very happy I went with these even though the pool builder was skeptical that a square cover would work on a round skimmer since they had not used them before.

After 2 months, one of them started to get rusty.

This pool cover is a great idea. One of the disadvantages is installing even my pool company had an issue, but after many trials and errors they got it installed. There is one thing the manufacture should include as a second key opening with one key is very, very difficult to open with one key especially if you’re using marble.

Super high quality. Seamlessly hides our septic tank lid under the patio. So glad I found it! Who would have thought that a pool skimmer lid would be so ideal for this project? Very happy