Design advice - Concealed skimmer lids

[Danko]

I want to build a pool with very minimalistic aesthetics - and I am currentlytrying to figure out how to hide the pool skimmer lids. I have not yet found anything satisfying, only solutions where you still see a visible edge etc (see image)

I have found a number of reference images where the pool skimmer lidseither are fully concealed, or where there might be an alternative system (see below). However, I have not found any details about their solutions.

Does anyone have any advice here? The pool is 18 meters long, 6 meters wide, and the depth will be around 1.5-2.5 meters. The pool will be surrounded by paved stones.

 

[TheNameIsSam]

I want to build a pool with very minimalistic aesthetics - and I am currentlytrying to figure out how to hide the pool skimmer lids. I have not yet found anything satisfying, only solutions where you still see a visible edge etc (see image)

I have found a number of reference images where the pool skimmer lidseither are fully concealed, or where there might be an alternative system (see below). However, I have not found any details about their solutions.

Does anyone have any advice here? The pool is 18 meters long, 6 meters wide, and the depth will be around 1.5-2.5 meters. The pool will be surrounded by paved stones.

View attachment 390913

I've seen some pools where they had Travertine decking that looked similar to the above pic. There is no (plastic or metal) edging so it's less noticeable. It does however have the little cut out which is necessary in order to lift it up out of it's place.

If you are going to use large pavers, you could try and see if one paver will line up perfectly over the skimmer and act as it's lid.

 

[MAPR-Austin]

Yeah I think it's doable, what size stones are going around the pool?

 

[Foxer]

If you are going to use large pavers, you could try and see if one paver will line up perfectly over the skimmer and act as it's lid.

This is my plan. I have fairly large pavers and will line it up over the skimmer as best I can. I'll have to drill a hole through the top to be able to pull it up, but I much prefer that over other options.

 

[ajw22]

I hope all the people who will work on your pool are strong enough to lift the stone off of the skimmers.

 

[Foxer]

I hope all the people who will work on your pool are strong enough to lift the stone off of the skimmers.

It's a good point. My pavers are 9 x 18, 18 x 18, and 27 x 18, and weigh about 30lbs, 59lbs and 88lbs each! Hoping I can get one of the 9x18 to fit.

 

[Danko]

Thank you for all your help! I think the solution of simply using a paving stone is a satisfying one - I assume the best way of doing it is to line it up as if it were a normal stone, but with a cut-out for lifting and space/no grout around it, as you mention Foxer. The weight is a good point though, we will have a roman laying pattern of various sizes so optimally the "lid" should be one of the smaller sizes.

I also found this system of front-loaded skimmers which eliminates the need for a lid, it might be an interesting option - although it might not be a better option maintenance-wise (they seem to be pretty rare and I guess for a reason)

Pool Skimmers | High Quality Pool Skimmers | Paramount Pools

 

[Charlie Bezzina]

Best of luck pulling the lid off and replacing it without chipping it's corners or edges or those of all the tiles around it.

 

[Danko]

Best of luck pulling the lid off and replacing it without chipping it's corners or edges or those of all the tiles around it.

Hm, you think so? With two discreet handles/holes and a not too heavy paving stone I figure it should be ok. A thin sheet of metal or rubber on the edges, in the same colour as the stone might be an option but I'm afraid it won't look good and then i might as well just have a normal lid which would of course be the easiest option, but why make it easy

 

[darkrider]

I've seen the conceled skimmer lids used before, and they look nice for some time, but I will say that they almost always crack eventually. They're just not strong enough with the hollow cavity beneath it, even with heavy/thick pavers. If you're going to do it, make sure they have a larger than usual lip to try and prevent the cracking.

 

[MAPR-Austin]

I also found this system of front-loaded skimmers which eliminates the need for a lid, it might be an interesting option - although it might not be a better option maintenance-wise (they seem to be pretty rare and I guess for a reason)

Pool Skimmers | High Quality Pool Skimmers | Paramount Pools

I bet the price is why they are rare...they do look really good compared to traditional skimmers. I haven't seen those before.

 

[kimkats]

That skimmer is kind of neat until you really think about it. You will almost have to be IN the pool to clean it. I guess you could hang upside down laying on the decking to try to clean it but man that would be hard and pain to do.

They make some pretty round lids but the square ones are not as pretty. Here is what I found doing a search for decorative skimmer covers. Might give you some ideas. If you do go for the stone one make sure there are TWO holes in it to help smaller hands pick it up.
decorative pool skimmer covers square - Google Search

 

[Smalone]

We have skimmer lids that are made out of our travertine with a hole drilled in it so it can be removed. Works and looks great

 

[TheNameIsSam]

While I'm sure you already have a good idea of how they look, I have attached some pictures of skimmer lids I've seen

 

[bertschb]

This is my skimmer lid. Works fine.

 

[bertschb]

Best of luck pulling the lid off and replacing it without chipping it's corners or edges or those of all the tiles around it.

That hasn't been a problem with mine.

 

[Cena_sea]

I can lift the travertine with my hand (no tools needed) with two holes drilled center.