5 best practices to seamlessly integrate hidden pool covers

The days of ugly pool covers taking up space alongside the swimming pool are a thing of the past. Hidden pool covers merging with visionary design means architects and designers can set a new standard for contemporary outdoor living while ensuring that safety and practicality are not compromised. 

A pool cover is essential to a well-functioning pool. Aussie UnderCover (previously Aussie Hideaway) designed and launched the manual Aussie Hideaway system in 2008, which has developed into the current Aussie UnderCover system. 

“Our family business started in response to market needs. We used to install fibreglass pools and were looking for more attractive pool covers for our customers,” said Steve and Sandra Lothian, owners of Aussie UnderCover. “We couldn’t find anything ideal so we designed the system ourselves.”

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These days, Aussie UnderCover is the only system on the market that offers an accessible pool cover that can be completely hidden with tiles, paving, decking, synthetic turf, micro-cement or similar finishes. The team doesn’t shy away from experimenting with new materials if the customer is asking for it and prides itself on providing a customised system for every project. Even their “kit” systems can be customised with a preferred material the customer wants to use to conceal the lid frame.

“We recently had a customer who wanted to use micro-cement to conceal the lid frame. Micro-cement is a trowelled-on product that we have not used before, so it has been an interesting fact-finding journey to ensure that our system will function as designed using this finish,” explains Sandra.

The team also partnered with Design Duo Alisa and Lysandra to install two Aussie UnderCover systems in their own homes, which were being built and filmed as their “Twin Off” project. They both asked for polished concrete on the lid frame, which was a novelty for the pool cover business. 

Read more about the award-winning hidden pool cover system

Here are five best practices for integrating an Aussie UnderCover hidden pool cover into any backyard:

1. It’s all in the planning

The earlier an Aussie UnderCover is included in the design phase, the better. According to Sandra, homeowners often find out about us and desire a hidden pool cover system after the pool is built. While it is possible to retrofit a hidden pool cover, it is much more cost-effective to include installation in the initial build.

Even the smallest plunge pool can be embellished with a hidden pool cover system from Aussie UnderCover. The Cronulla Pools project is a contemporary-style pool, designed to blend into a small area and provide a beautiful space for outdoor living. The brief demanded a compact design, while still achieving maximum use of the available space. With the hidden Aussie UnderCover system, the pool cover discreetly disappears into the timber deck used to conceal the lid and creates enough space for the poolside furniture.  

2. Involving trades early on

Involving the builder and landscaper early on in the planning process allows these contractors to suggest design elements to make the pool area as aesthetically pleasing, functional and safe as possible. 

A renovation is the ideal time to hide all the unsightly bits and pieces around the pool area. In cooperation with Sharp Landscaping, Aussie UnderCover assisted in transforming an odd-shaped, outdated pool from drab to fabulous. Old concrete tiles were replaced with light-coloured travertine and the raised edge was removed to create a more contemporary look.  

A semi-remote-controlled Aussie UnderCover system completely conceals the pool cover to keep the backyard clean and clutter-free. 

3. Place the pool cover close to the pool

To make the pool cover readily accessible and easy to use, Aussie UnderCover recommends placing it between 400mm and 1m from the waterline. The closer to the pool, the better. “Our system can go further away if necessary or if the design dictates it, but we have found that a system close to the pool is more likely to get regular use, which is essential in our sun-soaked country,” says Steve.

4. Complement the landscaping

Pool covers are not just blue. There is a variety of colours to choose from, including vibrant blues and greens, subtle blues, opaque blues and clear covers, to complement the individual landscaping around it. As the cover will be visible when the pool is not in use, the colour plays an important role in the overall look of the pool area. 

5. Consider the location 

Depending on where the property is located, there are different covers to consider. A pool in Darwin, for example, needs a completely different cover than one in Tasmania. A mid to high-value micron solar cover, which provides excellent heat retention, will suit most locations in Australia. However, for homeowners who prefer to keep the sun out completely or improve heat retention in very cold areas, a foam cover is more suitable. 

In 2022 Aussie UnderCover was awarded Silver in the “New Product” category at the National Swimming Pool and Spa Association Awards (SPASA), won Gold for Operational Excellence and Silver for Professional of the Year. Additionally, the company won many other State awards in the ACT, SA and WA.

The future is bright for Aussie UnderCover, moving its main operation and office to a new factory unit in South Nowra in 2024.

Discover the world of hidden pool covers from Aussie UnderCover on ArchiPro.

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