Stainless vs Plastic Drain Covers: Which is Better?

by Blades Admin July 30, 2025

Stainless vs Plastic Drain Covers: Which is Better? With HIDE Skimmer Lids

When designing or renovating a pool, small choices often make the biggest difference — especially choices that combine safety, durability, and design. One of the most overlooked but critically important decisions is:
Stainless vs plastic drain covers — which is better?

At first glance, the difference might seem minimal. But the choice impacts not just how your pool looks, but how it performs, how long it lasts, and how safely it protects swimmers. In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of stainless steel vs plastic drain covers, highlight why more pool owners choose HIDE Skimmer Lids, and explore how this upgrade helps balance style and safety in modern pools.

Why Drain Covers Matter: Beyond Aesthetics

Pool drain covers aren’t just finishing touches — they’re a critical part of your pool’s safety system.
Their primary functions include:

Preventing dangerous suction entrapment
Keeping debris and objects out of skimmers and drains
Creating a non-slip surface on walkways and pool edges
Blending with the surrounding deck, tile, or stone for a clean finish

The right drain cover must combine compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (VGB Act), durability under harsh conditions, and a design that complements your outdoor living space.

Stainless vs Plastic Drain Covers: Which is Better?

Plastic Drain Covers: Pros and Cons

Plastic drain covers are the most common on the market, typically made from ABS plastic or similar composites. They’ve been standard in pools for decades — and for good reason.

Benefits:

Lightweight: Easy to handle and install.
Lower cost: Affordable initial purchase price.
Variety of shapes and sizes: Flexible design options for different pool setups.
Corrosion-resistant: Won't rust from pool chemicals.

Drawbacks:

Limited durability: UV exposure, chlorine, and salt can cause fading, cracking, and brittleness over time.
Aesthetic limitations: The finish often looks “plastic,” which can clash with luxury finishes like marble, travertine, or premium pavers.
Frequent replacement: Lower lifespan means more maintenance and higher lifetime costs.
Surface wear: Smooth plastic can become slippery or chalky as it ages.

Stainless Steel Drain Covers: Pros and Cons

Stainless steel drain covers offer a modern alternative that’s become the go-to for high-end residential and commercial pools.

Benefits:

Exceptional durability: Withstands sun, salt, chlorine, and heavy foot traffic.
Luxury appearance: Matches modern outdoor design and blends with natural stone, concrete, or tile.
Corrosion resistance: Especially when made from marine-grade stainless steel (316).
Slip resistance: Textured finish offers better traction.
Longer lifespan: Fewer replacements, lower lifetime cost.
Customizable: Can be cut to fit your tile or stone for a seamless look.

Drawbacks:

Higher upfront cost: Investment is larger than plastic.
Weight: Heavier to handle, though rarely a problem after installation.

Supporting keywords: stainless steel drain cover design, luxury pool hardware, marine-grade pool drain covers

Where HIDE Skimmer Lids Change the Game

The HIDE Skimmer Lids system takes stainless steel drain covers a step further: combining safety, design, and customization in a single package.

How It Works:

HIDE Skimmer Lids are made from marine-grade 316 stainless steel.
Each lid holds a piece of your actual deck material — tile, stone, or concrete — so it’s completely hidden when installed.
Includes a unique lifting key to remove the lid safely for maintenance.

Result: You get the strength and durability of stainless steel plus a flush, invisible finish that perfectly matches your pool deck.

Comparing Key Features: Stainless vs Plastic

Feature	Plastic Drain Covers	Stainless Drain Covers (HIDE Skimmer Lids)
Durability	Prone to cracking/fading	Corrosion-resistant, heavy-duty
Aesthetics	Often visible, limited styles	Seamless, matches deck finish
Compliance	Must be VGB-certified	Must be VGB-certified; HIDE covers are typically skimmer/access covers
Slip Resistance	Varies	Textured steel is slip-resistant
Lifetime Cost	Lower upfront, higher long-term	Higher upfront, lower long-term
Maintenance	Replace frequently	Long lifespan, occasional cleaning

Why Pool Professionals Recommend Stainless (and HIDE)

1️⃣ Durability that saves money

While plastic covers cost less at first, repeated replacements (from cracking, fading, or damage) quickly add up. Stainless steel — especially marine-grade — stays strong year after year, even in saltwater pools.

2️⃣ Luxury design that matches modern pools

High-end projects demand finishes that look as good as they perform. With HIDE Skimmer Lids, your drain covers disappear into the design, keeping the clean, minimalist look that homeowners want.

3️⃣ Better slip safety

Textured stainless steel provides natural grip under wet feet — helping reduce slip hazards compared to glossy plastic.

4️⃣ Eco-friendly choice

Fewer replacements mean less plastic waste, a real advantage for sustainable building projects.

HIDE Skimmer Lids: What Makes Them Unique

Tile-in design: The lid holds a piece of your deck material, so it becomes nearly invisible.
High load rating: Supports heavy foot traffic, even commercial settings.
Easy access: Includes a lifting key for maintenance without damaging tiles.
Universal sizes: Fits skimmers, drains, and access points.
Salt-safe: Marine-grade stainless resists corrosion in salt pools and coastal areas.

These benefits make HIDE Skimmer Lids the premium choice for homeowners, contractors, and designers who want the best of both worlds: safety and style.

Do Stainless Drain Covers Meet VGB Requirements?

The answer: It depends on application.

For direct suction outlets (main drains), always use a VGB-certified anti-entrapment cover, tested for flow rates and entrapment safety.
HIDE Skimmer Lids are used on skimmer boxes, access covers, or deck drains — areas without direct suction risk — while still complementing VGB-compliant main drain covers elsewhere.

Tip: Always consult a licensed pool contractor to ensure your entire system meets local and federal safety codes.

Choosing What’s Right for You

If your goal is:

Lowest upfront cost → plastic drain covers may be acceptable (with frequent replacement).
Long-term durability, safety, and luxury design → stainless drain covers, especially HIDE Skimmer Lids, are the clear choice.

For most pool owners — especially those investing in premium decking — the small extra cost upfront pays for itself in longevity, safety, and aesthetic value.

Conclusion: Stainless vs Plastic Drain Covers — Choose with Confidence

When comparing Stainless vs Plastic Drain Covers: Which is Better? With HIDE Skimmer Lids, it’s clear:

Stainless steel drain covers offer superior durability, slip safety, and aesthetic appeal.
HIDE Skimmer Lids take it further by making the cover nearly invisible, matching your exact deck finish.
For areas with direct suction, pair them with certified VGB-compliant main drain covers for full safety.

The result: a pool area that’s beautiful, safe, and built to last — blending form and function without compromise.

Stainless vs Plastic Drain Covers: Which is Better?