Product Guides & Information
Hard Pool Covers Explained: In-Pit, In-Seat & Above-Ground Slat Cover Systems
Hard (slat) pool covers are one of the most versatile automatic cover systems available today. Whether you’re building new or upgrading an existing pool, involving the Daisy team early in planning is key.
Below, we break down the three primary hard pool cover configurations in-pit, in-seat and above ground. Featuring recent Daisy installs in Jindabyne NSW, Dalkeith WA and Alphington VIC.
Underwater Hard Pool Cover Install: In-Pit, Jindabyne NSW
An in-pit system is the most concealed hard cover solution available. The roller mechanism sits inside a purpose-built pit at one end of the pool, fully concealed below hardscaping delivering a seamless finish when the cover is retracted.
For this installation in Jindabyne, NSW (in the Snowy Mountains region), coordination and planning were key. Daisy’s NSW Team travelled 440km south with the truck to meet Daisy VIC installers who travelled nearly 590km north. Together, the team completed the install in a single day!
Project Specifications:
Compass fibreglass pool with integrated fibreglass pit
Polycarbonate Silver slats
Flush Mount Beam system
Five ultra heavy-duty stainless steel beams custom-made to suit pit and pool width
Hanging bracket style roller (F001 brackets)
The flush mount beam system allowed the hardscaping to be installed level and clean over the pit area. The beams were engineered to sit perfectly flush so paving could run straight across, delivering a completely flat, modern finish that was also safe to walk over around the pool edge.
The use of ultra heavy-duty stainless steel beams ensured structural rigidity across the span, while the hanging bracket configuration allowed secure roller positioning within the fibreglass pit.
Flush mount beams in place waiting for paving on top
Roller installed in pit and submerged
PIt completed by pool builder ready for Daisy Install
Slat covers being installed
Underwater Hard Pool Cover Install: In-Seat, Dalkeith WA
In-seat hard pool covers are integrated directly into a structural bench within the pool. The roller and motor system sit inside a concealed cavity, with a pit lid above that is typically tiled to match the pool interior or surrounds. In this case, those striking black & white stripes!
This Dalkeith, WA project features a Polycarbonate Solar Golden slat on a 10.5 x 5.5m pool installed in an in-seat underwater configuration with a pit lid designed to be tiled for a seamless finish.
Staged Installation Process
In-seat underwater systems like this one often require a staged installation approach.
During the construction phase, Daisy installs:
The underwater roller system
Pit lid rails (to support the tiled lid finish)
Rear guide tube (allowing the cover to travel smoothly out of the pit)
At this stage, the mechanical infrastructure is installed so the pool build can continue uninterrupted.
Once the pool is filled with water, Daisy returns to:
Float the polycarbonate slat cover
Connect and tension the system
Complete final commissioning and setup
This staged process ensures accurate alignment, proper buoyancy, and optimal system performance once operational.
Underwater roller and rear guide tube installed
Install in progress
Roller inside the seat. This will be underwater
Ready for feature tiling, water and to float the cover!
Above-Ground Hard Pool Cover Install: Alphington VIC
Above-ground systems are often the best option for existing pools where adding a pit or in-seat cavity isn’t practical. The roller sits at the pool edge, mounted externally, while still delivering fully automatic functionality.
Project Specifications:
Complete above-ground system
Polycarbonate Solar Graphite slats
Pool size: 11.9m x 3.43m
Custom roller width to suit the raised pool structure
Cut-out detail for cover entry into the pool
Because the pool sits partially out of the ground, the roller width was customised to ensure alignment and smooth deployment. The floating polycarbonate slats create a sleek surface across the water, with the graphite finish pairing really well with the green tiled pool.
Hard Cover being Installed
Slats floated and going onto roller
Above Ground Hard Cover Install Complete
Level difference in pool required custom roller width
How to choose the Right Hard Pool Cover System?
Each installation type serves a different purpose:
Installation Type | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
In-Pit | New builds | Fully concealed, flush finish |
In-Seat | Architectural concrete pools | Integrated design feature |
Above-Ground | Existing pools | Practical retrofit solution |
From the Snowy Mountains of NSW to metropolitan WA and Victoria, Daisy hard pool covers continue to adapt to varied climates, pool structures and design goals.
Whether fully concealed below ground or mounted above the waterline, the core advantages remain the same:
Automatic deployment
Strong polycarbonate slats
Custom engineering to suit each pool
Clean, durable finish
No matter the location or configuration, the goal is consistent: a tailored hard pool cover system that fits the pool, the project, and the long-term performance requirements.
