In short
Using concealed sub-terrace pits and wall-integrated pocket tracks, an automated safety cover can be completely hidden from view when opened. When closed via key switch, it provides full walkable safety while preserving clean paving lines and garden architecture.
- Under-mechanism systems house rollers completely below terrace level.
- Pocket tracks built into pool walls conceal all mechanical guide rails.
- Matching stone paving or timber lids blend pit covers seamlessly into the deck.
The design challenge: uncompromising safety without visual bulk
Architects, landscape designers, and discerning homeowners invest significant effort into crafting clean lines, elegant paving, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. Bulky, surface-mounted roller reels at the end of a patio can compromise that carefully considered aesthetic.
Historically, pool owners were often told they had to choose between maximum structural safety and pure minimalist design. Today, precision engineering and concealed installation methods make compromise unnecessary.
The under-mechanism: engineered to vanish completely
The solution for new pool builds and major refurbishments is the Under-Mechanism configuration. The roller tube, hydraulic drive motor, and electrical controls are recessed in a dry chamber built below the patio or terrace level.
The pit is topped with matching stone inlay trays or bespoke hardwood decking lids that sit flush with surrounding paving. When you turn the poolside key switch, the cover glides smoothly out from a discreet slit beneath the coping stone, locking into place in under 45 seconds.
Three pillars of architectural integration
Concealed Pit Chambers: All mechanical components reside below ground, covered with matching terrace materials for an invisible finish.
Integrated Pocket Tracks: Built directly into the upper pool walls, hiding guide channels below the water line or coping edge.
Curated Fabric Palette: Premium reinforced vinyl available in refined shades, including Slate Grey, Sandstone, Forest Green and Navy, to complement surrounding hard landscaping.
Next step
Discover how concealed safety cover mechanisms can be detailed into your architectural drawings.
Find the right coverQuestions people ask
Can a PoolLock pit lid be paved with the same stone as the patio?
Yes. PoolLock provides heavy-duty stainless steel and aluminium tray systems designed to receive matching paving stones, porcelain tiles, or timber decking.
What is a Pocket Track system?
A Pocket Track is an aluminium extrusion cast or recessed directly into the top of the pool wall under the coping stone, making the guide track invisible from the deck.
Is an under-mechanism cover suitable for indoor pools?
Yes. Under-mechanism systems are ideal for indoor installations because they eliminate humidity, prevent condensation, and keep the poolside clear of obstructions.