No. They cut the planks with a router (I think?) so that there's a lip on which the lid sits. This makes it flush with the decking but not resting on top of the skimmer. It fits in there pretty tightly. In fact, I have to give it a smart smack to replace it after cleaning out the basket. The lid has a small center hole, big enough to insert a finger for lifting it out. Came with the skimmer.