This shows the deck planks cut out to accommodate the skimmer basket lid. The hole was cut smaller than the diameter of the lid. Then a router was used to cut the lip on which the lid rests.The lid is 3/8" thick and sits flush with the deck. I did not measure the width of the cut-out, didn't think to bring a tape measure.
The lid is 6" in diameter. Given its thickness and the size of the lip it sits on I really doubt whether it would break if stepped on. An adult's foot is too big and would partially distrubute weight on the deck and a child is too light -- unless they purposefully jump on it.
This shows the under-deck construction around the basket.
