Square vs Rectangular Hot Tub Cover: Which One Should You Buy?

Square vs rectangular hot tub cover at a glance

Fit: measure the tub, then the cover

Every listing here sizes its cover against tub dimensions, so measure the length and width of the tub before ordering. Two listings state the rule directly: order a cover that is longer and wider than the hot tub. The square listings size by equal sides, with the Enzeno cover at 96 x 96 inches and the GARPROVM cover at 85 x 85 x 20 inches, while the rectangular listings size by length and width separately, with the iBirdie cover at 85 x 67 x 18 inches and the Kipiea cover at 89 x 79 x 20 inches. See our best square hot tub cover roundup for more square sizes.

Fabric and weather protection

On denier, the two rectangular listings both state 600D, while the square listings state 420D on one listing and no denier figure on the other, so a side-wide denier win cannot be claimed from these listings. The Enzeno listing states 420D Oxford fabric at 100 GSM with a nano PU coating and taped seams, and states that the cover withstands 15,000pa water pressure. The Kipiea listing states 600D Oxford fabric at 248GSM with a double PU coating and waterproof tape at the seams, but its water pressure figure is printed as 20,0000 pa, which reads as a typo, so it is not used as a comparison point here. The GARPROVM and iBirdie listings state waterproof coatings without water pressure figures, which leaves pressure comparison unclear across the sides. For insulation, see our insulated vs non insulated hot tub cover comparison and our hard top vs soft top hot tub cover comparison.

Fastening and wind

Fastening differs by listing rather than by side. The Enzeno cover uses 2 woven strap buckles in the middle and a full circle of drawstring at the bottom, plus a waterproof zipper on the side. The GARPROVM cover uses dual drawstrings with 4 adjustable tightening points and reinforced buckle straps on all corners. The iBirdie cover uses 4 adjustable buckles with waterproof zippers on each corner. The Kipiea cover uses side and corner straps with windproof buckles, and the listing states the buckles can support more than 176 pounds of force, a figure that describes the Kipiea listing only.

Gear for each side

These are scored on the Chill Score, described on the how-we-review page. None of these listings states a UL or ETL listing, so all score 0 for safety.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Safety counts only for powered gear or where the listing states safety features; where it does not apply, the score is taken over the remaining 90 points.

Choose square if

• Your tub has equal sides, and the square fits in these listings match it.
• You want the largest square size here, the Enzeno cover at 96 x 96 inches.
• You want wipe-clean care, as the GARPROVM listing states spray water and wipe with a cloth.
• You want drawstring fastening, as both square listings use drawstrings.

Choose rectangular if

• Your tub has a longer side and a shorter side, and the rectangular fits in these listings match it.
• You want 600D fabric, as both rectangular listings state it.
• You want corner buckles with waterproof zippers, as the iBirdie listing states them.
• You want side and corner straps with windproof buckles, as the Kipiea listing states them.

Check Your Space First

• Measure the length and width of the tub before ordering, and order a cover longer and wider than the tub.
• Check whether a hard cover is needed underneath: the Enzeno and iBirdie listings both state that a hard cover or boards are still needed.
• Check handling weight where stated: the iBirdie cover weighs 3.8 pounds, and the Enzeno cover weighs 1.53 kg.
• Check the care line before storing: the iBirdie care line states hand wash only and dry completely before storing.

Common questions

Can a square cover fit a rectangular tub?

Match the cover shape to the tub shape. A square cover is sized for equal sides, while a rectangular cover is sized by length and width separately, so the fits stated in these listings do not transfer across shapes. Measure both dimensions of the tub and compare them with the fits stated on the listing.

Do these covers insulate the tub?

The listings here do not describe these covers as insulation. The Enzeno listing states directly that the cover cannot provide insulation and cannot be used alone without a heat-insulating hard cover, and the iBirdie listing states that a hard cover or boards are still needed underneath. Treat the Enzeno and iBirdie covers as weather protection over a hard cover, not as insulation on their own.

What size cover should I order?

Measure the length and width of the tub, then order a cover longer and wider than the tub, as the Enzeno and iBirdie listings advise. The square listings fit tubs at 94 x 94, 93 x 93 and 92 x 92 inches on one listing and at 84 x 84, 83 x 83 and 82 x 82 inches on the other, while the rectangular listings fit tubs at 84 x 66, 83 x 65 and 82 x 64 inches on one listing, with the Kipiea cover measuring 89 x 79 x 20 inches on the other.

How do the covers stay on in wind?

By straps, drawstrings, buckles or zippers, depending on the listing. The square listings use drawstrings with straps, the iBirdie listing uses buckles with waterproof zippers on each corner, and the Kipiea listing uses side and corner straps with windproof buckles. Tighten the fastening stated on the listing for the cover being bought.

Which fabric weight is stated?

The Enzeno listing states 420D Oxford fabric at 100 GSM, and the iBirdie and Kipiea listings both state 600D fabric, with the Kipiea listing adding 248GSM. The GARPROVM listing states heavy-duty Oxford fabric with a PU coating and no denier figure, so no denier comparison can be drawn for that listing.

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