Item 06 of 10
Dual-zone and dual-temperature
30 of the 186 swim spas we track have a separate hot tub zone with its own water temperature. See every dual-zone swim spa
A dual-temperature swim spa is a swim spa and a hot tub in one cabinet, each with its own heater. That doubles the equipment.
What it is
Most swim spas are one body of water at one temperature, with a few seats at one end. A dual-zone swim spa splits the cabinet with a wall into a swim side and a separate hot tub. Dual temperature means each side has its own heater and controls, so the swim side can sit in the low 80s while the hot tub runs at 102. PDC's TSX219 puts a five-seat hot tub beside a 14-foot swim spa; Endless Pools' E2000 is a 20-foot dual-temperature model.
Why it matters
The two uses want different water. California's spa analysis cites USA Swimming and the Aquatic Exercise Association: 78 to 82°F for competitive swimming, 83 to 88°F for water exercise and 90 to 95°F for aquatic therapy. A hot tub runs 100 to 104. One body of water can't be both, so a single-zone owner picks a compromise or changes the setting and waits.
Dual temperature solves that, and you pay for it in hardware. There are two heaters, two sets of pumps and filters, and more power: Master Spas says some H2X dual-temperature models need two electrical supplies. The hot side also takes length out of the swim lane, so read the swim area, not the cabinet.
Over the years that's twice the equipment to service. If you'll soak after most swims, it earns its place. If you'd rarely use the hot side, it's a lot of machinery to own.
How makers do it
Separate hot tub, heated and controlled on its own
The good wayA wall splits the cabinet and each side has its own heater and controls. Jacuzzi's J-19DT and Hydropool's 19DTAX work this way.
One body of water with therapy seats
AcceptableSeats and swim lane share the same water and temperature. Bullfrog's Swim Series works this way; it makes no dual-zone model.
Swim-only vessel
AcceptableNo seats and no hot tub, just a lane. Artesian's TidalFit Core Swimmer lists zero seats.
In the showroom
Check this
- Read the spec sheet: does each side have its own heater and control panel?
- Read the electrical line: how many circuits and amps does it need?
- Sit in the hot side of the display and look at how much lane is left.
Ask this
- Does each side have its own heater and pumps, or do they share?
- How many circuits and amps will my panel need for this model?
- Does heat from the hot side warm the swim side in summer?
How each brand does it
All 17 brands publish enough to tell.
Every brand, A to Z (17)
- YesAmerican Whirlpool
Only the DM8: an 18-foot swim spa with a walled-off 5-seat hot tub that's controlled separately.
- PartlyArctic Spas
No dual-zone models: every All-Weather Pool is one body of water at one temperature, with the seats in the same water.
- YesArtesian Spas
Four Dual Temp models pair a swim spa with a separate hot tub, each with its own heater and controls.
- PartlyBullfrog Spas
No dual-zone model: seats and swim lane share one body of water at one temperature.
- PartlyCal Spas
One dual-zone model, the 18-foot Olympian: a separate 3-seat hot tub on its own 120-volt circuit.
- PartlyCoast Spas
No dual-temperature model: every Coast swim spa is one body of water at one temperature.
- YesDynasty Spas
Only the 19-footer has a separate hot tub, with its own heater, topside and pack; the other five are one body of water.
- YesEndless Pools
The 20-foot E2000 and X2000 pair a 15-foot swim side with a 5-foot hot tub, each zone with its own heater and controls.
- YesHydropool
Only the two 19DTAX models are dual-zone: a separate 5-seat hot tub with its own 4 kW heater and pump, on its own 40 A circuit.
- YesJacuzzi
The J-19DT is a true dual-temperature spa: a walled-off hot tub with its own electronics, controls and 50 A circuit.
- YesLPICatalina Swim Spas, Dr. Wellness
Six dual-temp models, each side with its own pack and 4 kW heater; the Tri-Therapy adds a chilled one-seat cold tub.
- PartlyMarquis
No dual-temperature model: each Marquis swim spa is one body of water at one temperature.
- YesMaster Spas
Four models have a true separate hot tub on its own controls: Trainer 21, Trainer 21D, Challenger 21D and MP Momentum D.
- YesPDC Spas
Five dual-zone models add a separate 425-gallon, 5-seat hot tub with its own heater, controls and 50 A circuit.
- PartlySundance Spas
No dual-temperature model: all four are one body of water at one temperature.
- PartlySwimEx
No SwimEx is dual-zone or dual-temperature: every model is one body of water with one heater.
- YesWellis
Only the Rio Grande is dual-zone: two chambers, two heaters, two controls, two circuits.
Read nextDual-zone swim spasBest swim spasSwim spa costSwim spa sizesBest swim spas for lap swimming
Where it gets complicated
Makers say a solid acrylic divider keeps the two temperatures apart; none we read publish how much heat crosses it, so the summer question is worth asking. Nor is dual temperature the only answer for therapy: Master Spas suggests 88 to 92°F for therapy and recreation, which a single-zone spa can hold.