There’s nothing quite like relaxing in your hot tub after a long day.
It’s like entering a whole new world for you to just sit back relax and unwind. Plus, having friends over to hang in the hot tub can be a real treat. And, is especially entertaining watching their eyes light up the moment they see it. But…
But even with the best hot tubs in the world, there’s nothing worse than getting all geared up to get in, only to pull back the cover and see it full of dirt, bugs, leaves, and other unknown objects at the bottom…
So… here’s how to how to clean a hot tub without draining it and aid in finding the best spa vacuum for you?
Pssstttt…! No time to read the full review? Don’t worry. Here are our 3 best-selling Hot Tub vacuums for you to pick from;
- 60 minutes run-time
- Pole extends to over 7 feet
- Lightweight
- Lithium battery
- Multiple attachments
- Max suction depth of 6 FT
- Portable
- Debris collection bag
- Self-contained vacuum
- Pole extends to over 7 feet
- No pumping needed
- Vacuum's fine sand
10 Best Hot Tub Vacuums
Cleaning your tub can be a difficult job, especially as most people are really busy with day jobs and family. It can take a long time if you don’t know the right tactics or have the correct tools. Hot Tub Vacuum Cleaners are the answer to the problem.
In order to keep yours in prime shape (and making sure it continues working for years), it’s critical that you get rid of the dirt and debris from the tub.
And the best and easiest way to do this? By using a vacuum. Here are our top 5 favorite spa and hot tub vacuums to help you make the best choice for your hot tub.
1. Aura 6250 Paradise Power Spa Vacuum
Want something simple to use? You don’t need a cord… You don’t need power… Plus… You’ll be saving the environment with this hot tub vacuum.
There are no pumps, batteries, or power and yet… this is one of the most popular vacuums on the market today. It works with simple and basic physics. The Aura 6250 siphons debris simply and with ease with the 7-foot aluminum telescopic pole.
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All you have to do is cover the hole on the top of the wand with your finger (to create a natural suction at the end of the wand), place the wand into the water on top of the debris, slowly so you don’t stir everything up.
Pull it out and release your finger, the water flows out and the debris stays in the filter. Therefore siphoning the debris from the bottom of your tub quickly and effectively.
Pros
- Easy to use (no power, batteries, cords)
- Simple to use
- 7-foot extender pole to reach every area
Cons
- Does require manual effort
- Takes longer than powered vacuums
2. Water Tech Pool Blaster Catfish Pool & Spa Vaccum
The “Catfish” is one of the top cordless hot tub vacuums around. Now if you are looking for a spa vacuum cleaner cordless this is a good option. It includes a battery-operated mechanism and has a reusable filter and 2 microfilters. It will leave your hot tub or pool sparkling after each use.
It’s equipped with lithium batteries that you can charge up in 4 hours and it has a run time of 45 minutes making it easy to clean your unit several times over before having to charge it again.
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It is very powerful, able to handle cleaning 33 gallons in a single minute. You can use the telescopic pole to get those hard-to-reach areas (bought separately).
It’s a great vacuum to be used both for the hot tub and pool. This model is not as powerful as some of the others in our hot tub reviews but is brilliant for general and regular use.
Pros
- 45 minutes per charge
- 3 different filters to clean thoroughly
- Lightweight
- Great for everyday use and general upkeep
Cons
- Not quite as powerful as some of the others
3. Intex Handheld Rechargeable Vacuum
This is maybe one of the best compact cleaners. The Intex Handheld Rechargeable is lightweight, easy to use, and small enough to fit into any tight corners. It’s equipped with built-in batteries that are simple to recharge with the USB charger included.
This model comes with a 94” extendable pole, making it an easy clean job, at just under 8 feet. It’s great for getting into every corner and the middle of the spa without worrying about breaking your back. (Or falling in!)
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This compact cordless cleaner has two sizes of brush heads depending on your hot tub space. Even though it’s a compact, it is very powerful and has a solid suction capability for getting all the debris out.
Pros
- Built-in rechargeable batteries
- Compact with two brush sizes to get every corner
- 94” extendable pole makes it easy on the back to clean
Cons
- Charging required via a USB chord
4. Pool Supply Town Mini Jet Vac Pool Vacuum Cleaner
This is another battery-free, electricity-free model. But instead of using suction and siphoning, it uses water power. The Mini Jet Vac uses hydraulic pressure from your regular garden water hose.
Attach to your hose and turn on, the pressure from the water causes the debris to then be sucked up into the collection bag. We will let you figure out how that works, but, rest assured it does and it does it well.
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It’s straightforward to use and such a simple design it will amaze you. Just attach to your garden hose and a pole (not supplied) and you are up and running. It’s the perfect cleaner for all your needs, even above ground pools.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- Save on your electrical bill – no cord or batteries
- All you need is water and a garden hose
- It’s also great for pools, fountains, and spas
Cons
- It could maybe be a bit clearer with the instructions.
5. OASE Pondovac Classic Spa Vacuum Cleaner
If you are wanting a super-powerful, all-in-one model, then look no further this just has to be on the list of best hot tub vacuum cleaners. The OASE Pondovac Classic This is, however, an investment, as it is not cheap, but if you’re wanting a beast that can clean everything from your hot tub to your pool to your pond, this is it.
OASE introduced the PondoVac Classic has been one of the leading vacuums for over 10 years. It uses a standard power cord to get power from an outlet in the house or even better if you have one, an external outlet. It has 1200 watts of power, making it extremely powerful to suck up anything that you want – big or small.
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Plus, there is an automatic sensor that knows when the tank is full – so it will automatically shut off. Just empty the tank, and you’re ready to keep going.
The hose length is 13 feet and the extender pole reaches 6 feet down into your hot tub, pool, or pond to suck up any debris. This model includes 4 different attachments of nozzles, allowing you to fully clean every square inch of your tub or pool.
Pros
- Very powerful 1200 watt motor
- All-in-one capable – hot tub, pool, pond
- Automatic shut off when the tank is full
Cons
- Not as mobile as a cordless unit
- A bigger investment
6. Polaris 5-400-00 Hot Tub Vacuum Cleaner
If you’re looking for an easy to use hot tub vacuum that’s no fuss-no muss, Polaris 5-400-00 is the one for you. This simple cleaning device is suitable for hot tubs and kiddie pools. Although it won’t help you much if you’re planning on cleaning a bigger water body, you can use it to touch up spots around the bigger pools.
Polaris is a trusted company and this spa wand is no exception. The Polaris 5-400-00 promises to clear out everything from sand and silt to plants and other debris.
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Because it’s a vacuum stick, the debris is sucked into the in-built see-through filter basket by creating a vacuum. One drawback is that you can’t extend the length of the vacuum stick.
However, you do get interchangeable nozzles that can tackle the different kinds of debris. Also, with the attached bracket you can simply mount your stick on a wall and your storage is sorted. So all in all, it’s a great value for the money you pay for it.
Pros
- Ready to use as soon as unboxed
- No power, battery or cords required
- Attached bracket for easy storage
Cons
- Requires manual efforts
- Can’t be extended
7. Poolmaster 28300 Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum
When you have a bigger pool, you would obviously want to surround it with some trees. While this means shade in the summer, it also means unwanted leaves in your pool. The Poolmaster 28300 Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum cleaner is designed specifically to help you combat this problem.
Talking about the suction, you can connect the vacuum to your garden hose after which the eight water nozzles present on the lower side of the vacuum turn into jets. This creates a powerful suction that pulls in the leaves through a central opening.
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Although you have to buy the garden hose and pool poles separately, you don’t have to worry about getting a specific kind of hose since this vacuum fits any standard sized garden hose. The reusable leaf bag is multi-purpose and has push-lock closure to ensure a snug fit around the vacuum’s neck.
The Poolmaster 28300 features a large 15-inch diameter that is made of the durable ABS plastic. For enhanced maneuverability, you get four multi-directional wheels.
Pros
- Use of ABS plastic ensures long life
- Comes with a reusable leaf bag
- No external source of energy required
Cons
- Garden hose and pool poles have to be purchased separately
8. Aquatix Pro Pool Step and Corner Vacuum Brush
Even though the construction and installation of pools and hot tubs are a one-time expense, the cleaning and maintenance tend to take up more money than you expected. Aquatix Pro Pool Step and Corner Vacuum Brush allows you to focus on the areas that are often forgotten while you’re busy scoping out leaves
Most of the time, the corners and the steps of the pools or hot tubs are the dirtiest. Probably because most hot tub vacuums are rectangular or square and cannot reach the generally circular. The Aquatix Pro Pool Step and Corner Vacuum Brush is the solution to this problem.
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For an extremely low price, you can rub and shine your hot tub’s corners, steps or any of the other hard to reach spaces. The smaller, more compact size of the brush makes it easy for you to use the brush.
The fine nylon bristles on the brush ensure that no dirt or grime is left behind without damaging any kind of surface.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Compact size makes it easier to use
- Comes with a refund guarantee
- Nylon bristles to protect surfaces
Cons
- Manufacturer provides only the vacuum head
9. Milliard Sea-Thru Triangle Weighted Pool and Spa Vacuum Head
Milliard’s Sea-Thru Triangle Vacuum head is yet another cleaning device dedicated to the hygiene of the hot tub and pool surfaces. The standard vacuum head easily fits 1 ½ inch and 1 ¼ inch vacuum hoses. The handle is spring-loaded and will easily fit extension poles in case you want to clean your swimming pool instead of your hot tub.
Because of the triangular shape, you can attack the corners of your hot tub effortlessly too – no more holding the head at an odd angle. And since the head is see-through, you know exactly what you are aiming for.
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Another great thing about this hot tub vacuum is that it’s made up of ABS plastic. So your cleaner’s protected from pool chemicals and scrapes.
Milliard also ensures your pool’s safety by adding rubber bumpers at the sides and nylon bristles at the bottom. Here, the manufacturers have added weights to keep the vacuum grounded and in contact with the pool floor.
Pros
- Triangular head allows you to reach tight spots
- Spring-loaded clips to attach easily to any poles and hoses
- Nylon bristles to safeguard hot tub and pool surfaces
Cons
- Pole and hose have to be purchased separately
10. S. Pool Supply 14″ Weighted Butterfly Pool Vacuum Head
You can neither afford to have fungi in your hot tub or pool and not use it nor can you drain the entire pool to clean that one small corner with fungi. The butterfly design combined with the multi-dimensional brushes that this vacuum head boasts of, you can reach any corner and get a spotless hot tub in a matter of minutes.
U.S. Pool Supply’s 14-inch, weighted, butterfly pool vacuum head is perfectly suited for cleaning vinyl lined pools. You can attach the butterfly head easily to a shorter or longer pole depending on whether you want to clean your hot tub or pool. The EZ clip handle is extremely easy to use.
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The swivel head connects effortlessly with 1 ½ inch and 1 ¼ inch hoses. What’s more, the butterfly head is weighted and so the head will remain submerged when you are cleaning the algae.
The brand is fairly well known. However, if you are not entirely sure, you are covered by a complete one-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros
- The butterfly-shaped vacuum head to clean corners
- Weighted body to keep the head submerged
- Comes with one year warranty
Cons
- Only vacuum head provided by the manufacturer
Hot Tub Vacuum Buying Guide
Maybe you have some questions before you go ahead and purchase? Here’s some vital info to help you on the way we hope it helps.
When you have your own hot tub, you need to be cautious and make sure you maintain it consistently. Letting it go for days, weeks, and even months without maintenance can end in disaster and end up increasing the running costs.
Neglecting simple maintenance such as vacuuming and using the correct hot tub chemicals could leave you unable to use it and will require a lot more effort and cleaning than usual, maybe even lead to having to hire an expert to service it, or worst of all… having it breakdown and leaving you without one altogether.
Leaving the hot tub dirty can not only affect its overall performance but also have frightening implications on the safety of people’s health while using it.
How Do Hot Tub Vacuums Work?
In essence, they are quite similar to a regular home cleaner. Mainly what separates them from a regular vacuum is just the size and obviously they are made to go into the water.
Basically they work on the same principle, suction, and brushes or similar. They are compact and therefore able to reach every nook and cranny, even the most hard-to-reach areas.
Benefits Of Using a Hot Tub Vacuum
You should invest in a vacuum not only to help lengthen the life of your unit but also for a more pleasurable soak and unwind, free of all debris and dirt.
It will also help to keep the cleanliness of the water and help keep the use of chemicals to a minimum. Summary of why you should invest in one?
- It will help maintain the cleanliness of the water
- It will save you a ton of time – as trying to clean without can be very frustrating and time-consuming
- Easy cleaning with reliable attachments – with a variety of attachments, you can efficiently clean your entire tub with ease (using a brush nozzle, skimmer, sponges, and more)
What to Remember When Picking the Right Vacuum
Because there are so many models and types of hot tub vacuums, it can be hard to choose the right one. Some are extremely powerful and can be used on a pool as well, while others are simple and can only be used on a hot tub.
You should make sure you’re investing enough money to get a high-quality design, but also, make sure that you aren’t overspending on something you don’t need.
Either way, it is a vital piece of hot tub equipment and is something you must have on your to-buy list if you are investing in a spa, inflatable hot tub or permanent freestanding unit.
Should You Go Corded Or Cordless?
The first thing you should really consider before picking the right style for you is… how big is your hot tub? And… do you also have a pool?
Generally speaking, a cordless model is best suited for small hot tubs and above ground pools. They are good for sucking up small debris, dirt, little rocks, etc.
If you have a bigger hot tub and pool, then you will most likely want to use a corded model. They are generally more powerful and are better for picking up larger debris like leaves, bugs, twigs, etc. (especially good if you have trees nearby).
Make Sure Your Vacuum Matches Your Needs
Corded designs tend to be more expensive, so if you only have a small hot tub or pool, you will probably only need one of the smaller models, which are not only usually a cordless design but also normally a lower price and great value for money.
However, if you have a larger hot tub or pool, it may be worth the investment to get a powerful, corded design (especially if you tend to have larger pieces of debris settling at the bottom). They usually come with more attachments which make it easier to get a hot tub or pool of any size cleaned up easily.
