Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: st18901 on November 23, 2005, 06:48:37 pm
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what do you use to vacuum stuff from the bottom - grit, dirt, etc.?
Is there any trade trick besides a vacuum?
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what do you use to vacuum stuff from the bottom - grit, dirt, etc.?
Is there any trade trick besides a vacuum?
Spa tip #47:
Any time you top off the spa with water fill to about ½" higher than you actually want it. When you've reached that point leave the end of the hose submerged in the water, go unscrew the hose at the faucet on the house and set the hose onto the gorund. The water will automatically start to back out ofteh spa as you'll have created a siphon. This allows you to then take the hose that is in the spa and use it as a water vacuum. Make sense?
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I like spa tip #47. The few times I have needed a vac, the siphon works real well.
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I use a Hydropool spa with it's own built in 'Self-Cleaning Floor'. Works like a charm so far!
(I know this doesn't really answer your question but I am a new owner and need any reason to justify the massive cost outlay, hehe.)
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My little transfer pump I use to help during the drain process works well for sucking all the gunk off the bottom. Then top off.
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This is the right day to tell you about this. I use a turkey baster. 2-3 bucks at Wal Mart
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Anybody ever try one of these? How much do you sell them for Terminator?
http://www.hotspring.com/Spa_Showroom_Hot_Tub/jpgs/spa_vac.jpg
Hot Spring Spa Vac
The Hot Spring Spa Vac cleans dirt, gravel, leaves and other debris without draining your spa. This self-contained, simple-to-use water vacuum requires no pumping, batteries or water hook-ups. The telescopic aluminum pole makes it easy to remove debris from hard-to-reach areas. Use it on your swimming pool steps and in fountains, too.
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Anybody ever try one of these? How much do you sell them for Terminator?
http://www.hotspring.com/Spa_Showroom_Hot_Tub/jpgs/spa_vac.jpg
Hot Spring Spa Vac
The Hot Spring Spa Vac cleans dirt, gravel, leaves and other debris without draining your spa. This self-contained, simple-to-use water vacuum requires no pumping, batteries or water hook-ups. The telescopic aluminum pole makes it easy to remove debris from hard-to-reach areas. Use it on your swimming pool steps and in fountains, too.
Yes - works great. Around $50. I have the HS one but there are other similar ones available.
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I use a turkey baster as well and no it's not the same one I used on dinner today..
The grit gitter also works but costs more, with either you have to be in the spa to use them so I chose the turkey baster.
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I've got one of the HS vacs (couldn't get the dealer to budge on the price, but at least got the vac & steps thrown in). They do work, but a siphon w/ the garden hose would prob. work just as well.
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The turkey baster worked well for us too. And cheap!
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This is a good one that's great for getting stuff out when standing outside of the tub:
Water Blaster (http://www.waterblaster.net/index.html)
It doubles as a water cannon too! I happened to have one on the boat for water battles and found that it works great in the tub as well. 8)
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I rigged one of those "Paint Rollers" from Home Depot (About $10) by removing the roller.
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I would reccommend shopping different types of vacs and finding the vac that works best for you and your family. Don't let yourself get pressured into buying what someone else thinks is best. The key is trying them out and seeing for yourself. I would say the ones that work on suction are the easiest and are very effective. Have fun in your search and let us know which one you picked!
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I would reccommend shopping different types of vacs and finding the vac that works best for you and your family. Don't let yourself get pressured into buying what someone else thinks is best. The key is trying them out and seeing for yourself. I would say the ones that work on suction are the easiest and are very effective. Have fun in your search and let us know which one you picked!
While this is good advise, you can immediately eliminate many if you remember one thing. ONLY buy a full foamed vac. A full foam vac is much better than a TP vac. A full foam vac will require less energy to operate and will be less prone to leaks.
You may also want a vac that produces a nice waterfall. I'd stay away from vacs with lounges in them for obvious reasons.
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This has come up several times on the board here and basiclally there are 2 types. A grit getter and a wand. People have reported good results with both styles, and it comes down to personal preferece.
A wand style vac is good if you prefer to stand outside the tub, and the grit getter style is for use while sitting in the tub.
Your choice. Both work well.
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Another thing is, time and time again, I have people come in that had bought one off the internet and it ended up being a NIGHTMARE! Sure, it seems like a good idea because its cheaper, however, if the vac doesn't feel right for you, you just wasted your time and money. Not to mention if you need parts or service, you will be stuck. It is always good too try one out first. I cannot stress that enough!
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Another thing is, time and time again, I have people come in that had bought one off the internet and it ended up being a NIGHTMARE! Sure, it seems like a good idea because its cheaper, however, if the vac doesn't feel right for you, you just wasted your time and money. Not to mention if you need parts or service, you will be stuck. It is always good too try one out first. I cannot stress that enough!
Vac Test! Vac Test! Vac Test!
Make sure you bring everyone who might use the vac in for the test. If a dealer doens't allow for a vac test. walk out and don't look back. Don't agree either to the "sticker price" of the vac. Negotate. I insisted my dealer throw in 2 ducks and a years worth of chems, and an insualted cover for my vac.
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If the spa vac is made by a reputable company(ISO 9001) and is the one that fits your needs and the price is under $100, you have got a great deal! How do you put a price on something that will make your life easier, more sanitary, give you peace of mind and add overall enjoyment to your spa experience!
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ONLY buy a full foamed vac. A full foam vac is much better than a TP vac. A full foam vac will require less energy to operate and will be less prone to leaks.
You may also want a vac that produces a nice waterfall. I'd stay away from vacs with lounges in them for obvious reasons.
Doc,
Would you please explain what you are talking about to this rookie? ???
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Would you please explain what you are talking about to this rookie? ???
The last few posts were a jab at the standard lines always recommended on this forum. Just substitue "spa" for "vac" and you'll recognize them.
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The Spa Wand by Poraris looks pretty good. Anybody have one of these? I hope it won't void my warrantee.
http://www.cheappoolproducts.com/Spa~Maintence_77~supplies.html
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Soakin, I am still a newbie and obviously a bit slower than most folks. I thought everyone was plum crazy talking about vacs like it was a spa.
Thanks for clearing this up so that I know I am not crazy.
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The Spa Wand by Poraris looks pretty good. Anybody have one of these? I hope it won't void my warrantee.
http://www.cheappoolproducts.com/Spa~Maintence_77~supplies.html
Yes, I have the spa wand and it works well. You draw the handle out to create suction. The wand has a screen trap in them so that the sand and dirt doesn't flow backinto the spa.
You can find them on E-bay cheaper than the Spa shops. Just make sure they shipping charges don't eat up any savings.
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Soakin, I am still a newbie and obviously a bit slower than most folks. I thought everyone was plum crazy talking about vacs like it was a spa.
Thanks for clearing this up so that I know I am not crazy.
You may not be crazy now but hang around this forum long enough and ... ;D ;D
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Another thing is, time and time again, I have people come in that had bought one off the internet and it ended up being a NIGHTMARE!
Sorry, but I just can't resist ;D
Almost daily we have customers thanking us for being here for them. Unlike their local dealers that they say seem like they don't want to be bothered by them, or don't have a clue what they're talking about, or just simply wont take care of them after the sale.
Almost daily I talk to someone to give them advise/support/instructions about a product they didn't purchase from us, but from their local dealer.
Since this happens "time and time again", can/should I lump all dealers into this same catagory?
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can/should I lump all dealers into this same catagory?
That may be true of the vacs sold in Big Box stores, but most of the vacuum dealers I have met on this site are honorable businesspeople who are just trying to help. It would be unfair to lump them in with the oddball trying to sell a vac that is not ETL listed, or the one's spouting their own "independent" energy use study as proof that their vac is more efficient than others with less substantial standard hoses. ;)
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You guys crack me up. ;D
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By this time next year we should be releasing a new, completely redesigned vac. If there's a power outage, even if the temps are below zero, this vac will be guaranteed to not freeze up for at least 30 days.
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well, being a DIY kinda guy, I built my own vac, out of a slurpee big gulp straw, some cotton and a bicycle pump.
What's really cool is that it converts into a low cost air blower, though someone has to always stay outside the tub.
I didn't need to spend 29 bucks, did it for 69 cents.
;D
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See, that's what happens when you keep an open mind and study the vac industry for years, then apply principles you learned when working for NASA. I'm sure that your critics say that will never work. They just can't handle the truth.
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There is no harm in getting "FREE" info on different spa vacs. There is alot to gain by knowing your options and making the right choice for you and your family! Couple of key things to consider is ease of use and effectiveness. If your choice covers both, then, you have made a good choice! If the vac is difficult to use and is not effective, you are not going to use it, It is that simple. I hope you find the best spa vac for YOU and YOUR family! Good luck!
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Outta curiousity, how is your spa vac holding up?
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Trying to decide between the HS Spa Vac or Polaris style. What do you prefer?
Outta curiousity, how is your spa vac holding up?
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I cannot answer that for you. I know the HotSprings spa vac is very effective and very easy to use. However, I have never tried the Polaris spa vac system. Can you tell me a little more about it?
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Not sure if Polaris has a website. This is what it looks like.
http://www.poolplaza.com/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=POL-40-2159&Category_Code=
I cannot answer that for you. I know the HotSprings spa vac is very effective and very easy to use. However, I have never tried the Polaris spa vac system. Can you tell me a little more about it?
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btw, I bought the paradise spa vac.
works great.
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That looks like the HS Spa Vac. Is it made by the same manufacturer and re-branded?
http://www.poolandspa.com/catalog/product000590000003.cfm
btw, I bought the paradise spa vac.
works great.
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That looks like the HS Spa Vac. Is it made by the same manufacturer and re-branded?
http://www.poolandspa.com/catalog/product000590000003.cfm
Yeah, I think so. It's cheaper as a "paradise" but it's the same.
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I received an HS spa vac with my HS spa and I think I prefer the turkey baster over the spa vac. I have a pearl acrylic finish and I noticed that the spa vac allows some of the tiney debris back into the water. The turkey baster also seems faster to me than the spa vac (but I have to obviously be in the water.
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Thats why I always says try b4 you buy, a spa vac. I have used the HotSpring spa vac and have never had that problem. But, thats me. The paradise spa vac looks very similar, however, without having more technical data on its construction and without tyring it, I could not say if it would be as effective as the HotSprings version. Markus, I would take your spa vac back to your dealer. Have them look at it. It might be defective. Every once in awhile it happens.
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The Hot Springs spa vac is a rebranded Paradise spa vac. If you're getting debris back into the water upon lifting the vac, check to see that the plastic flapper check valve is quickly closing upon lifting the vac. Check for debris around flapper and clean if necessary. If holding spa vac at an angle in the water, rotate the vac to position the hinge on flapper on the high side or uppermost position, and lift somewhat abruptly to start with to insure than the flapper seats quickly and does not allow any debris through when lifting spa vac.
Oscar
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I agree with Pisces. Make sure the plastic flapper is moving freely and free of debris. If your struggles continue, I would take it to your local HotSprings dealer and have them look at it. I personally have not had those issues with the HotSpring spa vac.