How to get dirt out of the bottom

[BigK75]

Hey Guys:

One more question.  I have had the spa for a week now and have noticed there is dirt at the bottom.  (it has gotten a lot of use).  Even though people are using flip flops the dirt still seems to get into the the tub.  Any suggestions on how to get it out, without refilling the tub?

Claude

[Chad]

Is it like little cement crumbs from your concrete patio? If so, I get those too. I syphyn them out with a garden hose. It works great.

[tony]

There are spa vacs available, but the garden hose syphon works real well.  Thats what I do.

[Brewman]

You might also consider a shallow tray of water in front of your spa steps.  Might help keep the dirt out.  Wall paper tray or similar would work.  
 I've found siphoning to work as good as anything else for removing dirt from the bottom.

[galen]

This is a Spa Vac. Sold by my local Hot Springs dealer. But I think its an aftermaket so others may carry it. About 50.00. I wouldn't be without it.

[BigK75]

Thanks guys for the help.  I assume you just put the jet on one side get it flowing?

Claude

[PotomacG]

Don't mess around.

Get the Spa Vac.   It works great!

[Gomboman]

Some day I'll break down for a Spa Vac. In the meantime, I use a turkey baster to pick up the dirt my kids bring into the spa.

Where's the best deal on a Spa Vac?

[gores95]

Some day I'll break down for a Spa Vac. In the meantime, I use a turkey baster to pick up the dirt my kids bring into the spa.

Where's the best deal on a Spa Vac?

This is the actual eBay auction that I won my Paradise Spa Vac:  http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230017455333&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26satitle%3D230017455333%26fvi%3D1

The vac works great and cost $43 with shipping.  I HIGHLY recommend this vac.

Marc

[Chad]

Don't mess around.

The hose syphening is just as easy but 2 each their own.

[Chas]

I sell the Paradise vac - they make the unit which HotSpring private labels, and this is one of the rare times when the HS version is not cheaper.

All the other chems, filters and most other HS items come in at a lower price, or at the same price but with the ability to ship with spa orders for free.

I also sell an 'econo vac' of my own design. It is nothing more than a section of PVC pipe with a garden hose adapter glued on one end. It is about 4 feet long, and you can use it to syphon the bottom of the spa with your garden hose - but the tube makes it much easier to get the stuff in the bottom corners compared to trying to aim the hose into those same spots.

I sell the Econo Vac for around $5, but you can make one for the same.

Buy a swivel adaptor for best high-speed performance.

[PotomacG]

The hose syphening is just as easy but 2 each their own.

Wrong!   I'm sorry but you're wrong.  

Spa Vac may be more expensive, but there's nothing easier.  

Grab the Spa Vac, 2 seconds later - debris is gone - place Spa  Vac back in the corner or where ever you keep it.

Let's face it folks, we pay for simplicity.

[Slappy]

If you have a shop-vac, you can hold the hose over the dirt in the tub and quickly turn it on and back off. This will suck the dirt up and not drain much water at all. Remember, as soon as you turn the vac off, pull the hose out quickly at it will continue to syphon out. It has worked great for me and I didn't have to buy a spa vac. About once every two weeks I do this and it only depletes the tub by about 2 gallons of water. I couldn't see buying a special tool for this when that is what a shop-vac is for.\

[PotomacG]

...I couldn't see buying a special tool for this when that is what a shop-vac is for.\

To each his own, I guess.  My shop-vac is a big old 10 gallon filthy behemoth.  I keep a filter bag in it at all times because I use it for drywall dust, fireplace ashes, car dirt...it's basically disgusting.  I wouldn't want it anywhere near my tub!  If my laundry sink floods, however, I will remove the fiilters and suck up dirty water with it.

Spa vac
  - Safer - No electricity
  - No water wasted
  - Lighweight
  - Handy - always right there
  - Nearly no maintenance - You might want to clean it out like once a year.

Everyone has there favorite tools, just ask any mechanic  

[RUBADUBDUB]

Claude,

You can order a SPA VAC from our ON-line store. It can be accessed from our webpage. OR....Ask John  when you call him I think they are about $35 plus taxes.... I have one at home... Great device...They are available anywhere though even Costco but I think it is seasonal there...Don't tell John I told ya that though....