Best Hot Tub Vacuum
How wonderful it is to come home after a long hectic day and settle into your own relaxing spa, soaking in the warm water as it slowly dissolves your stress and soothes your aching muscles. After all, this is why you bought a hot tub, right? But, when it’s time to clean that spa, it can be a difficult and frustrating chore—one you’d probably rather skip. Having the right equipment to clean your spa can make a huge difference between having a good experience or dreading it. But, with all the choices of vacuums out there how do you know which one is the best hot tub vacuum?
We’re going to make things a little easier by highlighting several spa vacuums and offering the best choice, runner-up, and a budget pick, to help you with this process.
We’ve chosen the Aura 6250 Paradise Power Spa Vacuum as our top pick. This vacuum is easy to use, lightweight, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. The best thing about it is there’s no motor, battery, or hose to worry about. For those quick cleanup jobs, you can’t beat this little beauty!
For a full review of the Aura 6250, please see below.
Runner Up Best Hot Tub Vacuum
As a runner-up, we have chosen the Pool Blaster Water Tech Catfish Li Pool & Spa Cleaner.
This little powerhouse won’t disappoint. It has great suction for your toughest jobs, yet is lightweight and easy to use. It’s powered by a rechargeable battery and comes with a one-year warranty.
For more information on the Catfish, see our Product Reviews section below.
Last update on 2024-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Budget Pick: Best Spa Vacuum
For our spa lovers who don’t want to get soaked buying expensive equipment, we would suggest the PoolSupplyTown Mini Jet Vac Vacuum Cleaner w/ Brush, Bag as our best budget choice.
For the money, this one can’t be beat, utilizing the power of the garden hose to provide all the suction necessary for a sparkling spa. It’s a cool design, and surprisingly inexpensive.
For a complete review, please see below.
Last update on 2024-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hot Tub Vac Reviews
In this section, we will look closely at our chosen Spa Vacuums, consider the pros and cons of each, and pick our favorites. If you use a high-quality hot tub cover in conjunction with your spa, you’ll definitely cut down on maintenance Be sure to check out our information on hot tub maintenance if you need guidance, and if you’re looking to pick up a new hot tub, see our information on cheap hot tubs and inflatable spas.
1. Aura 6250 Paradise Power Spa Vacuum
Starting us off is the Aura 6250 Paradise Power Spa Vacuum. The name is a bit of a misnomer, as it is not really electric powered, but rather, well, thumb-powered. This ingenious vacuum uses water pressure to clean your spa.
It is completely self-contained and requires no batteries, no water hose hookup, no electric plugs, etc.
Key Points at a Glance
- All-in-one hot tub vacuum
- Utilizes water pressure to create suction—no need for pumps, batteries or water hose
- The attached pole extends over seven feet
- Creates great suction
Dimensions
- Overall dimensions: 5” x 5” x 58”
- Weight: 2.6 Lbs.
The Details
The Aura 6250 Paradise Power Spa Vacuum is our top choice because of its hassle-free ease of use. You won’t need any additional accessories, nor will you struggle with annoying hoses or poles when using the Aura.
This is because the Aura 6250 is completely self-contained. It has surprisingly good suction, and it comes at a very reasonable price point.
Furthermore, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing there are no motors or batteries to fail. It does take some time, though, so patience is a virtue here. You’ll have approximately three seconds of suction before you need to re-pressurize the vacuum.
Keep in mind, as with all the hot tub vacuums reviewed here, it needs to be fully submerged in order to work correctly, which shouldn’t be a problem if you’re using it to clean your hot tub. It won’t work for a shallow fountain, bird bath, etc.
The Aura 6250 spa vacuum functions by covering the hole at the top of the handle (a hollow tube) with your thumb to create the pressure, then plunging it in the water and releasing your thumb. This creates suction, allowing the vac to draw up the debris from the bottom. You can watch this video to see the spa vacuum in action.
The Bottom Line
The Aura 6250 Paradise Spa and Hot Tub Vacuum is a great little spa vac, positioned at a good price point.
The vacuum is self-contained, lightweight, and easy to manage, and there are no additional accessories to buy, nor are there batteries to charge or electric cords to deal with.
With a little patience, it will nicely handle all your spa cleaning needs, so you can focus on the pleasure that comes with owning a hot tub, and not the frustration of maintaining it.
2. GAME 4855 Spa and Pool Vacuum
The Game 4855 Pool Vac works quite similarly to the Aura 6250 Paradise vacuum above. The two vacuums have a look and feel that is pretty parallel, and really these two function quite closely to each other.
Key Points at a Glance
- Uses an easy hand-pump to create the suction
- No batteries, motors, or hoses
- Easily cleans debris from the bottom of the spa or small above-ground pool
- Comes with a large debris nozzle, a wide nozzle for smaller particles, and a brush for pools with liners
- Includes a kit for mounting on the wall
Dimensions
- Overall dimensions: 2.9” x 55.5 “x 2.9”
- Weight: 2.5 Lbs.
The Details
As with the Aura 6250 Paradise Power Spa Vacuum, the Game 4855 hot tub vac does not require a power source, water hose, or additional extension pole.
It is lightweight and easy to use.
However, as with the Aura spa vac, it requires time and patience when cleaning, as it only maintains suction for a few seconds before needing to pump again.
Suction is created by pulling up on the handle while the spa vac is submerged, which fills the chamber with water and pulls the dirt and debris into the filter. Then, you simply depress the handle to push out the water while the debris stays trapped in the filter.
One disadvantage to this product, for some people, is it can become quite tiring with all that pumping. If you have a larger spa area to clean it can wear you out in a hurry!
If you don’t mind the workout, this could be a good choice for the price. One word of caution: many people loved this product, but many found that it did not produce the suction required to clean their pool or spa.
The Bottom Line
The Game 4855 Spa Vacuum comes at a reasonable price, is an all-in-one unit that doesn’t require a power source other than your own physical energy, and is lightweight and simple to use.
Again, having patience is the key here. It comes with accessories to handle different types of cleaning situations and can be mounted on a wall for out-of-the-way storage.
On the downside, the issues with suction that some have found make this one a questionable option.
- FOR MINOR DEBRIS: The GAME handheld pool and spa vacuum is a...
- MANUAL AND HANDHELD: No chords or batteries needed, this handheld...
- ABOVE-GROUND AND INGROUND POOLS: This easy to use swimming pool and...
- PUMP ACTION: The GAME handheld pool and spa vacuum is operated by...
- ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED: A wide-end nozzle and slide-on brush are...
Last update on 2024-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. PoolSupplyTown Mini Jet Vac Vacuum Cleaner
PoolySupplyTown’s Mini Jet Vac Spa Cleaner is a very different system than the other ones we have looked at so far. This vac attaches to a standard garden hose (not included) and uses the water to create suction via the venturi principle.
You don’t need to know any physics to use this baby, and it will clean your pool a bit more quickly and with less effort (though perhaps more hassle) than some of the other vacs on our list.
Key Points at a Glance
- Simple to use, lightweight, yet has great suction
- Use with 1 ¼” diameter extension pole (not included)
- Connects to any standard garden hose
- No batteries or motors to wear out—suction is created by using water pressure from a garden hose
Dimensions
- Overall dimensions: 12.7” x 7.9” x 4”
- Weight: 1.15 Lbs.
The Details
The PoolSupplyTown Mini Jet Vac is a lightweight and simple to use hot tub vacuum that is also easy on the wallet. The price and quality position made it our best budget choice. It just goes to show that you don’t have to pay a lot to get something that works and this little unit delivers!
The Mini Jet Vac creates great suction, making it easy to remove dirt and debris from your spa.
This hot tub vacuum functions by using water pressure from your garden hose to create suction in the vacuum. This is an extremely simplified description of a complicated scientific formula otherwise known as the venturi effect. But, rather than bore you with scientific equations, let it suffice to say that the system works like magic.
It’s perfect for cleaning your hot tub but also works well for above-ground pools, fountains and even ponds. Unlike the first two vacuums reviewed, you can keep it submerged and suck up debris until it’s time to clean out the filter bag. This spa vac does not come with an extension pole but you can purchase this Splash Pools compatible extension pole.
In terms of downsides, some have found that the mesh collection bag doesn’t hold small particles. If you run into this issue, you can try tweaking the system by using a nylon stocking to filter out the particles.
We should also note that dealing with a garden hose can be cumbersome and awkward, and it means more set up and break down time.
The Bottom Line
If you’re willing to deal with a garden hose connected to your vacuum as well as purchasing a separate pole, the Pool Supply Town Mini Jet Vac could be the perfect solution to your spa cleaning woes.
This spa vac is affordable and is a great option if you’re pinching those pennies — even after buying a separate pole. This affordability makes this our best budget pick. Just be sure you have a garden hose on hand, as well!
And you won’t wear yourself out cleaning your hot tub—a definite bonus.
- This item DOES NOT come with pole. You need a standard 1-1/4"...
- Vacuum debris and brush pool at the same time. Ideal for frame above...
- Use water pressure from your garden hose to suck up debris in pool.
- The water pressure from your garden hose creates an Venturi effect...
- No ELECTRIC POWER needed. Package comes with an Assembly & Operation...
Last update on 2024-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Water Tech Pool Blaster Catfish LI Pool & Spa Cleaner
The Water Tech Pool Blaster Catfish LI Spa Cleaner further expands the design and function of a hot tub vac with this setup. It is powered using a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, and functions completely cordless.
This spa vac is quite easy to use and works very well. However, you’ll need to keep battery charging in mind, which is a negative in our eyes.
Key Points at a Glance
- Fast, lightweight, and easy to use
- Uses a lithium Ion battery (battery and charger included)
- No need for hoses or power cords
- Comes with a reusable filter bag
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Can clean 33 Gallons per minute
- Will run for 45 minutes before needing to be charged
Dimensions
- Overall dimensions: 14.8” x 4.5” x 7”
- Weight: 3.05 Lbs.
The Details
The Pool Blaster Water Tech Catfish has all the power you could ever want in a lightweight, compact, and easy to use unit.
Add a limited 1-year manufacturer’s warranty and it’s a sure bet for our runner-up choice.
This vacuum works like a charm, tackling all kinds of dirt and debris. Check out this video of the Water Tech Pool Blaster Catfish LI Pool and Spa Cleaner at work and see for yourself.
No cumbersome hoses to deal with and no manual pumping involved! Simply charge the Lithium Ion battery (using the included battery charger) for the prescribed amount of time, hook it up and get going.
This product does not come with an extension pole, but you can pick up this compatible pole by Swimline.
You will pay a little more for this one since it has a battery, but it won’t break the bank by any means. Customers love it because it’s easy to use and has great suction.
Some people felt the bag that holds the filtered debris is too small. It is also important to note that the battery is integrated into the vacuum design, so once the battery dies you’ll have to replace the entire unit.
The Bottom Line
The Catfish Lithium Ion Spa Vac is a great hot tub vacuum for a decent price that will get the job done fast.
That’s a definite bonus when you don’t want to spend all your precious free time cleaning out your spa!
The Catfish takes the muscle out of the task with a no-fuss system that’s so easy to use. If you don’t mind dealing with a battery that will eventually fail, the many benefits this system offers just might be worth it. And it’s covered under a 1-year warranty, so you get some additional peace of mind.
- CORDLESS: Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery. Perfect for quick and easy...
- VERSATILE CLEANING: Includes a removable 7.5” vacuum head for...
- RUN TIME: The lithium ion battery powered Catfish is designed to run...
- EASY OPERATION: Push-Button operation. Lightweight and easy to use by...
- WHATS INCLUDED: 7.5" Vacuum Head w/Soft-Bristle Brush, Wall Charger,...
Last update on 2024-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Kokido Telsa 5 Rechargeable Handheld Electric Pool & Spa Vacuum
Similar to the Catfish reviewed above, the Kokido Tesla 5 spa vac also uses a rechargeable battery to power the hot tub vacuum.
There’s no relation to Tesla (or Tesla for that matter) but this system works quite well
Key Points at a Glance
- Cleans the spa quickly and is easy to use
- Operates using a Lithium-Ion battery
- No need for messy hoses or cords
- Filters 25 gallons of water per minutes
- Reusable rigid filter cone to easily empty debris
Dimensions
- Overall dimensions: 6” x 2” x 8”
- Weight: 1.76 Lbs.
The Details
The Kokido Telsa 50 Rechargeable Electric Handheld Pool Vacuum uses a Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery much like the previously reviewed Catfish, making short work of vacuuming debris from the bottom of your spa.
Features of this unit include a battery charger, a reusable filter basket, a clear canister to easily see the collected debris, removable brushes and pivoting head-and-ball wheels for easy maneuverability.
The extension pole is included in the package and is not a standard size, so don’t break it!
Given the fact that this vac is more expensive than the Catfish, and is only covered under a 30-day warranty rather than a full 1-year warranty, it’s hard to get super enthusiastic about the Kokido Tesla 5. This one works well, but it’s not a compelling front-runner.
The Bottom Line
The Kokido Tesla 5 spa vac is an efficient and powerful battery-operated spa vacuum. It’s a bit pricier than its competition, and is only covered under a 30-day warranty. These factors give us pause.
It does, however, come with a lot of nice features, and includes a pole so it could be a great choice depending on your circumstances.
- The Telsa 5 handheld swimming pool vacuum is designed for soft-wall,...
- It features a cordless design and can clean pools up to 18 feet in...
- The vacuum includes a rechargeable battery with a 30-minute run time...
- It comes with one basic and one wide pivoting head, and can connect to...
- The Telsa 5 offers a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty and is easy...
Last update on 2024-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion: Best Hot Tub Vac
We’ve reviewed a total of five different hot tub vacuums in an attempt to weed out the less than desirable and allow the best to “float to the top”. We’ve presented the Best Choice with the Aura 6250 Paradise Power Spa Vacuum, a Runner-Up, the Pool Blaster Water Tech Catfish Li Pool & Spa Cleaner, and finally, a Budget pick with the PoolSupplyTown Mini Jet Vac Vacuum Cleaner w/ Brush, Bag.
Each one of these functions completely differently, using different methods of suction, and different power supplies. Depending on your needs and environment, one of these will be perfect for you!
We sincerely hope this review helps to “clear the water” for your hot tub vacuum shopping.
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