Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: cappykat on November 09, 2005, 09:40:28 am

Title: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: cappykat on November 09, 2005, 09:40:28 am
I looked at Dr. Spa's vacs and want to order one.  Any one of the spa vacs better than another?  Actually, I want one now...anyone bought one from HD or Lowe's?
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: drewstar on November 09, 2005, 09:46:59 am
I don't know what Dr Spa is selling...however

I bought a Spa Wand ($50) a long tube handle that you draw water up through and the dirt is collected in a screen basket.
It doens't require batteries or electricity, nor suction from a filter,  and you can use it easly without being in the spa

It works well and is a handy tool to have in my spa supply closet.  I have seen similliar units, new on E-bay for about $35.00

However, I've found the best solution is to find the source of the debrise and eliminate that, as opposed to constantly vacuming.

On my first spa, my wife decided to put bark mulch around the tub. That was a mistake.

On my newest tub, I was getting a bunch of sand in the bottom, and once I finished landscaping around my pad, and had soil and sod down, the  problem went away.


Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: cappykat on November 09, 2005, 09:54:18 am
What...no pulling my leg today?  That sounds similar to what I'm finding on www.rhtubs.com/store/directory.htm.  Guess I'm going to go check out Lowe's.
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: drewstar on November 09, 2005, 10:16:45 am
Quote
What...no pulling my leg today?  That sounds similar to what I'm finding on www.rhtubs.com/store/directory.htm.  Guess I'm going to go check out Lowe's.



Are you still sore over that? Geezo.  ;)

Hey, Cappy, (And others) This isn't Hot Tub related but, because of a screwed up national promotion, (Listed and charge the wrong price!) Home Depot and Lowes have agreeded with STP to sell Blinker fluid (Doemstic and Foreign cars) for this week only  for something like 75% off. ($7.99) :o

This is a great deal. Typically, Blinker fluid retails for about $45, and the dealers charge $125 to replace this.

The cold weather is comming, and that means blinker failure, (a $300 fine, and moving violation on your insurance). Be prepared. Put an extra bottle in your trunk if you do a lot of driveing and use your turn signals excessively, you might want to get even more.

If you are at Home Depot or Lowes this week, pick up a couple of bottles. It makes a great gift, and at this price a great stocking stuffer.   My wife got 12 bottles for me last night. What a gal!


WE now return to hot tubs.....
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: Brookenstein on November 09, 2005, 10:25:02 am
I like your sexual banter/humour much better cause I just don't get this side of you.  I can't tell if you are joking or if you are serious.   ;D

I'm guessimg much like my husband's car, you are a POS and/or FOS, but I could be wrong.   ;)
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: drewstar on November 09, 2005, 10:27:18 am
I was just tryign to help out. This sales ins't being promoted by them, and  I was just trying to let people now about it.  

Sorry.

Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: drewstar on November 09, 2005, 10:38:52 am
Quote


...you are a POS...


nice.

 



Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: orlandoguy on November 09, 2005, 11:07:10 am
Back to the topic.  My local pool/spa dealer asked me if I wanted to test out a quik vac I think he called it.  I agreed as he said i could give him 20 bucks later if I liked it and he wanted feedback before selling it.

It is basically a wand with a hose attached and is much smaller than the more expensive spa wand.  It works by putting the tube in the spa and shaking it, which causes a vaccum and a stream of water sucks out small debris which I believe enters by people not rinsing off their feet.  It works good for small jobs but I wouldn't want to do any big cleaning with it.  I now also keep a plastic bin with water near the steps and ask people to wash off their feet before entering.
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: svspa on November 09, 2005, 11:58:37 am
cappykat,

I have the paradise spa vac from rhtubs ($55), works great with no cords/hoses/batts all you need is a spare finger, sounds like the same one drewstar mentioned.

Steve
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: cappykat on November 09, 2005, 12:21:47 pm
I went to Rec Warehouse and bought a suction type.  The salesman demo'd it and it seemed to work well enough for what I wanted.  I get it home and of course a part is missing so can't use it.  Great...one more trip and a waste of time.

Oh well...filling the spa as I type this.  One concern...when I open the cover it smells very acidic even though it's been drained??  I rinsed it down and wiped it good, suctioned out the water and rinsed it down again, suctioned again.  Now I'm filling.  I'm going to backwash and run the jets before I turn the heater on.  How long should I backwash and run the jets?
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: grahamtasia on November 09, 2005, 12:57:27 pm
HotSprings offers a spa vac called the HotSprings Spa Vac.  It is extremely easy to use and extremely efficient. It will definately make your life easier and add balance to your life! I would however test a couple first and find one that works best for you.  Good luck in you search!!
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: Brookenstein on November 09, 2005, 02:01:25 pm
Quote

nice.

  


Okay, now you made me feel bad... I'm sorry.

When you take it out of context like that, it lost any of its intended humor and just sounded mean.  Not my intention.

Can I beat you with a stick and call it good now.   :-*   :)

Too soon for humor? my bad.  Sorry, again.

P.S.
Oh and I've gotten the hints, I will try to stay on topic in all future posts.
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on November 09, 2005, 02:21:12 pm
The Grit-gitter is my favorite. Why? Because when you notice the spa needs vacuuming you're usually IN the spa. The grit-gitter is small and easily stored somewhere near the spa out of site.

Remember folks, winter will soon be upon us and it's once again time to change the air in your car's tires. Get that summer air out of your tires as it's been used up from expanding in the summer heat and replace it with new winter air.
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: Spatech_tuo on November 09, 2005, 02:34:25 pm
Quote
The Grit-gitter is my favorite.  


I concur. It looks like a kid's toy but it works well. I've seen a few that look really good until you use them and they suck (or in this case they don't suck well).
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: grahamtasia on November 09, 2005, 03:28:49 pm
I dont know which one sucks the best or is the best, but, like I stated earlier, try a couple different ones out first.  A spa vac when properly made by a reputable company can be a great experience. Lets face it, the thing is suppose to make it easier for YOU to keep your tub clean. With a little research, I hope you find a spa vac that works well for you and your family!
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: drewstar on November 10, 2005, 09:07:38 am
Keep in mind,  one style (the long wands) work best if you are standing outside the tub  and the "grit getter" style works if you are sitting in the tub.  

I didn't like the grit getter style because getting into the tub usually stirs up the grit I am trying to get.  

However, the wand style can be a pain in the winter. Becaues I don't like standing in the cold.  
YMMV.


eh' then again,  it's just a freekin vacuum, don't loose too much sleep over it.  :)
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: Spatech_tuo on November 10, 2005, 10:58:48 am
Quote
I didn't like the grit getter style because getting into the tub usually stirs up the grit I am trying to get.  


If you do a cannonball into the tub it does tend to swirl the debris around but if you get in gently it tends to stay in place. ;)
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: grahamtasia on November 10, 2005, 11:32:16 am
You have recieved alot of great information here on spa vacs.  Let us know how you make out.  Make sure when you make your decision, it is one you are comfortable with.  Do not let yourself get pressured.  Buying a spa vac or anything else for your spa should be a fun experience for you and your family.  It will be very interesting to hear which type you went with.  Have fun in your search!!
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: drewstar on November 10, 2005, 11:37:47 am
Quote

If you do a cannonball into the tub it does tend to swirl the debris around but if you get in gently it tends to stay in place. ;)



Well yea,  but that's no fun.  ;)
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: grahamtasia on November 10, 2005, 03:17:11 pm
But, with the right spa vac, it can be fun!!!
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: drewstar on November 10, 2005, 03:21:29 pm
Quote
But, with the right spa vac, it can be fun!!!



you are a sick and twisted person. You and brook are cut from the same cloth.  :) ;) ;D
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: Guzz on November 10, 2005, 03:21:38 pm
I can't beleive this topic has gone on so long on a spa vac purchase, lets make it really interesting and look at whats the best Rubber ducky out there!
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: grahamtasia on November 10, 2005, 03:29:04 pm
Guzz, for you, a sales manager, you probably have already found the right spa vac for you and your family. Which one did you get? You know as well as anyone that all spa vac are not created equal!
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: Guzz on November 10, 2005, 03:31:34 pm
AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: drewstar on November 10, 2005, 03:37:40 pm
Quote
I can't beleive this topic has gone on so long on a spa vac purchase, lets make it really interesting and look at whats the best Rubber ducky out there!



Ahem, I kid you not....Behold....

(http://rickscafe.diaryland.com/images/ducky.jpg)
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: grahamtasia on November 10, 2005, 03:41:40 pm
Did you get that with your Caspian purchase? All i got was a rubber duck!
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: drewstar on November 10, 2005, 03:44:06 pm
Quote
Did you get that with your Caspian purchase? All i got was a rubber duck!



I can't get my wife out of the hot tub anynore  :-[
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: Guzz on November 10, 2005, 03:46:26 pm
That would make a good closing tool!
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: grahamtasia on November 10, 2005, 03:47:58 pm
Forget what I said. I just noticed the duck in the picture!
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: drewstar on November 10, 2005, 03:51:13 pm
Quote
That would make a good closing tool!



or a great opening line.  ;D

Miss, have you met my rubber duck? (turns on duck ) brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrzzzzzt.

Oh my!
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: grahamtasia on November 10, 2005, 04:02:16 pm
I found a multi purpose vac. I don't know how well this will work, but, gives you another option.


http://www.spadepot.com/products/009shvac.htm
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: grahamtasia on November 10, 2005, 04:46:47 pm
The interesting part of this whole thing is, I don't think we really ever figured out what the best spa vac is!!
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: Spatech_tuo on November 10, 2005, 04:49:14 pm
Quote
The interesting part of this whole thing is, I don't think we really ever figured out what the best spa vac is!!


Sounds like we need to start a new forum:

WHATTHEBEST-SPAVAC.COM
Title: Re: What's the Best Spa Vac?
Post by: grahamtasia on November 10, 2005, 04:52:14 pm
I guess its like hot tubs.  Who really knows which one is the best! So many sizes and styles.