How to Vacuum a Spa Pool the Right Way

If you don't clean your spa pool regularly, it can quickly become a haven for dirt and bacteria. In this article, we will teach you how to vacuum your spa pool the right way so that it stays clean and healthy! We'll also explain the different types of spa vacuums so you can choose the best one for your setting.

Vacuuming your spa pool removes debris, dirt, and algae that can cause damage to your spa pool and affect your overall spa experience.

Main topics of this article:

What is a spa vacuum (spa vac)?

A spa vacuum (spa vac) is a type of vacuum that is specifically designed for use in a spa or hot tub. Spa vacs are small and compact, making them easy to maneuver in and around your spa. They also usually come with an extension handle so that you can reach all areas of your spa, even those hard-to-reach places.

Spa vacs usually have two types of heads: a brush head and a suction head. The brush head is used to scrub the sides and floor of your spa, while the suction head is used to vacuum up any dirt or debris.

How do I use a spa vacuum?

Using a spa vacuum is pretty straightforward, but it varies depending on the type of spa vacuum. Read on below for specific details on the different types of spa vacuums, but in general, follow the directions below;

Start by vacuuming the floor of your spa, using slow, steady strokes.

Then move on to the walls and other areas of your spa, being careful not to miss any spots.

When you're finished vacuuming, be sure to empty the spa vac's canister or filter chamber and rinse it out with clean water.

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What are the different types of spa vacuum cleaners?

There are a few different types of spa vacuum cleaners on the market, so it's important to choose one that will work best for your situation and budget.

What is a battery-powered spa vacuum?

A battery-powered spa vacuum is a great option if you want something that is easy to use and doesn't require any cords. These types of vacuums are often small and lightweight, making them easy to maneuver in and around your spa pool. They usually have a rechargeable battery built into them in a fully sealed chamber, so the whole unit can be completely submerged underwater.

They run at a low voltage - usually 12v-18v so they are completely safe for use in water.

They mostly use long-lasting lithium batteries which can run for up to 45 minutes on a single charge - more than enough time to vacuum most spas and swim spas.

What is a manual spa vacuum?

A manual spa vacuum is another popular option and is a great choice if you are looking for something that is more affordable.

A manual spa vacuum creates suction from the difference in pressure inside a holding chamber and the water in your spa. There is usually a button or mechanism that you hold while placing the end of the vacuum down into your spa water near some dirt or debris.

When you release the button, the change in pressure sucks water and debris into the holding chamber, essentially creating a vacuum effect without the need for a motor or an elaborate hose system.

There is a one-way valve that prevents dirt from escaping from the holding chamber.

You then remove the vacuum from the spa and empty out the dirt and debris.

What is an automatic spa vacuum?

If you want a spa vacuum that does all the work for you, then an automatic spa vacuum is a great option! These vacuums are designed to be placed in your spa pool and will automatically turn on and off as needed.

Some automatic spa vacuums even come with a timer so you can set it to run at certain intervals throughout the day. This is a great way to ensure that your spa pool is always clean without having to lift a finger!

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What is a venturi water powered spa vacuum?

A venturi water-powered spa vacuum is a type of automatic spa vacuum that uses the power of water to create suction. They usually attach to a standard garden hose which forces water through the system, creating a vacuum effect.

The suction is used to clean debris and dirt from a swimming pool or spa. Venturi vacuums are typically powered by cold water that comes from your garden hose. This has the disadvantage of introducing cold water into your spa and also upsetting your water balance.

To use a venturi vacuum, simply attach the garden hose to the unit and turn on the water. The water pressure will create suction, which will pull debris and dirt into the vacuum. Once the vacuum is full, simply empty it out and start again.

How often should I vacuum my spa or swim spa?

You should vacuum your spa or swim spa at least once a week, but more often if it's in constant use. If you have a lot of dirt and debris in your spa, you may need to vacuum more frequently.

It's important to clean your spa pool regularly for a number of reasons. First, it helps to remove any dirt or debris that may have gotten into the water. This can prevent things like cloudy water or algae and keep the water looking clean.

How long does it take to vacuum my spa pool?

The amount of time it takes to vacuum your spa pool will depend on the size and type of spa that you have. For example, a small spa pool can usually be vacuumed in 15 minutes or less, while a larger swim spa may take up to 45 minutes.

In general, it's best to vacuum your spa pool once a week to help keep the water clean and clear. However, if you notice that the water is starting to look dirty or cloudy, you may need to vacuum more frequently.

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Swim spa in a deck

Can you vacuum a swim spa?

Yes, you can vacuum a swim spa! In fact, it's important to vacuum your swim spa regularly to help keep the water clean and clear. Vacuuming a swim spa is similar to vacuuming a regular spa pool, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, make sure that you have the right type of vacuum for your swim spa. As swim spas are longer and deeper than regular portable spas, you'll want a vacuum cleaner with larger capacity and an extension handle so you can reach easily into all the corners.

Second, be sure to turn off the jets and circulation before you start vacuuming. Otherwise, you'll just end up pushing dirt and debris around instead of vacuuming it up!

Finally, make sure to vacuum in both directions (along the length and across) to ensure that you get all of the dirt and debris. It's also a good idea to vacuum in small sections so you don't miss anything.

Vacuuming your swim spa regularly is a great way to keep the water clean, clear, and free of dirt and debris.

How do I get sand off the bottom of a spa?

If you've ever been to the beach, you know that sand gets everywhere. It's in your shoes, in your hair, and in your bathing suit. And if you're not careful, it can even end up in your spa. If you do notice sand in the spa, you should turn off the circulation pumps immediate to stop it from being sucked into your pumps and plumbing components.

The good news is that it's actually fairly easy to get sand out of your spa using a spa vacuum. Sand usually makes its way to the far bottom corners of your spa, so you may need an extension handle on your spa vacuum to ensure it reaches into these deep dark corners.

Place the vacuum into the water and move the vacuum slowly over the sandy area so that you don't miss any spots. You can also use a brush or rag to move the sand all into one area so that it is easier to vacuum.

Can I use a shop vac or workshop wet/dry vacuum to clean my spa pool or swim spa?

Many people ask if it is safe to use a workshop vac to clean their spa pool or swim spa. The simple answer is yes, as long as you take a few precautions.

First, make sure that the shop vac is safe for use with water. Some shop vacuums are not designed to operate in wet environments.

Second, you'll need to monitor the holding tank and empty the water out of the vacuum when it becomes full, which can become laborious.

You'll find a dedicated spa vacuum will do a better job of vacuuming than a shop vac or workshop vacuum.

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Do I need to add chemicals after vacuuming my spa pool?

It's not necessary to add chemicals to your spa pool after vacuuming, but you may want to do a quick pH test of the water to ensure that the levels are balanced.

If your spa pool is starting to look dirty or cloudy, it's also a good idea to shock the water with chlorine or other sanitizing chemicals. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be present and prevent the growth of algae.

Shocking your spa pool is a simple process that involves adding a larger amount of chlorine or other sanitizing chemicals to the water all at once. The shock will cause the chlorine levels to rise quickly, which can kill bacteria and algae.

It's important to follow the directions on the shock product that you are using and to test the water afterwards to ensure that the water is still balanced.

Can I use a robotic pool vacuum in my spa pool or swim spa?

Most pool vacuums won't work in a spa or swim spa for a few reasons.

Firstly, spa pools have lots of corners and angles in the shell where seats are moulded into the spa shell - this makes it difficult for a pool vacuum to get into all the corners of the spa. As a result, a pool vacuum won't get your spa very clean, there will still be dirt and debris in areas where the pool vacuum couldn't reach.

Secondly, many pool vacuums are designed to connect into the skimmer box of a pool which is connected to the suction pump. This creates the suction effect which powers a pool vacuum. As spas don't have this type of suction pump and connection, there is no way to generate suction on the pool vacuum.

You are better off using a dedicated spa pool vacuum cleaner which can get into the hard-to-reach areas and is self-powered by a rechargeable battery.

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In Summary

Cleaning your spa pool regularly is important for a number of reasons. It helps to remove dirt and debris, prevents cloudy water, and can even help to improve circulation. When it comes to choosing a spa vacuum cleaner, there are a few different options available.

A battery-powered spa vacuum is a great choice if you're looking for something easy to use. A manual spa vacuum is a more affordable option, while an automatic spa vacuum does all the work for you.

No matter which type of spa vacuum cleaner you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid damaging your spa pool. Regular vacuuming is the key to keeping your spa pool clean and clear all season long!

Now that you know how to vacuum your spa pool, there's no excuse not to keep it clean! With just a few minutes of work each week, you can enjoy a clean and healthy spa pool all season long. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start vacuuming!

Got more questions?

Talk to us or email us your spa questions and we'll be happy to help!

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