4 Best Hot Tub Vacuum Cleaners: Real Deals & Reviews [2023]

Regardless of how you use your hot tub, sand, leaves, and other debris will accumulate at the bottom of your hot tub over time. It’s normal and nothing to worry about but it demands attention. It is important to clean the debris on time since it not only prevents you from relaxing, but it can also harm the overall performance of the hot tub and, most importantly, have an adverse effect on your health.

Some owners are of the misconception that cleaning a hot tub is a complex, time-consuming process and may require you to drain the water. This is true if you do not have the right tools for cleaning. However, cleaning can be quite a straightforward process without the need to drain the tub. All you need is a hot tub vacuum cleaner and it is important to choose the right one for your hot tub. 

In this article, we provide you with the hot tub best vacuum cleaners that can get the job done efficiently. We’ve done the research for you so that you don’t have to do it. 

With so many options of hot tub vacuum cleaners to choose from, customers can be left in a fix to pick a suitable one for their needs. This is where we step in and lend a hand. In this article, you’ll find out which type of vacuum cleaner is best suited for your needs, and most importantly, you’ll be able to make an informed decision after viewing the results of our research and analysis.  

Vacuum hot tub cleaners: the research and the scorecard

To find the best solutions for cleaning the hot tub, we conducted our vacuum cleaner research from scratch. We identified the types of vacuum cleaners for hot tub and, based on customer feedback, obtained a list of parameters that are important when use a hot tub vacuum cleaner. 

Then we identified hot tub vacuum cleaner models that best meet these criteria. And after studying information from manufacturers and more than 200 user feedback on these models, we identified their advantages and disadvantages.

	
Model
Category winner


	
Water Tech  Blaster Max
Quick and easy cleaning

Convenient for daily use. Suitable for cleaning both hot tubs and pools

Type of work: battery operated




	
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Water Tech Blaster Catfish
Easy cleaning and agile

Convenient for daily use. The smaller head is better for cleaning hard-to-reach places

Type of work: battery operated


	
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PoolSupplyTown Mini Jet-Vac
Suction power and best price

Good for all types of garbage and large quantities

Type of work: operation from a hose


	
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Aura 6250 Paradise Power
Durable and perfect for small jobs

Good for a spot or daily cleaning

Type of work: manual operation


	
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Advantages of vacuum cleaners for hot tubs

• It will help keep your water cleaner for long time and will minimize the use of hot tub chemicals.
• This will keep your tub in excellent condition and will prolong its life.
• It will save you a lot of time because trying to clean without one can be very time-consuming.
• This saves you money and prevents you from hiring professional cleaners (by the way, they also use these vacuum cleaners).

How to choose a vacuum cleaner for your hot tub

From whatever is written in the product description of a hot tub vacuum cleaner, only a few of the parameters have significance when using a vacuum cleaner. We have compiled a list of these features based on feedback from real users of different types of hot tub vacuum cleaners. 

These parameters include:

• Good suction
• Ability to clean small and big debris
• Quick cleaning
• Easy-to-use and maintain
• Durability

You cannot understand these characteristics simply by reading them in the product description. How a particular model lives up to its characteristics is only evident from an owners’ experience and this is what we have based our findings on. The models mentioned below are a true representation of their characteristics that are mentioned in product descriptions. To get a better understanding of the best vacuum cleaners, let’s start by looking at their types. 

Types of hot tub vacuum cleaners

A vacuum cleaner for underwater cleaning is very similar to a standard vacuum cleaner. Its main job is to suck up (clean) dirt from the surface. However, the mechanisms of hot tub vacuum cleaners are different. 

Types	How it works	Pros and Cons
Battery- operated	You charge the vacuum cleaner's battery and start cleaning.	Pros: No wires or hoses; Minimal effort Cons: High-price; Over time, the battery keeps its charge worse
Operation from a garden hose	You attach the vacuum cleaner to a garden hose to create suction.	Pros: Quick suction; Low-price Cons: Needs to be connected to a hose
Manual operation	The vacuum cleaner sucks water with the garbage into the tank, then clear water flows out of the tank and the garbage remains in the filter. You create a suction when you close a small hole with your finger at the end of the pole and put the machine's tank underwater (siphon action).	Pros: No cords, hoses, batteries; Durability Cons: Takes some physical effort

Different types of underwater vacuums differ in their principle of operation, degree of complexity, price, etc. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and to make the right choice, it is important to choose one that is best for your requirements.

Ask yourself, for what purpose do you need a hot tub vacuum?

1. If you are cleaning a hot tub that does not usually have a lot of dirt in it, a vacuum cleaner that uses a manual operation may be sufficient. It works without batteries, hoses, or other complicated devices, and comes at a low-price. But if you need to clean large areas with a vacuum cleaner, it will take a longer time. 
2. If you have a large hot tub and/or pool, then it is a good idea to buy a cleaner that is good for both. A battery-operated vacuum cleaner is a good choice for you, as you will make full use of your investment. It cleans quickly and effortlessly, making it convenient for daily use. Battery vacuum cleaners usually have small filters.
3. If you need a vacuum cleaner for collecting a lot of dirt or large debris like leaves, pebbles, twigs, etc. (especially if you have trees nearby), it’s best to consider operation from a hose vacuum cleaner. It needs to be attached to a hose, but it is equipped with a big bag and a strong suction power. This makes it ideal for cleaning a lot of dirt. It works well when cleaning hot tubs, ponds, fountains, and above-ground pools from dirt and debris.

The Very Best Hot Tub Vacuum Cleaners

#1-2 Water Tech Blaster Max and Pool Blaster Catfish Cleaners

Type: Battery-operated

These two pool vacuum cleaner models are almost identical. But, the Pool Blaster Max has a stronger suction power and longer operation without recharging, which makes cleaning faster and more efficient. The Pool Blaster Catfish has a compact size and a smaller minimum working depth, making it well suited for cleaning hard-to-reach hot tubs. 

* The rated power of the equipment indicates how much power it uses when it is turned on. The higher the power, the stronger and better the suction (in this case).

Advantages of this hot tub vacuum cleaners

• Quick cleaning

Battery operated vacuum cleaners are powerful enough to vacuum a hot tub in just a few minutes. 

• Portability

Thanks to their powerful internal pump, the vacuum cleaner does not need external pumps, hoses, filtration systems, or electrical cords. 

• The battery charges quickly and provides longer running time

The vacuum cleaner’s lithium battery can be charged in 4 hours to provide a continuous operation time of 60 minutes (Catfish — 45 minutes). That’s enough for 7 to 9 quick cleans of the hot tub without recharging. 

The vacuum doesn’t stop working when the battery is empty, it just starts to work slower. It can last for up to an hour and a half, but it’s better not to use it when it’s low on battery since the cleaning quality will be compromised. 

• Suitable for cleaning pools

Thanks to its quick operation, it can be used to clean large areas. The vacuum cleaner has a special attachment for a pole to clean the pool more conveniently. Note that the pole does not come in the set. 

Disadvantages of this vacuum cleaner

• Poor penetration in hard-to-reach places

A pretty big head of the Pool Blaster Max vacuum cleaner makes penetration into hard-to-reach places a challenge. 

Vacuum cleaner head doesn’t easily get into the rounded corner/lower flow areas as close to getting to the debris. In the case of Pool Blaster Catfish vacuum cleaner, this task is easier to accomplish. If you need to clean a lot of challenging areas, it’s better to consider a more maneuverable option.

• Short Battery Life

The battery will eventually lose its ability to hold the charge well. If used regularly, the battery may last a couple of years. Therefore, if you purchase this product through Amazon, I recommend getting an additional 3-year warranty for a vacuum cleaner. The original product warranty is only for one year.

• Not supplied with a pole

The pole attachment makes it easier to clean hard-to-reach, deep water surfaces. It’d be great if the pole came with the vacuum but it doesn’t. It is worth buying the pole for a small price. 

What is important to know when using vacuum cleaners 

70% of the problems encountered were to do with the pump and lack of critical information. That is why we have compiled a list of important points to keep in mind. 

• Assembly.

Theassembly of the pump is quick and easy. Included with the kit is an instruction manual. It is also available online for the Pool Blaster Max and the Pool Blaster Catfish. 

• Preparation.

Before cleaning with this vacuum, you should scoop out as many leaves and large debris as possible. This will prevent you from constantly emptying the filter. Also, give time for the rest of the debris to go down.

• Cleaning.

Take your time during cleaning and let the cleaner do the work. If you try to vacuum too fast, you will end up mixing the garbage, not vacuuming it.

Some users note that when you take the cleaner out of the water, some of the dirt falls back. This is due to improper use. 

Here is what we suggest:

• WHEN USING THE HANDLE: Lift the vacuum from the pool with the nose facing up to allow the water to escape from the back and the sides. 
• WHEN USING A POLE: Remove the unit from the pool with the bottom facing upwards and the handle facing down. This will allow the water to escape and will keep the dirt inside.

The filter that comes with the kit collects small and large materials. And in most cases, it is not necessary to use other filters. But if you live in a dusty place and have a lot of very small debris, or if you want a more thorough cleaning, you may need a bag with a microfilter. 

The microfilter bag picks up every grain of sand/silt at the bottom of the surface. So if you have a lot of debris, you may need to clean the bag several times per session. Ideally, if you want a microfilter bag, it is also better to have a standard filter for heavy soiling.

• Cleaning the reusable filter bags.

The device is easy to disassemble and clean. It’s best to do this every time you clean or every time you notice that your pool blaster’s performance is decreasing. This will help to get maximum cleaning efficiency and will extend the life of your filter.

Cleaning the reusable filter bag

The filter that comes with the device is made of felt material. You will have to be careful when cleaning. Do not wash it or clean it with a detergent. The best way to clean it is to wash it with a garden hose or in a sink. But after 3-6 uses, it is likely to rupture. So you may need additional filter bags.

#3 Pool Supply Town Mini Jet-Vac

Type: Operation from a hose

Its appearance and price may not make it seem like it can be effective. But, the Mini Jet Vac does its job and does it pretty well. It’s strong enough to suck up algae, rocks, bumps, etc. It also works fast enough and has a large filter bag. All this makes it convenient to clean large sized debris in a hot tub or small pool. 

Advantages of this vacuum cleaner

• Good suction 

The Mini Jet Vac uses the water pressure from your garden hose to create vacuum suction. All that you need to know is that provided you have good water pressure, the suction will be great. 

• Good for all kinds of garbage

The filter is a two-layer mesh bag that is thin enough to collect sand, pebbles, leaves, and tiny toys. It also comes in a larger size, which allows you to pick up even large amounts of debris at a time without cleaning the filter. If you have a lot of very small debris, you can attach a nylon sock before putting on the white filter. The owners say it works well for this. 

• Adding some freshwater 

You screw a regular garden hose on to the vacuum to create a siphoning effect which allows you to add some fresh water to your hot tub as you clean it. 

What we disliked about this vacuum cleaner

• Needs to be connected to a hose

This vacuum cleaner requires a hose connection, which is an additional difficulty and inconvenience to cleaning. So before you use it, make sure you have a hose near your hot tub.

• Without a pole or a weak pole

Some sellers have this product with a pole, some do not. But when the pole is supplied with the vacuum, it’s usually very weak. You’ll have to put a lot of pressure on the pole when vacuuming. Also, the cleaner should be kept on the bottom because it is not heavy and does not stay on the bottom easily. It can fit 1 to ¼ inches standard poles. So if you have one, use it or buy a quality aluminum pole.

Important things that you must to know when using vacuum cleaners

Although working with a garden hose can be cumbersome and inconvenient, it is generally very easy to use. Below are some points to better understand what awaits you when you buy a Mini Jet-Vac. 

• Assembly.

This product was supplied without assembly instructions. But the assembly is very simple and fast. Here’s a step-by-step video for you, so you can easily understand how to assemble it.

If you don’t have a female hose end, you need a hose adapter set.

• Cleaning.

When everything is connected, simply start vacuuming. All the leaves and garbage will be sucked into the garbage bag, thanks to the venturi effect, which is created by the water pressure from a hose.

The vacuum should be completely submerged in the water or the water will splash everywhere. Therefore, it is better not to use it to clean small fountains or landscape pools.

• Cleaning the reusable filter bags.

The filter can be cleaned very easily and quickly. The bag is reusable. Take it out of the vacuum, turn it inside out and wash it in the sink or with a hose. (No backwashing, etc.!) The only thing is that, over time, the filter bag can rip and you’ll need to replace it with a new one. 

#4 Aura 6250 Paradise Power

Type: Manual operation

The Aura 6250 Paradise Power is a durable and reliable vacuum cleaner best suited for small jobs where fine garbage (sand, pebbles, etc.) is collected at the bottom of a surface. The simple concept does not require power or a connection to the filter. It is made for low-cost energy-saving maintenance and cleaning and works perfectly for this role. 

Advantages of pool vacuum cleaner

• Good for a spot or daily cleaning

It’s a very simple vacuum, so it’s good for daily use. You need to have it at hand at the first sight of dirt, without the need to worry about extra components. The only thing this vacuum cleaner need is a depth of over 1-2 pounds of water. 

With an aluminum telescopic pole up to 7 feet long and a small nozzle, you can vacuum the dirt from small nooks and crannies. There’s no need to wash or dry the filter, it’s just unscrewed, rinsed with water, and then screwed back in.

• No additional costs

It does not require additional accessories and is completely manual in operation. The vacuum is light in both weight and operation. You won’t need to charge any batteries, look for power outlets, connect cords or water hoses. 

• Durable

The vacuum cleaner will work for many years. This is because it has a simple construction. Besides, you will be relaxed knowing that there are no engines or batteries that could break down. 

Remember not to leave it in the sun, as it will damage the plastic. Handle it with care (certainly shouldn’t be thrown on the ground).

What we dislike in this pool vacuum cleaner

• Weak suction at depths below 1-2 feet 

This type of vacuum cleaner works by using the difference in the atmospheric pressure on the water surface and the water pressure at depth. So the deeper the water, the better the suction. On surfaces less than a couple of feet (usually on steps), there is a low suction. If it is required to clean at depths below 1-2 feet, you should choose a battery-powered vacuum cleaner. This type of vacuum cleaner is depth-independent. 

• Not suitable for large areas or large amounts of debris

This vacuum cleaner provides suction only for a short period. Yes, it is very easy to empty and reuse the vacuum, but if you have a large amount of debris or you want to clean something bigger than a hot tub, it will take a long time.

You can, of course, use it in the pool. The handle easily extends to reach down into large and deep pools. The suction is better in deeper water. It’s worth buying only if there’s less debris to clean. For jobs that require cleaning up a lot of debris, opt for a vacuum cleaner that works on a hose pipe like the Mini Jet-Vac.

Important things that you must to know when using vacuum cleaners

Here’s what you can expect from the Aura 6250 Paradise Power vacuum cleaner.

• Assembly.

The device is very simple, it takes around 2 minutes to remove it from the box and assemble. You need to adjust the telescopic pole to the length that is convenient for you to easily reach the hot tub’s depth.

• Cleaning.

To clean the debris from the bottom, the vacuum cleaner sucks the water with the debris into the tank. Clearwater then flows out of the tank and the debris remains in the filter. Suctioning takes place through a siphon – using the difference in atmospheric pressure on the water surface and the water pressure at the bottom.

The cleaning process:

1. Close the hole at the end of the pole with your finger.
2. Submerge the other end of the pole in the water near the dirt.
3. Remove your finger by letting the hole open. When the water is pushed into the reservoir, a vacuum is created to retract the dirty water.
4. Lift the device above the water. The water from the tank will flow back out and the dirt will remain in the filter of the vacuum cleaner.

Each “cycle” lasts 3-4 seconds. If there is a lot of dirt on the bottom of the hot tub, it will take a little time to clean it. This vacuum cleaner is more suitable for periodic spot cleaning.

You can watch a video of how to use the vacuum cleaner for greater clarity. 

• Cleaning the filter.

When enough debris enters the trap, it reduces its efficiency and the water drains out more slowly. In this case, the filters must be cleaned. This is very simple. Unscrew the lid, remove the two filter elements and rinse them with water from the hose. 

• Storage.

This is a simple vacuum cleaner that is made of plastic and aluminum. But it’s important to protect it from the sun to protect the plastic from being damaged.  

Summary

Cleaning a hot tub of all debris and dirt is necessary not only for a more enjoyable experience in the tub but also to extend the life of your hot tub systems. The best and easiest way to do this is to use a vacuum cleaner specifically designed to be used underwater. This is what you should have on your shopping list if you are investing in a spa, an inflatable hot tub, or a fixed self-contained unit. Based on our research, here are our 4 best hot tub vacuum cleaners to help you make an informed choice.

	
Water Tech Blaster Max
Water Tech Blaster Catfish
PoolSupplyTown Mini Jet-Vac
Aura 6250 Paradise Power


	



	
Category winner

Quick and easy cleaning

Convenient for daily use. Suitable for cleaning both hot tubs and pools

Category winner

Easy cleaning and agile

Convenient for daily use. The smaller head is better for cleaning hard-to-reach places

Category winner

Suction power and best price

Good for all types of garbage and large quantities

Category winner

Durable and perfect for small jobs 

Good for a spot or daily cleaning




	
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