In this study, spin-up flows in a rectangular container are analysed both numerically and experimentally. In the numerical computation, we use two Ekman pumping models, the classical leading order and the first order. We also compared our results with those obtained for the case without a pumping model. Effect of two parameters, Reynolds number and the Rossby number on the flow evolution is studied. The first order and the leading order Ekman pumping models are in good agreement with the experimental result compared with the non-Ekman pumping model. Attention is given to the merging of two cyclonic vortices.