Query a recordset object using VBA

I'm using Access 2003 and have a form that allows the user to pick from a variety of filters, and I use VBA to update the recordset of a subform based on those filters (I generate a SQL statement in VBA). This subform can have duplicate client ids, and now I'm trying to get to a unique list of client ids.

Is there any easy way to query out the unique client ids using VBA if I have the source SQL for the subform? I've thought of these options:

Write all the ids to a temp table and then query that table (seems like more work/resources than are necessary)
Somehow apply a query to a recordset object in VBA (is this possible?); I'd set the recordset object equal to the SQL query and then try to run a SELECT DISTINCT client_id FROM <the recordset object>, but I'm not finding any information that leads me to believe this is possible
Generate a new SQL query based on the original one (I was hoping SELECT DISTINCT client_id FROM ('original select query text here') would work, but it gave me a syntax error in the FROM statement

Solution

Aim for the third alternative. This should work if you alias the subquery, and 'original select query text here' can fit.

SELECT DISTINCT sub.client_id
FROM
    (
        'original select query text here'
    ) AS sub

If Access still chokes, show us what you have for 'original select query text here'.

You're right about alternative #1 ... that is wasteful.

Alternative #2 is not possible because Access won't let you run a query using a recordset object as the FROM source.