You might want a suction-side pool cleaner that is easy to install. You could be looking for a pool cleaner that gets rid of dirt and debris, but not large leaves. Is the MX8 the pool cleaner you need? The Zodiac MX8 is a suction-side pool cleaner made for inground pools. It can clean concrete, fiberglass, tile and vinyl surfaces. My Zodiac MX8 review asks questions and provides answers about pool type, pool surfaces, connections, hoses, pool cleaner parts and problems.
What is included with the MX8 pool cleaner?
The following items are included in the box:
- MX8 cleaner body
- Flow regulator valve
- Valve cuff
- Twist-lock 45-degree elbow
- Twist-lock 45-degree elbow (extended)
- Flow regulator valve
- Leader hose section with hose float
- 11 twist lock hose sections
Can the MX8 clean an above ground pool?
No, the MX8 is designed for cleaning inground pools only. It is not suitable for above ground pools.
Where do you connect the Zodiac MX8?
It connects to the skimmer or to a dedicated 1.5-inch vacuum line. You do not need extra plumbing or a booster pump. It works with your existing pump system. It is easy to connect.
How much suction hose is included?
The total length of the included hoses is about 39 feet. The long-life hoses have twist lock fittings, which are different from ordinary pool cleaner hoses. This makes them more expensive.
You might need extra adapters if you want to add a leaf catcher canister into the suction line. The leaf catcher is not included in the box. You have to buy it separately (buy on Amazon).
What pool surfaces can the MX8 clean?
It cleans the following pool surfaces without a problem: concrete, fiberglass, tile and vinyl. The pool cleaner also works on Pebble Tec and Diamond Brite surfaces. It cleans all pool surface types.
Does the MX8 have any problems?
It does not do well with tree leaves or large debris. It gets stuck inside the pool cleaner, which keeps it from cleaning and moving around.
The Zodiac MX8 also has an Achilles heel: its gear drive system. The gears wear out after about 12 or 18 months and need constant replacement. The gears continue to wear out over the course of its pool cleaning life. The regular repair of the gear drive system might become a major annoyance, especially after the one-year warranty has expired.
Zodiac MX8 vs. Hayward Aquanaut
If you want a suction-side pool cleaner that has two tire treads for treading around the swimming pool, then I suggest you take a look at the Hayward Aquanaut suction pool cleaner. It has two big wheels with humped tire treads and an adjustable skirt, which make it less likely to get stuck on pool obstacles. The Aquanaut pool cleaner also has flexible turbine vanes which are able to flex to let debris and leaves through. Less chance of debris causing a blockage. You can read my Hayward Aquanaut review for more information.
Zodiac MX8 versus Elite Model
There is a Zodiac MX8 Elite model, but it is only available at pool cleaner stores. It seems like you cannot purchase it online. Nevertheless, there is very little difference between these two models. The only additional feature that I can see is that the MX8 Elite has cyclonic scrubbing brushes for removing sticky debris.
Zodiac MX8 versus MX6
The features and internal parts are similar, so I am not going to say anything about it. However, the MX6 might be shipped with only 32 feet of twist lock hose, versus the 39 feet of hose that are included with the MX8.
The key point is the price: the Zodiac MX6 is usually more than 100 dollars cheaper than the MX8. If these two models are so similar, then you might as well get the MX6 model and save a few bucks (check price on Amazon).
Conclusion
The Zodiac MX8 cleans very well when it works. It climbs and cleans the walls without a problem. Its wide cleaning path covers more pool surface in a shorter time. It removes dirt very well.
However, tree leaves (especially palm leaves) get wrapped around its insides, which stops the cleaner dead in its tracks. You need to take it out of the pool, open it up and remove the obstruction. If your swimming pools will collect leaves, then the Zodiac MX8 is definitely not for you.
In addition, its gear drive system is not very reliable and might need regular replacement. The tendency of the MX8 to grind its own gears might end up grinding your gears.
To conclude, some owners are happy with its performance in the first few months. Other people experienced problems with stripped gears and regular blockages by leaves or other objects. I suggest that you read what consumers are saying at Amazon about the Zodiac MX8 before making your decision.