Zodiac MX6 and MX8 are two household names when it comes to suction side pool cleaners. Right now, we also have the Zodiac MX8 Elite.
The three models are quite confusing, and often, many buyers get caught in a dilemma. Today, we want to strip down the three models, highlighting the key similarities as well as the differences.
After that, we will give our verdict on what’s the best suction side pool cleaner in this comparison review.
Let’s begin with a short introduction about the brand, as well as the highlights of each Zodiac model.
Main Differences
Zodiac MX6 Automatic In Ground Pool Cleaner
This is the first generation Zodiac MX6 pool cleaner that has been designed for small pools. The model suits both inground and above ground construction and all the most popular surfaces.
Being the earliest cleaner in the series, Zodiac MX6 offers basic cleaning functions.
The pool cleaner uses cyclonic suction with one power turbine blade that allows it to process:
- pool bottom,
- walls,
- stairs,
- even the waterline.
The device is called automatic, thanks to the X-Drive navigation. But I’d call it semi-automatic as it’s not as good as sensor systems, but you can forget about random moving.
Customers get one Advanced Twist Lock 32” hose to connect the cleaner to your pool system. One of the most significant pluses of the model is that it’s easy to install and doesn’t require a booster pump.
Zodiac MX6 will suit owners of small pools with a limited budget. If you’re looking for something simple yet efficient, it’s your option.
- no additional pump is needed
- suits both inground and above ground pools
- cleans even walls and waterline
- collects large debris
- has smart navigation
- easy installation
- energy-efficient model
- affordable model
- comes with the shortest hose and only one turbine
- cleans longer because of the short cleaning path
- doesn’t scrub the surface and leaves sediment
Zodiac MX8 Ultra-efficient Suction Pool Cleaning Robot
The MX8 cleaner became a logical continuation of the Zodiac MX6 device. Engineers tried to improve some characteristics to provide us with a more efficient yet still easy-to-use cleaner.
However, upgrades include two large turbines for better coverage and propulsion as well as aggressive wall climbing. Double cyclonic suction creates a wider cleaning path and larger debris consumption. The unit also cleans the bottom, walls, steps, and waterline but does it faster and better.
The cleaning footprint now measures 15 inches. Unfortunately, the manufacturer didn’t work on better scrubbing operations.
Driving tracks in the MX8 model belong to the maX-Drive Technology, which should provide more reliable contact with slippery surfaces.
The final improvement is a longer 39” Advanced Twist Lock Long life hose that makes it ideal for a little bigger pools. The hose construction lasts longer without breaks caused by twisting.
While purchasing Zodiac MX8, you get improved and faster cleaning performance. The unit didn’t become smarter but more thorough and hard-working to suit bigger inground pools.
At the same time, when comparing zodiac mx6 vs. mx8, we’d like to note that many drawbacks didn’t change.
- no additional pump is needed
- suits larger inground pools
- provides faster and better cleaning with dual turbines and cyclonic suction
- has a wider cleaning path
- improved tires provide easier wall and waterline processing
- collects large debris
- has smart navigation
- features longer and more durable hose
- easy installation
- energy-efficient model
- for the inground pool only
- doesn’t scrub the surface and leaves sediment
- high price (some robot pool cleaners cost the same money)
Zodiac MX8 Elite Compact Size with Powerful Cyclonic Suction
The Zodiac Elite is the latest cleaner in the series. And it came to solve our greatest complaint – poor sediment and algae cleaning.
The biggest addition it brings onboard is a scrubbing system for tackling pool stains. It means that now the cleaner blades both generate cyclonic suction and scrubbing motions to deal with all types of pool pollutions. Thus, you get spotless pool surfaces.
Otherwise, it still maintains:
- the same hose length,
- two turbines,
- maX-Drive technology,
- the rest of the features.
Thus, though Zodiac MX8 and MX8 Elite look identical, we’d recommend Zodiac MX8 Elite as the most thorough and efficient pool cleaner. It is also the most expensive of the three. So, if you feel free about your budget and need a perfectly clean pool, the Baracuda series can hardly offer you anything better than this.
- no additional pump is needed
- suits larger inground pools
- dual turbines and cyclonic suction
- wide cleaning path
- long-awaited scrubbing action to deal with all pool dirt
- improved tires to clean walls and waterline
- collects large debris
- has smart navigation
- features longer and more durable hose
- easy installation
- energy-efficient model
- for the inground pool only
- the most expensive pool cleaner
Hi! I’m Markus Robertson, and water is my passion.
Five years ago, I graduated from the University of California-Los Angeles and was going to become a professional marine biologist. However, my fate had other plans for me, and due to family problems, I had to find a more stable and well-paid job. I had only one wish for my job to be connected with water.
During this period of my life, I worked as a sales manager at Olympic Pool & Spa Supplies. The job helped me learn everything about swimming pools and related pool equipment, as well as how to choose the best option and what to pay attention to.
Hi! Thanks a lot for your reviews! Hope you’ll help me solve my minor confusion. It seems to me that Zodiac MX6 is a kind of outdated cleaner compared to others in the line. Is it so? Or is it still worthwhile for certain tasks? Thanks!
Hi, Susan! Great question, thank you for your interest! Zodiac MX6 is a less powerful cleaner that is developed for smaller pools. Though it features only 1 power turbine, 32 in. hose, and a shorter cleaning path, we note the same traction, very close cleaning technology and navigation. That’s why we think it is an up-to-date pool cleaner. It uses simpler technologies but is equal to other Zodiac devices.
Hello! Very detailed comparison, thanks! I have a vinyl lined pool and wonder if it will be too slippery for the Zodiac MX cleaners (the MX8 mostly) to climb the walls. Will its brushes cope with such a surface?
Hello, Sonia! Thank you so much for your high appreciation of our work! Zodiac MX series produces universal pool cleaners suitable for all pool types. Zodiac MX8 model will climb vinyl walls just as successfully as tile, fiberglass, concrete, and others. This is possible thanks to the excellent drive system mostly, not brushes.
I have a 10000 gallon pool, which model is the best in my case? I don’t have power near the pool – it’s important! Can you help me to choose?
Hello, Maria! Thank you for your question and trust! All three models would fit your pool size. Besides, the cleaner is connected to the pool’s filtration system through a special hose and doesn’t need anything else. Thus, there is no need for additional power sources and outlets.
However, we’d recommend you choosing Zodiac MX8 and MX8 Elite models as they offer longer 39″ hoses to reach any filtration system.
I’ve been using the MX8 model for two years now for my 12.000 gal inground pool. I faced no problems by now, except for a bit unthorough cleaning in the corners (I’ve got a rectangular pool), but it’s ok for me. So, I’m thinking of passing on the Elite version. Thank you for the comparison!
Thanks, very useful comment) Was thinking of getting the MX8, but now would prefer something else. A happy owner of a rectangular pool :))
Hi, Lynne! We’re very happy that you found useful information and user’s experience provided by our reader)
Hello, Tom! Thank you very much for your comment and kind words! Your experience will greatly help our readers!
Hi! I’ve got a good skimmer which I bought separately. Will Zodiac MX6 work with it correctly?
Hi, Den! Thank you very much for your question! Yes, all Zodiacs in this review are compatible with skimmers. You only should mind the connection size to ensure correct fit.
What is Advanced Twist Lock Long hose? How is it better?
Hi, Fred! Thank you very much for your question! Advanced Twist Lock Long hose is a hose that consists of several parts connected together with special locks. The construction allows altering the hose legth and ensures safe connection.