Pool Cleaning HQ

  • Home
  • Buying Guides
    • Robotic Pool Cleaners
    • Above Ground Pool Vacuums
    • Suction Pool Cleaners
    • Pressure Side Pool Cleaners
    • Above Ground Pool Pumps
    • Above Ground Pool Filters
    • Inground Pool Filters
    • Winter Pool Covers
    • Salt Water Chlorinators
    • Pool Thermometers
  • Reviews
    • Polaris Vac-Sweep 380
    • Dolphin Escape
    • Dolphin Premier
    • Dolphin Nautilus
    • Polaris 9550 Sport
    • Zodiac Baracuda MX6
    • Zodiac Baracuda MX8
    • Aquabot Pool Rover Jr.
    • Hayward Poolvergnuegen
    • Hayward Navigator Pro
  • Tutorials
    • Best Way to Clean Pool Tile
    • Cleaning Algae from Pool
    • 7 Reasons to Get a Pool Cover
    • How to Open a Swimming Pool
    • How to Backwash a Pool Filter
    • What is a Pool Skimmer Weir?
    • Swimming Pool Electrical Requirements
    • What is a DE Pool Filter?
    • 9 Facts About Pools
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Zodiac MX8 Pool Cleaner Review

Updated September 13, 2018

Table of Contents

  • Pool and Surface Types
  • Connecting the Zodiac MX8
  • Everything That Comes in the Box
  • Included Suction Hose
  • Downsides of the Zodiac MX8
  • Comparing the Zodiac MX8 and the Zodiac MX6
  • Zodiac MX8 Pool Cleaner Videos
  • Conclusion

Designed to be used for in-ground pools, the Zodiac Baracuda MX8 suction-side pool cleaner is great for your vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete pools. Since installation is easy, you can get the MX8 up and running for you in no time. It’s ideal for cleaning up small debris like dirt, but not larger items like big leaves.

Pool and Surface Types

The Zodiac Baracuda MX8 is not equipped to clean above-ground swimming pools; it should only be used with in-ground pools. It can clean vinyl, tile, fiberglass, and concrete pool surfaces, in addition to Diamond Brite and Pebble Tec surfaces. In general, the Zodiac MX8 can clean just about any surface in an in-ground pool.

Connecting the Zodiac MX8

One of the awesome things about this suction-side pool cleaner is that it doesn’t require a booster pump or any additional plumbing. You simply connect this model to either the 1.5” vacuum line or the skimmer, and it’s powered by the pump system already in your pool. Connecting the MX8 is simple and quick, so you won’t have to waste much time with setting it up.

Everything That Comes in the Box

These parts and accessories all come included with the Zodiac Baracuda MX8:

  • Valve cuff
  • Flow regulator valve
  • Twist-lock 45-degree elbow
  • Extended twist-lock 45-degree elbow
  • 11 twist-lock hose sections
  • Leader hose section with hose float
  • MX8 cleaner body.

Included Suction Hose

The Zodiac MX8 pool cleaner comes with hoses that measure roughly 39 feet altogether. These hose sections stand apart from your average pool cleaner hose because of the included twist-lock fittings. The twist-lock feature is highly convenient, making the hose more secure and easier to put together. However, it also means that the hose sections pricier. Additionally, if you require a leaf catcher canister, which goes in the suction line, you’ll have to purchase more adapters. The leaf catcher canister itself isn’t included with the Zodiac MX8 and requires an additional purchase.

Downsides of the Zodiac MX8

As with any product, the MX8 pool cleaner has a few drawbacks. These are the two main ones:

  • The gear drive system is weak and frequently needs to be replaced, usually every 12 to 18 months. After consistent use, the gears simply wear down and no longer work. This model comes with a 1-year warranty, and especially after the warranty period has ended, frequently having to get the gear drive system fix can be a nuisance.
  • Large debris like leaves and sticks cause issues for the MX8. The debris can become stuck in the device, causing it to stall and stop working.

Comparing the Zodiac MX8 and the Zodiac MX6

The parts and features of the MX8 and MX6 are roughly the same, but the two models do differ greatly in price. The MX8 is generally costs over $100 more than the MX6. So, the MX6 is an affordable option for pool owners who want a Zodiac pool cleaner.

Zodiac MX8 Pool Cleaner Videos

Buy the Zodiac MX8 on Amazon
Buy the Zodiac MX6 on Amazon

Conclusion

Overall, the Zodiac MX8 suction-side pool cleaner does a good job of cleaning dirt from in-ground pools. It can easily climb and move over walls for a complete clean, and it has a large cleaning path to clean a greater amount of space in less time.

That being said, the MX8 gets stopped by tree leaves, which quickly cause the system to stall. When this occurs, the device must be removed from the pool and the leaves have to be taken out of the system. A lot of outdoor pools end up with leaves beneath the surface; if this is the case for you, the Zodiac MX8 isn’t a good choice.

The other main user concern with the MX8 is that the gear system typically needs repairing once every year to year and a half. This can become a major inconvenience.

Read more:
  • Best Suction Pool Cleaners
  • Best Inground Robotic Pool Cleaners
  • Cleaning Algae from a Pool: Pool Algae Types and Ways to Remove
  • Best Solar Pool Heaters for Inground Pools
  • Best Inground Pool Covers
  • Best Inground Pool Filters

Best Products

  • Buying Guides: Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Equipment

    Buying Guides: Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Equipment

  • Best 4 Person Hot Tubs

    Best 4 Person Hot Tubs

  • Best 2 Person Hot Tubs

    Best 2 Person Hot Tubs

  • Best Hot Tubs

    Best Hot Tubs

  • Best Inflatable Hot Tubs

    Best Inflatable Hot Tubs

  • Best Above Ground Pool Ladders

    Best Above Ground Pool Ladders

  • Best Small Above Ground Pools

    Best Small Above Ground Pools

  • Best Above Ground Pools

    Best Above Ground Pools

  • Best Pool Skimmer Baskets

    Best Pool Skimmer Baskets

  • Best Inground Pool Heaters

    Best Inground Pool Heaters

  • Best Above Ground Pool Heaters

    Best Above Ground Pool Heaters

  • Best Pool Heat Pumps

    Best Pool Heat Pumps

  • Best Electric Pool Heaters – Hot Tub and SPA Electric Heaters

    Best Electric Pool Heaters – Hot Tub and SPA Electric Heaters

  • Best Gas Pool Heaters

    Best Gas Pool Heaters

  • Best Automatic Pool Fillers

    Best Automatic Pool Fillers

Popular Articles

  • How To Clear Cloudy Pool Water

  • How Does a Saltwater Pool System Work?

    How Does a Saltwater Pool System Work?

  • What is a DE Pool Filter?

    What is a DE Pool Filter?

  • Swimming Pool and Spa Electrical Code Requirements

    Swimming Pool and Spa Electrical Code Requirements

  • 9 Facts and Safety Tips Regarding Spas and Pools

    9 Facts and Safety Tips Regarding Spas and Pools

  • What is a Pool Skimmer Weir?

    What is a Pool Skimmer Weir?

  • How to Backwash a Sand Pool Filter and DE Filter

    How to Backwash a Sand Pool Filter and DE Filter

  • How to Open a Swimming Pool for the Season (10 Steps)

    How to Open a Swimming Pool for the Season (10 Steps)

Top Reviews

  • Hayward Navigator Pro 925ADC Review

    Hayward Navigator Pro 925ADC Review

  • Hayward Poolvergnuegen The Pool Cleaner 4-Wheel Review

    Hayward Poolvergnuegen The Pool Cleaner 4-Wheel Review

  • Aquabot Pool Rover Jr. Pool Cleaner Review

    Aquabot Pool Rover Jr. Pool Cleaner Review

  • Zodiac Baracuda MX6 Pool Cleaner Review

    Zodiac Baracuda MX6 Pool Cleaner Review

  • Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner Review

    Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner Review

Quick Links

  • Best Robotic Pool Cleaners
  • Best Above Ground Pool Vacuums
  • Best Suction Pool Cleaners
  • Best Pressure Side Pool Cleaners
  • All Buying Guides

Amazon Disclosure

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Site Info

  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

© 2019 · Pool Cleaning HQ · All Rights Reserved