Zodiac MX8 Elite Suction Side Pool Cleaner

The Zodiac MX8 Elite Suction Pool Cleaner is a DIY pool owner’s dream product. I originally purchased the MX8 Elite because I did not want to pay the costs of a new automated pool vacuum/cleaner my pool service company was selling me on to replace my existing broken pool cleaner vac. The old vac could not be rebuilt and they wanted $800 plus to replace it with their pool cleaner vac.I went on Amazon to search on the Zodiac MX8 Elite that a neighbor suggested because it was easy to install/maintain it. Back in August 2024 it was priced just under $500 and many positive reviews on Amazon. Plus YouTube had multiple how to videos on installation and repairs. Sold!I ordered it on Amazon and easily installed the MX-8 Elite in my pool and have been extremely satisfied with its operations. The Zodiac MX8 Elite Suction Pool Cleaner works great and cleans the pool bottom and sides up to the top of the tile line beautifully. (My old vac cleaner did not climb the walls for cleaning and I had to clean the tiles with a sponge and brush at least once a year.)No issues since installed in the pool since August 2024. Then just a weeks or so ago, the MX-8 Elite started to spin on one side and the tread would continually fall off the three wheeled track. Checked on YouTube and there were 4 videos on how to fix it. Ordered on Amazon some new tracks and found a stainless steel washer in the shop. With a Phillips screw driver, the stainless steel washer and a YouTube video all was easily fixed. I also replaced the two tracks since both had some inside wear and tear on the track teeth. Total of about 10 minutes of DIY time to fix and make my MX-8 Elite better than new.Saved me a few hundred dollars in repair work that the pool guy would have charged me. Plus I learned that the MX-8 Elite is all about DIY repair and maintenance - very easy to do with YouTube how to videos and most important all manufacture’s parts are available on Amazon.Highly recommended pool cleaner vac. It does a great job cleaning the pool along with the added Zodiac hose filter basket attachment and dedicated bayonet mounted pool hoses. A DIYers perfect product that was easy to install, maintain, repair and get parts. Most importantly it cleans the pool great. 5 stars!

Good and Bad. When this sweep works, it does a great job of cleaning the bottom and sides of the pool. Sadly, it only lasts about 1-2 years max before one needs to purchase on overhaul do it yourself kit to get it back to proper working order. And these kits are not cheap. But neither are pools nor the price one pays to own one.

The media could not be loaded. Zodiac MX8 Elite, this worked pretty well. We’ve had it for six months now and the motor decided to break, there has to be some kind of a warranty on it. I’ve contacted Amazon and the seller and I’m waiting for a response which I’m not getting. It’s only been a couple of days, but there has to be a warranty of some kind, so whoever reads this hopefully Amazon or the seller will get back to me. I think this item stinks actually. I have a little video of the motor part that broke. Linda K

The media could not be loaded. I just upgraded to the MX8 Elite after using the MX8 for about 10 years. These are work horses and their unique gear system to provide random coverage in the pool is superior. Twigs and larger leaves can clog it up at the suction and will have to be manually removed. Great for everyday continuous use. The 2 gear engines will need to be replaced about every 5 years and the tractor belts maybe every 2 years, but they are easy to replace and don’t cost that much. Be sure to use original Zodiac parts because there are some off brands that don’t work as well. The MX8 Elite is better for pebble tech pools because it has extra brushes to scrub the crevices. MX8 is good for smooth plaster. I’m guessing I’ll need to replace those scrubbing brushes about once a year. I also use the Zodiac inline leaf catcher and I’m on my second one. They last about 5 years. Definitely worth the money when compared to other units.

If you don’t want to add a second pump to run a pressure cleaner, the MX8 is a great choice. Very easy to setup: Connect the hoses together, make sure your pump is running at 20-25GPM, plug it in and watch it go. This is my 3rd MX8. The last one gave up the ghost after 5 years, which I think is better than average for pool equipment. The rubber scrubbers on the bottom of the unit do a good job of removing the dust/minerals that can coat the inside of our pool. It generally doesn’t get stuck on stairs and will clean the walls all the way up to the tile. It’s also pretty easy to fix (swap parts) when something does go wrong, like the scrubbers or tracks wearing out. Overall a great option for a suction-side cleaner. I’m deducting one star because it’s so ridiculously expensive for what is essentially a plastic box and a few gears and flaps to make it go. But it cleans well and I’m happy with it.

After extensive research, I decided on the Zodiac MX8 Elite, and it has exceeded my expectations. One of the standout features is its rotating rubber scrubbing wipers, which do an excellent job of mechanically cleaning the pool surface. I’ve been using it for 10 months. The machine climbs up the walls all the way to the edge, with half of it coming out of the water to scrub the everything, top to bottom.I’ve been impressed with its cleaning results—there’s no need for me to follow up with a manual vacuum. After a day of running it, my pool is spotless, with no sand or grit underfoot. It even handled the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, easily picking up 30-40 leaves from the bottom of the pool. With my lanai screen, I mostly deal with sand and dirt, but this cleaner handles it all.The only minor downside is the need to replace the hose annually. However, if you’re still under warranty, check with the manufacturer before buying a new one. Overall, it’s a five-star pool cleaner that delivers excellent results.