Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner Review

[@huzzafuzzaable]

Thanks for all of your reviews and comments and most of all thanks for including your partner!!!.......puts a smile on my face every time! Got the MX6 and works great!

[@randyndawna]

I subscribe but had my five year-old son come watch this particular video because your son was in it and I knew he would be impressed with your son's product demonstration skills. He did a great job explaining this cleaner and told me just what I needed to know about it! Of course my son, who is into trains and has loved them since he was very small, immediately noticed the Santa Fe logo on your son's shirt. We are from Bako but my husband and I take him to Tehachapi to watch trains sometimes. There's the railroad museum, a train store, a park with play equipment and Kohnen's German Country Bakery that's got a great patio and a big chalkboard for the kids, and of course the opportunity to see a real train up close go by. It's always fun! Maybe we'll see you two up there one day! And thank you for all you do to share your experience and knowledge of everything pool! 😊

[@SPL]

+Dawna Miller Nice to hear from another "Train Enthusiasts Family" ;). My son is currently building his own HO train table which is a huge task. He is in the beginning stages. Sounds like a nice road trip to Tehachapi. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@aaydensclockworld9231]

I have one of these. Is it OK to leave the cleaner running in the pool for the morning and during the night?

[@deerrudy]

Great review. I have had this cleaner for about three years. Works great however if you have an open pool susceptible to leaves and debris it will clog this machine and stop it. Dont think turning it upside-down is the best test.I had a Hayward Navigator before this one and it was much more robust it took much more to clog it. If you have a caged pool or don't have to worry about leaves and debris this pool cleaner may be a good option

[@SPL]

Thanks for the great feedback. I think Zodiac is close to having a new improved engine that won't get clogged. This season I think.

[@deerrudy]

@@SPL if thats the case i would buy again, of course may not need to for some time since i watched your other rebuild videos, I have a new machine again. Lol Thanks

[@SPL]

Zodiac MX6 Review: This is my KZbin video review of Zodiac's NEW MX6 automatic pool cleaner. They basically took the MX8 cut it in half :). A great compact cleaner.

[@Tearsofthekingdom1982]

Swimming pools tips and reviews I have a question we redoing our pool from old plaster to pebble pool and.we have a old barracuda G4 will it work in it or buy the new barracuda MX6 for it

[@SPL]

If the cleaner is working no need to replace it. The G3 will work fine in Pebble Tec

[@Tearsofthekingdom1982]

Hi I am looking to replace my pool vacuum the pool guy told us to buy the Hayward poolvergnuenen vs the barracuda mx6 which is a better vacuum and I noticed the barracuda mx6 has better rating on Amazon than the Hayward the pool cleaner

[@24sazj]

Where you connected the hose’s only working?

[@garyjcoz74]

I love the details of your test. Thank you for the review!

[@johncostello5432]

The problem I've had with the MX6 (or this brand in general) is that it does not take the sun very well. At a year and a half, my hoses became brittle and fell apart. The MX6 itself shows a lot of oxidation from the sun.

[@jackb7281]

Absolutely agree with John on this one. The hoses virtually split after a year. Replacements, either OEM or aftermarket, are no better and they are pricey. I have $180 invested in replacement hoses so far, about 1/2 the cost of the unit. Now I'm selling it for a song and purchasing a Dolphin Nautilus (with no hose) which is what I should have done to begin with. Don't get me wrong, the MX6 does a great job. I just can't justify continuing to buy replacement hose sections at $32 to $39 a pop. I've bought 6 sections so far. If I had to buy another 3, then I would have doubled the cost of my initial investment in this unit.

[@justicebdone7]

Would you purchase the Zodiac Mx6 or the Zodiac G3 Baracuda? I'm torn between the two, they are in the same price range but completely different designs. I have steps and would prefer the one that is going to clean my steps and not get caught on the steps. Thankyou for your consideration in answering my question.

[@boomslang404]

Doesn't it suck air when it gets to the top of the wall like at minute 2:43?

[@SPL]

No, that is just the sound of the turbine. These cleaners amazingly don't suck in air at the tile line.

[@rjnmex]

So far, so good. I have a Pentair multi-speed pump and at 1800 RPM the MX6 works well, climbing up the walls, snorting at the top, turning around and going back down to clean across the bottom. It does get stuck occasionally on the steps. I'm still trying to figure out how it's programmed. I'm assuming a mechanically timed gear drive of some sort. Feel free to comment! Overall, I'd recommend the unit.

[@robertosumaran5414]

That's real good I have mine at 1850 and it doesn't even move at all

[@jf1161]

Just picked one up with a vs pump. Running at 3450rpm and it’s climbing walls. So far so good.

[@SPL]

Nice! 👍

[@georgeLMgrace]

You do a great job on your videos! I have an MX6. New treads were put on today. It still is very sluggish, stops often, and just doesn't work like it should. It seems the suction is very low. The cleaner valve is all of the way open. Should I get replacement parts and replace pieces one at a time? Does Zodiac sell a kit for parts? Again, fantastic videos? Very valuable!

[@chrisreid2591]

I have an 18x36 pool with a older hayward de filter will the MX6 pool cleaner work for our pool. I notice that it says not recommended for over 6ft depth.

[@mytoyotacorolla8475]

Does this work for the Above ground Intex square pool 7.3m x 3.6m ?

[@SPL]

Better off with a Zodiac Ranger or the Pentair Lil' Rebel

[@factchecker7321]

We tried the skimmer installation but appears that the (One hole) plug won't come undone and the MX6 white plug wont screw into it. The permanent piece that the basket drops into almost appears that the "plug" came with it with screws. The pool wall installation is a little confusing because the wheels spin faster than can be counted our Jandy valves aren't labelled so we can decrease the water flow. . When can you stop by and fix it? Palm Harbor Florida

[@rufuscoss]

I don’t understand how to adjust the flow and you don’t explain it very well. Do you have another clip showing adjustment on the grey sprint thingy? The sucky to me thing? Is the valve supposed to be on open? The red swivel thing starched to the spring thing it has a notch to be open? Adjust more? Less how? I put the clip that holds the spring to the top reads the same as if I put the spring to the bottom. I have my pump set on quick clean it’s a variable pump

[@cooperandcohensmom]

I have the Pentair 340039 SuperFlo High Performance Single Speed Pool Pump, 1½ Horsepower, 115/230 Volt, and I want to get a auto pool cleaner , will it work with mine?

[@gailsgoogle8292]

You say one of the bad things is that there are locking style hoses. Can you use the old hoses from my Hayward that don't lock instead???

[@SPL]

Yes. all you would need is the lead hose and the adapter I show in the install video for the canister. I just don't like the fact that it makes spot vacuuming the pool impossible. As far as the hoses themselves they seem more durable with that one drawback. Plus hooking up a canister is more challenging. Try them first and see if you like them. If you don't vacuum your spa or pool manually then they won't be an issue. I am just used to using automatic cleaner hoses to vacuum the pool and spa.

[@humbertodejesus8264]

The valve put wanted or filtratio

[@Ğħöșť42ø]

Is this mode worth saving after it breaks down????

[@SPL]

Yes, the parts are easy to replace.

[@AnniaHernandez]

How do I increase the suction on my pool?

[@SPL]

There are many ways. Cleaning the filter is the first step. Then figuring out which way the valves go to maximize suction.

[@70newlife]

I have a water storage tank 15ft by 25 feet and 10 feet height that needs cleaning ( fine but loose sediments) every couple of months. Right now I empty the tank and get down there and pressure suck the sediments with a pump and then pressure wash it. It's a pain as you can guess. Is there anything that I can use to clean bottom without disturbing the sediment ( so that it doesn't cloud the rest of the water) while the tank is full. I understand that these pool cleaners require a pool pump, filter etc. I don't have any such thing. Also all videos showing pool cleaners show pretty clean bottom . My water tank gets a pretty good sediments brown in color, about a couple of mm thick.

[@SPL]

A robotic pool cleaner is what you need.

[@robdgonz4569]

my pool is 15x30 with an 8ft round spa. I was told it was approximately 12000 gallons. I was planning on using one of the two skimmer ports to connect the mx6. i was running my pool pump at 1700 rpm's for 14 hrs. I was trying to decide between the mx6 or the 2X POOLVERGNUEGEN. Any thoughts...

[@SPL]

I like the 2x Poolvergnuegen better though it cost more.The MX6 is however an excellent cleaner for under $300. The one on my route leave the pool spotless and it is cool to watch it move around. So either would be a good buy. You can run it at 1100 RPM for about 6 hours and 2400-2800 for 2 hours for the cleaner. You are running your pump at too high of an RPM and for too long. At 1700 you are pulling about 70 gallons per minute. For 14 hours that is about 2 complete cycles. One per day is sufficient. At 1100 RPMs it will pull about 50 gallons per minute and complete one cycle. The water will look stale on top but it is moving. Then you can run it for the cleaner on a higher RPM for 2 hours 2400 RPM's is about 100 gallons a minute - equivalent to a 3/4 hp pump running - so that will eat up some electricity - however you save on the other end by running it at 1100 RPMs which is like a 100 watt light bulb on. The screen should give you the exact wattage per speed. So basically you are running it too high and too long currently. Hooking it up to a two skimmer pool is a bit tricky but I can walk you through it. I have a video but I haven't edited it yet and it is not uploaded. Soon.

[@robdgonz4569]

thanks, i will look out for the video. I really appreciate your help. I'm a newbie pool owner. I have an in floor cleaning system which i don't think works very well. It blast all the stuff from the floor all over the place. I have gotten better results from borrowing my co-workers dolphin supreme m5 pool cleaner. The only thing for me is that i would like to leave something cleaning in the pool and send all the dirt and debris to the suction part of the pool.

[@dragally1]

Thx for the video . A question . When it says wont run on low speeds is that the motor speed that turns the pump ? Mine says 3450 and it's single speed . I have been running a Pentair sand shark but it's constantly breaking down so I'm looking at different cleaners . Thx.

[@SPL]

This will work fine running at full speed.

[@dragally1]

Thank you .

[@nicoleschultz9171]

So I just bought this. Spent five hours messing with it yesterday. Was going super slow and would stop altogether and do nothing. I don’t have s variable speed motor. I have the older two speed. Does this thing not work with a two-speed?????

[@SPL]

It should be running fine on the higher speed but won't run on the low speed. Is it not working on the higher speed?

[@omidjavan8553]

Hi, I bought it after I saw your review. But my problem with this is most of the time its on the walls and sucking air and make problem for my pump and heather. Is any way that I can keep it in the bottom and don't go on the walls? Please let me know.

[@SPL]

Yes, if it is connected to the skimmer you will need to replace the Flow Keeper Valve with an alternate one. Right under the photo in this Blog article is a good alternate one: poolmandave.blogspot.com/2016/06/zodiac-mx8-elite-installation-mx8-and.html Of course if you have it connected to a side port just turn the suction down - I think you are referring to a skimmer install. And you can sell that Flow Keeper Valve on Ebay ;).

[@omidjavan8553]

+Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1 Yes I have the suction on the wall. But when I turn it down the vacuum doesn't move or if it move slowly, it will still goes on the wall. I thought there should be something that make it heavy and when it goes on the wall will fall down.

[@FamilyWinn]

I agree from this video, it is likely to cause more issues and failures than just a simple G3 flapper

[@electricalsmokealarmsandmo1564]

Can I use this on a above ground pool. I most likely think no because of flow

[@SPL]

It can be used in an above ground pool. But in most cases the bouncing type are better.

[@electricalsmokealarmsandmo1564]

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To - SPL I know a bouncing type is better but I do like something that has wheels and does not vibrate the water. How would you hook this up to a above ground pool.

[@electricalsmokealarmsandmo1564]

One more question. Even though it’s a cleaner with tracks and gears, do you still recommend separating the hoses and laying out on the deck when you decide to take it out

[@centurion209]

How deep is your pool?

[@SPL]

Most pools in my area are 6-8 ft

[@centurion209]

@@SPL thank you, just bought one and tested it out, works great and unboxed and in the water within 10 minutes

[@jonathanbruce9658]

Is this a cleaner you recommend for your customers?

[@SPL]

It's a good choice. I like the Hayward AquaNau also.

[@jonathanbruce9658]

But is the Hayward worth the extra 100 to 130

[@wckleghorn]

Is this cleaner go on a random pattern? I have the Pool Cleaner now works good, looking for something a little better with palm fronds. I tried the Barracuda G3, returning, kept fighting with patterning didnt want to invest another $50 for twister. I may just stick with The Pool Cleaner just wondering if this one is a little better with debris. Also if it is random.

[@SPL]

It operates similar to the PoolCleaner with a random pattern. For a pool with larger debris I like the non-booster pump return side cleaners like the Polaris 360 or the TR36P. It has a large debris opening and a large bag on top. Your pool will need 1 1/2 inch return lines though for it to connect and work as it uses the pool's return pressure to operate and not the pool suction. This one will pick up debris similar to the PoolCleaner.

[@jaredf0112]

Great review! Will this work on a liner pool?

[@SPL]

Maybe. Someone commented on my recent podcast that their MX-8 Climbs to the water line in their vinyl pool.

[@sunshinendirt]

Will this run off my regular vacuum suction line, or do I have to have an extra pump to run it?

[@SPL]

regular suction line.

[@sunshinendirt]

Thank you for the quick response. Enjoy the vids!

[@rufuscoss]

The regulator valve at the intake it doesn’t chance it’s 13 to 15 seconds to 10 rotations

[@robdgonz4569]

What would be the best way to connect the mx6 to a pool that has 2 skimmers? I have a valve to switch between the main drain and the two skimmers. Problem, one skimmer is a venturi skimmer which skims floating debris and the other skimmer which i plan to use to connect the mx6 is a regular skimmer. If possible, I would like to use both the venturi skimmer and mx6. When i connected the mx6 to the skimmer it didnt move.

[@SPL]

Did you try installing the cleaner without the Flow keeper valve - just directly in?

[@Ninso7]

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1 thank you sooo much I actually went and spent the day turning my valves and labeling which is connected to what, I finally realized that the one connected to the skimmer was the one that my handy man told me not to turn! The suction is amazing now, in fact it was too fast I now have the flow regulator set on level 2 and it is performing optimally and climbing the walls.. however my pool has now become cloudy... I've added chemicals as per my local pool shops directions, they told me to shock the pool with chlorine, add acid and sunscreen - now its cloudy and ive added floc twice to no avail ! I can't see more then 30 cm in

[@SPL]

Ninavah Shlaimon Glad you got the MX6 moving. If the pool is cloudy it will just take time to clear. Keep the chlorine level high 5-10 ppm and run the pump longer. It should clear up.

[@Ninso7]

I just bought the mx6 however it is moving very slowly and stopping after about 10 mins, im clocking 10 revolutions per 45 seconds using the AD valve on setting 3! :( my pump is 2 kw horsepower, however it is very old and single speed, could this be the issue? I have no idea what the problem is? Its a spa pool with 2 jets and bubble makers all around the pool but I dont turn them on while using the mx6.. I dont really know much about suction power and how it works so I cant figure out what is going on... please help!

[@SPL]

Your pump is large enough and age isn't a real factor if it is running well. Is the main drain valve off? For the cleaner to work properly all of the suction must be from the skimmer.

[@Ninso7]

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1 Thanks so much for the speedy reply, I've been watching all your videos trying to find an answer! Im really sorry but I dont know much about which pipes are connected to the skimmer.. Basically I have a saltmate chlorinator connected to a Davey f25 filter - formerly I had 3, 2kw pumps, 1 connected to 1 jet, the other to the second jet, and the last pump to the bubblers. A handyman came and re did the plumbing, now all three connections are to 1, 2 kw pump - with the 2 set aside as spares. I navigate which jets I want to use by turning switches... So in saying that, would I have to close all the switches to prevent any of the jets from working and only have 1 open (the skimmer switch) .. if so, how can I tell which switch is the one for the skimmer, is it connected to a particular pipe that I can identify?

[@SPL]

I would have to see your set-up. You can film it and upload a video to KZbin and then send me the video link. Get the equipment and the MX6 connection inthe video for me and I can see if I can figure it out.

[@austinkeepness]

Does this work for above ground pools too ?

[@89kevino]

it won't go up the walls on my above ground but does clean the bottom well

[@reggiekenner1527]

I like the boy's Santa Fe Railroad t-shirt. Both my dad and I were Santa Fe train and engine service people. He a conductor and I an engineer. I'm looking for a pool cleaner to replace my Zodiac that doesn't really love my inground vinyl pool. Your reviews are a great help

[@SPL]

Reggie Kenner My son is really into trains - we just got back from the station after watching a few Union Pacific trains drive through. Maybe he will stick with the train hobby which is fine by me. I enjoy all the train enthusiast we meet. My Grandfather worked for Conrail until he retired as an engineer also. It is pretty cool that you worked for Santa Fe. Inground vinyl is a tough one as many cleaner get hung up on the ladder. What zodiac model do you have and what issues is it having?

[@vispersotham1605]

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1

[@carlosgamez1058]

Hi,my MX6 is spinning in the same place! what do I need to do to resolve this issue? thanks in advance.

[@SPL]

Check the tracks on the cleaner to make sure the teeth are catching the notches. If the tracks look good then this is the part you need: Baracuda R0524700 Side A Direction Control Device Replacement for Baracuda MX8 Pool Cleaner

[@15Kilo]

I love the fact that it works well. I hate the fact that it spends an equal amount of time climbing my pool walls and sucking a huge amount of air into my system before it falls off and does the same thing every few minutes.

[@SPL]

Try adjusting down the suction.

[@15Kilo]

If I adjust the suction it won’t meet the suggested revolutions.

[@terryhonour1872]

I have. 9m x 5m tiled pool. Which is the best for this pool. The MX6 or MX8?

[@SPL]

MX6 will work fine.

[@viajes80]

Mine doesn’t go up in the walls :(

[@rusticza1355]

Just a warning, if your pool has a lot of leaves or grasses that get blown in, this is not the cleaner for you.The grasses in particular get rapped around the mechanism continuously, which results in the mx6 not moving. I'm continually unblocking mine.

[@SPL]

Yeah, long string like debris will jam the cleaner. Unfortunate.

[@robdgonz4569]

If using a pentair variable speed pump, how many RPM's would the pump have to be set to for optimal cleaning but also be economically efficient and save on my electricity bill $$$.

[@SPL]

It depends on if you have a dedicated sideport or if you are using the skimmer for suction. Sideport needs a little more RPMs but I would say running it about 2 hours a day at 2400-2800 RPM's will do it. You should be running it for at least 2 hours a day on this RPM anyway so shouldn't effect your bill. In rare cases it will take 3000-3100 RPM's but usually less. How large is your pool?

[@patrickdietrich267]

Mine has yet to climb the walls. Why??

[@SPL]

Maybe the suction is too low. Is it a regular plaster pool? If so, just increase the suction.

[@alaintangcervantes]

How do I know this thing will work with my pump?

[@SPL]

As long as your pump is at least 3/4 hp you should be fine

[@gilbertodeangelis997]

Domanda? 0.75 hp pompa est raccomandato?

[@joseclaudialopez3389]

How does it do on algae?

[@SPL]

In it's current form not good as it hovers over the pool vs touching the surface. However if you add this kit it will do exceptionally well: Zodiac "MX6 Elite" - Adding the Cyclonic Scrubbing Kit to Your MX6: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5rKmIJ_grpmoJY

[@Pedricanal]

Which is better, mx8 or mx6?

[@SPL]

Depends on your pool size. for a larger pool the MX8 Elite is best. small pool, MX-6.

[@raminfaramarzi]

I am on my 2nd one. This is very low in price, and the hoses are not durable and get hard and break and won't work. So just be aware that the hoses wear out real fast, unlike ticker plastic ones which are heavy but last.

[@gilbertodeangelis997]

For pool 8x4 m. Raccomando,?

[@SPL]

Yes, this is a good cleaner.

[@gilbertodeangelis997]

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1 pompa 0.75 hp sufficiene per funzionare?

[@jedlaid4288]

Is a 60 kW pump strong enough for a zodiac mx6

[@SPL]

+Jed Laid Not sure, what is the pump hp?

[@annepowell9182]

We bought this cleaner a few months ago and we hate it! Can not figure out what the problem is but it WILL NOT stay UPRIGHT!!!! Not going to do us any good laying on its back

[@SPL]

Call Zodiac Tech Support. It is still under warranty and it might have a defect. They will get it working or replace it for you.

[@johandeconing7120]

60 KW is a massive pump. Normal pool pumps are 0,75 kW to 1 kW. This pool cleaner will probably disintegrate with such a power full pump.

[@austinm3734]

I Say That The Locking-Style Hoses Is A Matter Of Opinion Weather Or Not You Like Them.

[@SPL]

I don't like them since I have a hundred of the Universal Hoses in my garage that I use to replace client's broken hoses. Plus it is complicated to manually vacuum from these hoses and complicated to drop in a spare cleaner- I now have a spare MX8 so that helps.

[@gretchenslaughter2334]

Beyond disappointed in this cleaner. I had it set where it needed to be and yet every day I walk out and just sitting either on the drain or elsewhere in the pool, pump on, cleaner going nowhere. I pull it out of the water clean and debris from inside, brushes start turn, put it back in the water where it sits again. I took it into the local pool store where I purchased it and she told me there was nothing wrong with it. I turned up the pump, still nothing. I have a dirty pool and I'm not happy. Waste of money.

[@samsemergencyvideos7791]

I Have The MX6

[@michelleturcotte2434]

please define ''small or medium pool''

[@SPL]

Michelle Turcotte I would say no larger than a 15 ft x 30 ft and 6 ft deep - Under 20,000 gallons of water.

[@justinfleenor3022]

hey this ain't a mazda lol

[@ruthlessluder]

That thing is hungry.

[@SPL]

Yes, it works well. 👍

[@HappyJigg]

I'm that friend and I want one.

[@humbertovera2402]

Repair. Mx6. Video

[@SPL]

Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZy5ZnSkm614h7M

[@supext]

I have 40 foot long pool with 8 foot dept, would you recommend this cleaner for that long/deep pool?

[@SPL]

I would go with the 4X PoolCleaner. It has been designed for very large pools. Is your pool a regular cement/gunite pool?

[@supext]

@@SPL It's cement painted

[@TheDandy1122]

What’s the difference between the mx6 and the mx6 elite??

[@SPL]

The scrubbing brushes on bottom. That is it.