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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
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.