The Zodiac MX8 is the MX6’s bigger brother. The MX6 is the less priced of the two compact side suction pool cleaners. But there’s a solid explanation for that. For a wider cleaning swath, the MX8 incorporates two cleaning turbines on the bottom. It also has a lower suction power than the MX6 and comes with more hose straight out of the box. It also features two directional gears on the bottom, making it more mobile and adjustable in use. It costs more than the MX6, but we believe the extra money is well worth the extra features.
In This Article...
What is the distinction between the MX6 and the MX8?
If you’re looking for a pool cleaner, you’re probably thinking of the Zodiac MX6 or MX8. Which is the better option for your pool?
Despite the fact that they use similar technologies and have similar appearances and functions, they have substantial variances.
In a word, the Zodiac MX8 is a more powerful cleaner with a broader cleaning path, more debris intake, and improved maneuverability.
The MX8 is a more powerful and efficient machine that will do tasks faster. Furthermore, the MX8 is more sturdy and long-lasting.
On this basis, the MX8 offers superior value for money, as it is roughly “twice as clean.” However, if you have a smaller pool, the MX6 is less expensive and might be sufficient.
What’s the difference between the Zodiac MX8 and the Zodiac AX10?
The MX8 Tune Up Kit is for the MX8 and AX10 Zodiac Pool Cleaners from Generation 2. The Zodiac AX10 is an enhanced version of the MX8 pool cleaner.
Suction cleaners like the Zodiac MX8 and AX10 use gears to steer the cleaner around the pool, giving it a better coverage than standard suction cleaners. These components deteriorate with time and must be replaced.
It’s time to have your Zodiac MX8, AX10, or MX6 repaired if you notice it’s slowing down, going in circles, or losing its tracks. After 2-3 years, a repair is normally required, however this depends on the pace at which the AX10 or MX8 has been set.
If your cleaner does not already have one, we recommend utilizing an MX Flow Regulator. This will control the speed and extend the life of your MX8 Pool Cleaner.
The Zodiac MX8 & AX10 Tune Up Kit includes all of the replacement parts you’ll need to get your cleaner running like new again. The MX8 Tune up package also includes step-by-step instructions with illustrations.
Is the zodiac and the barracuda the same thing?
BARACUDA was introduced in the early 1980s with a completely new diaphragm technology, which set it apart from its competitors by allowing for quieter operation and greater maneuverability. The diaphragm mechanism developed by BARACUDA is still utilized in disc suction pool cleaners today.
From an office in Frenchs Forest, New South Wales, a local Australian began importing and selling BARACUDA in 1986.
I’m not sure how long I should leave my Zodiac pool cleaner running.
The time it takes for an automatic vacuum to finish cleaning your pool is determined by the size of the pool, the vacuum’s speed, and the pool’s condition. Allow the vacuum to run until the entire pool has been cleaned, including the bottom and sides. This takes between two and six hours on average. The less time it takes the better your pool has been kept for example, if you vacuum every week.
Why is my Zodiac pool cleaner always shutting down?
The Zodiac suction pool cleaner is Australia’s best-selling pool cleaner.
Zodiac diaphragm technology powers it. There are no wheels, cogs, or loud hammers, resulting in a whisper-quiet operation and reduced maintenance costs.
Before we begin troubleshooting your Zodiac pool cleaner, make sure your filtration system has been back washed or cleaned.
Now, as you recall from lesson one, it’s also critical to wipe out your skimmer basket and pump basket thoroughly. This will ensure that your Zodiac pool cleaner has enough suction flow to function properly.
It’s now time for troubleshooting, where we’ll look for answers to your most often asked questions.
What if my cleaner stops and starts?
The first thing you should do if your Zodiac pool cleaner stops and begins is check the suction flow coming through the hose. This operation will necessitate the use of your pump.
A pool pulse is included with this Zodiac pool cleaner, and it has numbers on it. Put this on the end of the hose, under the water, with the suction flow coming through, and place it around number two.
If number two doesn’t work, the AD valve in the skimmer box is the next thing to check. The AD valve is pre-programmed to number two. We raise it to number three if we want additional suction. This could also help if your pool cleaner isn’t scaling the walls well enough.
If the pool cleaner still isn’t working properly after we’ve done that, we should look for leaks in the hose. At each joint, we remove the hose out of the water and listen for leaks. That’s something we’d like to do all the way around the hose.
The diaphragm within the Zodiac cleaner is the next thing we should look at. It’s a good idea to turn off your pump and filter at this point since you don’t want any air to leak through the hose while we’re checking.
So remove the Zodiac diaphragm and inspect it for any tears or obstructions. If it appears to be in good working order, replace it and contact your local pool professional, as there may be a more serious problem with the system. It’s possible that your filtration system has an air leak, or that something has become stuck inside the pipework leading back to your filtration system.
What if my cleaner is patterning and not covering the pool properly?
If your cleaner is not effectively patterning and covering the pool, make sure the water flow from all return inlets is directed downward and toward each other, or downward and toward the pool’s center.
This will help to prevent water from interfering with the Zodiac hose’s natural movement. If you can’t divert the water deep enough down in the pool, or if your existing eyeballs don’t divert far enough, an Aim Flow Diverter like this one from your local pool specialist might be a good solution. The Aim Flow Diverter is a device that pushes into the return line to divert water to the pool’s bottom.
To relax the memory, take the cleaner out of the pool and lay the hose in a straight line in the sun. For the better part of a day, leave it there. Check that the cleaner’s hose is the correct length before reinstalling it in the pool. If the pool cleaner is still patterning and not properly covering the pool, as indicated in lesson one, you may need to add one or two extra hose lengths.
It’s also crucial to adjust the hose weight such that it sits at the end of the first hose length, the leader hose.
What if my cleaner is not cleaning the pool?
If you reside in an area with a lot of leaves or huge debris like gum nuts, you might think about getting a Polaris pool cleaning. Any huge debris that a suction cleaner won’t be able to pick up will be picked up by a Polaris.
If you’re still having issues after consulting your manual and troubleshooting your cleaner, it’s possible that it’s not the right cleaner for your pool.
Expert tips
Before backwashing your filter, make sure your Zodiac pool cleaner is turned off.
If your vacuum cleaner starts and stops:
- Using your pool pulse, check the suction flow.
- Examine the AD valve.
- Check for air leaks in the pool cleaner hose.
- Check your Zodiac pool cleaner’s diaphragm.
If your pool cleaner is patterning rather than covering the pool, it’s most likely because:
- Verify that the water flow from all of the returning inlets is directed properly.
- It’s possible that an Aim Flow Diverter will need to be installed in the pool’s return inlet.
- To ease the memories, lay the hose directly in the sun.
- Also, make sure you have the correct hose length and that the hose weight is adjusted.
- If your pool cleaner turns over, check the suction flow with the pool pulse and free any jams using the cleaner’s swivel.
- Finally, if your pool cleaner isn’t cleaning the pool properly, consider a Polaris pool cleaner.
What’s the deal with my Zodiac pool cleaner going so slowly?
- Check the pump to see if the basket is full with water. If there is no water in the pool, look for a blockage in the system (skimmer box, pump basket, etc.) to rule out a problem with the suction cleaner.
- If water is available, inspect the diaphragm for excessive stretching, rips, or tears, as well as any blockages within the suction cleaner’s engine that could prevent water from flowing.
- To guarantee proper suction, check the Flow rate/Suction level and the AD valve setting.
- Lift the hose out of the water and listen for any air escaping at each joint to check for leaks. That is something we want to achieve for ALL hose joints. During this phase, the pump must be turned on.
- Examine all components for flaws.
- Check for any damaged or cracked elements in the engine, exterior extension tube, cup assembly, and cassette chamber.
- If any of the components are damaged,
- Parts must be replaced.
Why does my creepy crawly stay in the same position all the time?
There are two possible solutions if your Kreepy Krauly is frequently stuck on one side of your pool. If the hose is too short, purchase a new one and extend it far enough to cover the pool. If it is permanently coiled, on the other hand, relaxing it or modifying how you store it will solve the problem.
Is it better to run the pool pump at night or during the day?
The more you operate your pool pump on a hot day, the better. Algae, like all other plants, requires sunlight to thrive. Sunlight not only promotes algae growth, but it also depletes pool chlorine, which is why you should always operate your pool during the day! When you throw in the organic load that swimmers bring to your pool, you have the perfect recipe for an algal bloom! Is it really worth risking an algae bloom in order to save a few bucks on your energy bills? If you have an algae bloom, you’ll have to spend more money on chemicals and time to get your pool back in shape.
How often should a pool be backwashed?
The frequency of backwashing is mostly determined by the amount of use your pool receives, as well as the type of filtration system and its location. If your pool is bordered by shrubs or trees, it will almost certainly require more frequent backwashing than a pool that isn’t exposed to leaf litter and organic material.
Backwashing your pool once a week or in conjunction with your planned maintenance is a good rule of thumb. Backwash when your filter’s pressure indicator reads 8-10 PSI (pounds per square inch) above the starting level or “clean pressure,” according to industry standards. If your filter is regularly operating at 15 PSI but suddenly rises to 25 PSI, you should backwash it.
Backwashing is also a good idea after a big storm or an algae epidemic in your area. If you have deciduous trees nearby, it’s also a good idea to do a backwash once the leaves have fallen.
If you have a diatomaceous earth (DE) filter system, it should be dismantled and cleaned at least six times per year. A sand filter should be emptied twice a year and backwashed once a month.