In the past 20 years we have had 2 homes each with an in ground pool. The pools are about 120 perimeter with a pebble tech surface. Until recently we have used Hayward/Arnison Navigator pool vacs. Living in Arizona our pools and pool cleaners get a lot of year round use. This review compares the MX8 to the Navigator.
* Both the MX8 and Navigator are very good pool cleaners. They both do what they are intended to do well.
* Suction - Both require similar amount of suction to operate.
* Cleaning path and cleaning time - The MX8 cleans a wider path as it travels and may travel slightly faster. However the wider path does negatively effect the wall climbing of the MX8 (see next bullet). The MX8 appears to follow a totally random path, whereas the navigator has a more programmed path going in ever widening circles then moving on to another area. The net out of the two approaches is that both will clean about 80% of the pool in 2 hours. To cover 95% of the pool takes 3 or 4 hours. Due to the randomness, curves in the pool and such after 4 hours there are still a few spots missed, but both cleaners will generally get these areas next time.
* Wall climbing - Both will climb the sides of the pool when there is sufficient suction, but the MX8 will climb with less suction. Our pool is a lagoon form with curved walls. Where the walls curve in the MX8 climbs, where the wall curves away the MX8 will not climb. The Navigator with its narrower path is not effected as much by the curved walls and will climb anywhere. But MX8 will often climb the wall then turn and run along the wall covering a lot of wall area in this one pass. It has even ended up on the steps after running along the wall near the water line. The navigator on the other hand tends to just go straight up the wall to the water surface then fall back down to the bottom of the pool. Bottom line is the MX8 does a much better job of climbing the walls, even with lower suction.
* Getting stuck - The MX8 is more sensitive to small rocks and large vegetation debris. Pebbles larger than 1/4 inch often get stuck where the paddles rotate into the MX8. This stops the MX8 from operating. Large vegetation sometimes gets wound around the paddles stopping the MX8. The navigator can also get stuck on larger pebbles, but will generally suck up the 1/4 inch size. The navigator can also get vegetation caught but not as often as the MX8. On the other hand the MX8 is quick and easy to open with no tools to clear any object, where as the Navigator may require a screwdriver to open it up to get to the problem. Bottom line, the MX8 gets stuck more easily, but it is easier to get going again. I prefer the MX8 because I do not need to take it apart to clear out debris.
* Durability - It is too soon to say how durable the MX8 is since I have only had it for 1 month. Pebble Tec surface is very rough and hard on everything that rubs on it. The navigator feet run so the Navigator waddles, the feet wear down after a few years and need to be replaced, The navigator also has "wings" which wear on the end where they rub and need to be replaced after a few years. Other parts on the Navigator wear, but more slowly. The most annoying piece on the navigator with appears to last 5 or 6 years (maybe longer) is the gear box setup which controls the path the navigator takes. Although it does not show wear eventually the navigator looses its ability to follow a programmed path and tends to go in circles in the same area. Its possible the MX8 will suffer from similar problem in the future only time will tell.
* Cool factor - The MX8 looks cooler and kind of dances around the pool, going forward, backward, spinning ... I think it is having more fun than the navigator.
*Overall both the MX8 and Navigator are excellent pool cleaners, but at this time the MX8 appears to do a slightly better job, with slightly less suction and although it gets stuck more frequently, it is easier to clear from debris.
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From the manufacturer
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Dual Cyclonic SuctionCleans more aggressively than other pool cleaners with greater vacuum power, a wider cleaning path, and the largest debris inlet. |
maX-Drive NavigationProgrammed navigation with advanced 360° patterns enable the MX8 to reach every corner of your pool. |
Adjustable IntakeRemovable inlet allows for larger debris consumption. |
Cyclonic Leaf Catcher – The Ultimate AccessoryConveniently captures leaves and other debris before they reach the skimmer, pump, or filter. |
Zodiac MX8
Additional MX8 Specs
- Twist-lock hose with a reach of up to 39 feet
- Flow regulator valve to ensure optimal performance and longevity
- Convertible debris inlet for larger debris consumption
- Durable X-Trax design for extreme climbing and maneuverability
- For all in-ground pool surfaces and shapes
Zodiac MX8
The Zodiac MX8 is ready to battle your pool's toughest dirt and debris. The dual cyclonic suction enables the MX8 to deliver unsurpassed vacuum power, while requiring less flow than any other cleaner in its class for improved energy savings.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX:
- Zodiac MX8 Pool Cleaner
- Twist-lock hose with a reach of up to 39 feet
- Quick Start Guide
- Installation Accessories
Zodiac Suction Pool Cleaners
Zodiac strives to deliver the perfect pool experience that enhances comfort, enjoyment, and peace of mind for pool owners.
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Customer Review: This is the one you want to buy!
R. Urias
Videos for this product
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Cleans floors, walls, and the waterline!
✅ Mister and Miss Ginger Jones
From the brand
-
Zodiac Pool Cleaners: Zodiac strives to deliver the perfect pool experience that enhances comfort, enjoyment, and peace of mind for pool owners.
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This Item  Zodiac MX8 Suction Pool Cleaner for All In-Ground Pool Surfaces, 39 ft Reach, Excellent Traction for All Surfaces |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $554.99 | $599.00 | -10% $450.32 Typical: $499.00 | $349.00 | $28.28 | -30% $34.95 List: $49.99 |
| Delivery | Get it May 9 - 30 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 23 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Apr 25 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 23 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 29 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Apr 25 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Suction power | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Easy to install | ||||||
| Easy to use | ||||||
| Easy to assemble | ||||||
| Sold By | Tradeinn | Pool Supply World | Amazon.com | Pool Supply World | BackyardPoolSuperstore | FibroPool |
| power source | AC | ac | manual | Hydraulic Powered | Manual | — |
| style | MX8 | In Ground | In-ground | Gunite (W32025ADC) | — | — |
| batteries required | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| weight | 1 pounds | — | — | 18 pounds | — | 4 pounds |
Reviews with images
Great vacuum, easy to use, time will tell on value
Update: July 2021Keeps spinning in circles. Not jammed. Nothing appears broken. Not sure what is wrong but I’m really upset because it is as good as garbage as it is right now. I will attempt to have the local pool shop repair it but we will see.——————————-I like that it is uncomplicated, comes with what seems to be a well-designed hose system, and does indeed work with a low horsepower motor, easily sucking up the dirt and climbing all the walls.I have a 3/4hp 110/115v Jandy that looks to be at least 15yrs old providing the suction. Don’t know the pressure as I don’t have a pressure gauge anywhere in my system.My pool is ~14,000 gallons.It is under a screened-in enclosure, so no leaves, but it did a great job of lifting a lot of dirt from the floor of the pool. It does climb all the way up the walls to the edge which is impressive but it does not climb stairs or clean them. I brushed the walls off before starting the vacuum so not sure if it did a good job cleaning them or if I did :)...The before picture is very dirty, and the after picture is after about 8hrs-9hrs of cleaning. Looks good, eh?!The pool is NOT maintained by a salt system. It’s basic old chlorine and city water.Overall, I’m very happy with the purchase as it is today. I don’t like manual labor and always opt for anything that makes my life more maintenance-free.If it continues to work without repair for at least 1 year I will be happy with the purchase. If it can go 2yrs or more, though, that would make me feel truly great.My thoughts on price to value is that I’m not thrilled on the purchase price - but it IS sucking up the dirt and climbing the walls. I think it should be $300 or less. As of today, I’d say it’s a 6 out of 10 just because it’s very expensive for what it is... all plastic except the tracks.... lots of people saying repairs are imminent....If it continues for 3yrs or more with no issues, I’ll give it a 9 out of 10 for value, but we will have to wait and see.I was hesitating on which model to buy - I’m happy that I have this product.
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Works great better than Hayward 4 wheel model.
Reviewed in Canada on July 3, 2023Style: MX8Verified Purchase
Antonio HS
Producto incompleto
Reviewed in Mexico on August 12, 2021Style: MX8Verified Purchase
Antonio HS
Reviewed in Mexico on August 12, 2021
Images in this review
Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
Pobre costo-beneficio
Reviewed in Mexico on June 27, 2020Style: MX8Verified Purchase
