If you’re looking for fancy suction-side pool cleaner, there’s no better place to start your search than by seeing what Zodiac has to offer. In this review, we’re going to take a close look at the infamous MX6, an inground cleaning machine that sets a high standard for all suction-side pool cleaners to follow. Read our full review of this product to see what we mean.
Compact Design
The MX6 is one of Zodiac’s most compact suction pool cleaners. Measuring in at roughly 40 x 15 x 9 inches, the tiny profile of this model allows it to maneuver more freely when fully submerged, thereby picking up more during its vacuuming cycle.
Sticky Tracks
Another thing that makes the MX6 stand out from the sea of suction-side pool cleaners is the tracks it sits on. Equipped with two stick tracks, the MX6 adheres rather well on most pool surface materials, including pebblecrete and quartzon.
This system also prevents the pool cleaner from getting stuck over your pool’s main drain so manually fishing it out isn’t a frequent problem. These tracks also lend a hand in its wall-scaling and waterline cleaning abilities, but we’ll get to that in a minute.
MX Flow Regulator
One of the most notable features of the MX6 is the MX Flow Regulator. This regulator controls excess waterflow gushing through the cleaner’s system to make the most out of whatever pressure it’s receiving. The MX6 doesn’t require high amounts of pressurized water to do its job, so any variable-speed or two-speed pump you have at home might be suffice.
Technically, the MX6 requires at least 25 GPM of waterflow to operate. Compared to most of its competitors, this is hardly anything at all, and it’s almost certainly less than what your current pool pump is designed to deliver. To put it in more general terms, its compatibility with pool pumps of all sizes, including weaker models, can translate into reduced electricity costs throughout the pool cleaner’s entire multi-year lifespan.
Cyclonic Suction
Another noteworthy feature is its turbine blade that produces cyclonic suction to loosen debris from floors, walls, corners, and edges. Any and all kicked-up debris is automatically suctioned into the MX6’s intake throat to remove most common pool contaminants you can think of.
The greatest thing about the turbine blade is that it also gives it a much-needed boost for vertical travel. Essentially, the MX6 moves much like a robotic pool cleaner in the sense that it can scale walls, steps, and ladders to produce the most thorough cleaning results at a fraction of the price.
Twist-Connect Swiveling Hoses
The biggest issue most pool owners have with suction-side pool cleaners is installation. Thankfully, newer models have simplified the process, the MX6 included. This unit comes with 27 feet of hosing that twist-lock together in an instant. All that’s left to do is connect to the suction side of your pool, place the MX6 in your pool, turn the pump on, and let ‘er rip.
Never Gets Stuck
The MX6 doesn’t come with advanced navigation software to move around. Instead, it relies on waterflow from the pool pump and its ingeniously designed tracks to patrol the floors of your pool. Best of all, when it appears to get stuck in corners, one of the tank-like tracks will stop completely, forcing the unit to pivot to up to 90° before moving forward once again.
The swivel-top hose connector will prevent the hose from kinking or tangling while getting out of corners. It’s a bi-directional device (horizontally forward and vertically) so it can’t reverse, but this stop-and-go track system works like a charm.
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Not Ideal for Large Leaves
Despite the many wonderous things about the MX6, it does seem to have a problem suctioning in large piles of leaves at once. Separate leaves aren’t an issue, but if your pool is placed under a large oak tree and collects fallen leaves regularly, the turbine will become clogged and stop spinning entirely.
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Verdict: Should I Get the Zodiac MX6?
As you can see from our review, there’s more to love about the Zodiac MX6 than there is to criticize. The unparalleled versatility of this pool cleaner—being able to connect to low-RPM pool pumps—means compatibility with most residential inground pools across the country.
As typical of any suction-side pool cleaner, multiple leaves and stringy objects at once will stop the turbine from spinning, but it’s a quick fix involving fishing the unit out and unclogging the intake throat and spinning turbine. What else can we say except that the MX6 is a wonderful suction-side pool cleaner that upholds the good Zodiac name.
Overall, the Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner is an effective and affordable suction side pool cleaner. By making use of its excellent wheels and fantastic suction technology, it has no problems cleaning the entirety of your swimming pool, removing the dirt, gunk, and grime that happens to be within it. Because of that, if you are looking for a suction side pool cleaner that doesn’t cost too much, but offers a thorough cleaning experience, then the Zodiac MX6 will serve you well.
Pros: Very affordable, excellent navigation system, powerful suction
Cons: Made of slightly flimsy materials
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Last Update: 2023-09-24 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
