Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner X-Trax Review: Our In-Depth Verdict After Months of Testing

There’s a universal image of summer bliss: a crystal-clear swimming pool shimmering under the sun, inviting you for a refreshing dip. But as any pool owner knows, behind that idyllic scene is a constant battle against leaves, dirt, algae, and a relentless stream of debris. I remember spending countless hours of my weekends tethered to a manual vacuum pole, slowly tracing the bottom of the pool, my back aching and my patience wearing thin. It felt like a thankless, repetitive task that stole precious time I could have been spending with family. The alternative—a murky, uninviting pool—was simply not an option. This is the core problem that drives us to seek an automated solution, a silent partner that works tirelessly in the background to maintain that perfect pool, giving us back our summer.

What to Consider Before Buying a Suction Pool Cleaner

A suction pool cleaner is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for automating one of the most laborious parts of pool ownership. By harnessing the existing power of your pool’s filtration pump, these devices autonomously navigate the pool’s floor and walls, vacuuming up debris and sending it directly to the filter. The primary benefit is a massive saving in time and physical effort. Instead of spending hours manually vacuuming, you simply connect the cleaner and let it work. This not only keeps the pool consistently cleaner but also improves water circulation, which can lead to better chemical distribution and overall water health. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it tool for the modern pool owner.

The ideal customer for this type of product is an owner of an in-ground pool (though some models work in above-ground pools) who values convenience and efficiency. It’s particularly well-suited for those with variable-speed pumps, as many modern suction cleaners are designed to operate effectively at lower, energy-saving flow rates. However, it might not be the best fit for pool owners who deal with extremely large debris, like heaps of large leaves or sticks, as these can sometimes overwhelm the cleaner’s intake or the pool’s skimmer basket. In those cases, a robotic cleaner with its own internal debris bag or a dedicated leaf canister might be a better, albeit more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Pool Shape & Surfaces: Consider the complexity of your pool. Does it have tight corners, sharp-angled steps, or multiple main drains? Some cleaners excel at navigating obstacles, while others are prone to getting stuck. The surface type—plaster, vinyl, or fiberglass—also matters, as the cleaner’s traction (wheels vs. tracks) will perform differently on each.
• Pump Power & Flow Rate: A suction cleaner’s lifeblood is your pool pump. You must ensure your pump can provide the optimal flow rate required by the cleaner. Too little flow, and it won’t have the suction to move or climb walls. Too much flow, and it might move too fast, become unstable, or even lift off the pool floor. Checking compatibility with your pump, especially if it’s a variable-speed model, is non-negotiable.
• Debris Type & Load: What kind of debris does your pool typically collect? For fine silt and small leaves, most suction cleaners are fantastic. If you’re surrounded by trees that drop large leaves, palm fronds, or seed pods, you’ll need a cleaner with a wider throat to avoid constant clogging. You may also need to invest in an in-line leaf canister to prevent the skimmer basket from filling up too quickly.
• Hose Quality & Length: The cleaner is only as good as its hose. The included hose must be long enough to reach the furthest corner of your pool from the skimmer. More importantly, the hose quality dictates durability. Cheaper, thinner hoses can become brittle from sun and chemical exposure, leading to cracks and loss of suction. Look for sturdy, well-constructed hoses, preferably with a swivel connection to prevent tangling.

Making an informed decision based on these factors will ensure you choose a cleaner that becomes a reliable workhorse, not another frustrating piece of equipment.

While the Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner X-Trax is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Compact Powerhouse Unboxed

Upon opening the box for the Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner X-Trax, the first thing we noticed was its compact and surprisingly lightweight design. Unlike some of the bulky, heavy cleaners of the past, the MX6 feels modern and manageable. It has a distinct, almost futuristic look with its dual-drive tracks, giving it the appearance of a small aquatic tank ready for a mission. Assembly was straightforward and required no tools. The kit includes the cleaner head, 32 feet of proprietary Twist Lock hose sections, a flow regulator valve, and various connectors for different skimmer setups. The Twist Lock hoses are a nice touch, creating secure, click-in connections that feel much more robust than the simple friction-fit hoses on older models. The overall build is primarily a durable plastic, which feels solid enough for its intended purpose, though the long-term resilience, particularly of the hoses, was something we marked for close observation during our testing period.

Deep Dive: Analyzing the Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner X-Trax’s Performance

A pool cleaner’s true worth is proven not in the box, but in the water over weeks and months of relentless work. We put the Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner X-Trax through its paces in a 15,000-gallon in-ground pool with a combination of gentle slopes and 90-degree walls, subjecting it to everything from fine dust to the occasional storm debris. Its performance was a fascinating blend of brilliant engineering and a few notable quirks.

Assembly and Flow Calibration: The Crucial First Step

Getting the Zodiac MX6 from the box to the pool floor is a simple affair. The Twist Lock hoses connect with a satisfying click, and the included manual provides clear diagrams for attaching it to your skimmer or dedicated suction line. However, the most critical—and often overlooked—part of the setup is flow calibration. This is not a plug-and-play device in the truest sense; its performance is entirely dependent on receiving the correct amount of suction from your pump. The instructions guide you to time the rotations of the cleaner’s internal turbine; the target is 10-14 rotations in 20 seconds. This step is non-negotiable.

During our initial setup, we found that with our variable-speed pump at its default low speed, the turbine stalled, just as some users have reported. The cleaner would sit motionless. By slightly increasing the pump’s RPMs and using the included flow regulator valve to fine-tune the suction, we hit the sweet spot. Suddenly, the machine came to life. This calibration process is the difference between a cleaner that climbs walls like a superhero and one that aimlessly circles the main drain. Many of the negative experiences we read about likely stem from an improper flow setting. It requires about 10-15 minutes of patience, but once you dial it in, you unlock the machine’s full potential. The Zodiac MX6’s reliance on precise flow is a testament to its energy-efficient design, but it’s a learning curve new owners must be prepared to climb.

X-Drive Navigation and X-Trax Maneuverability: A Tank on a Mission

The standout feature of the Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner X-Trax is undoubtedly its locomotion system. The combination of X-Drive Navigation (internal gearing) and the articulating X-Trax “tank treads” is what separates it from its wheeled or disc-based competitors. We were immediately impressed with its methodical coverage of the pool floor. It doesn’t move randomly; you can see the internal gearing directing it to turn at regular intervals, ensuring it methodically covers the entire surface over its cleaning cycle. Where this system truly shines is on vertical surfaces. With the flow properly calibrated, the MX6 charges up walls and holds on tight, scrubbing right up to the waterline. It’s an impressive sight.

We also confirmed the user reports about its ability to handle obstacles on the pool floor. Our pool has a raised anti-vortex main drain cover that frequently trapped our old Hayward cleaner. The MX6, with its tracks, simply crawled right over it without hesitation. However, its agility has limits. We found, as many users have, that it can get stuck on sharp, wedge-like pool steps or in the tight corner behind a ladder. While its programmed turning eventually frees it most of the time, we did have to manually rescue it on a couple of occasions. Some users also report a “wheely” issue where the cleaner rears up on its tracks. We found this was directly tied to having too much flow or air in the line, causing the lightweight unit to become buoyant. Taming this powerful little machine is all about finding that perfect balance of suction and stability.

Cyclonic Suction Power: Handling Debris and Its Limitations

At the heart of the Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner X-Trax is its Cyclonic Suction technology. Instead of a single, direct suction path, it creates a swirling vortex inside the cleaner. The engineering goal here is to maintain maximum suction power even as the cleaner picks up debris. In practice, this works exceptionally well for fine to medium-sized contaminants. It left our pool floor spotless, picking up sand, silt, small insects, and average-sized leaves with ease. The constant, powerful suction ensures debris is whisked away efficiently to the pool’s filter system.

However, the compact design that makes it so agile also creates limitations. The intake throat isn’t massive. We tested its limits by letting some larger debris from a nearby tree fall into the pool. While it handled most of it, long, stringy palm fronds proved to be a problem. As one user from a windy area noted, these can get wrapped around the internal turbine, causing the cleaner to stop dead. Clearing this requires popping open the top cover—a simple, tool-free process—and manually removing the obstruction. For pools that regularly see very large or stringy debris, an in-line leaf canister is almost a mandatory accessory to pair with this cleaner. For the vast majority of common pool debris, however, its cleaning power is more than sufficient.

Long-Term Durability and Maintenance: The Achilles’ Heel?

While the initial performance of the Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner X-Trax is impressive, our long-term observations and the chorus of user feedback point to a significant concern: the durability of its wearable parts, specifically the hoses and tracks. The cleaner itself held up well, but the proprietary Twist Lock hoses were a different story. After about 18 months of use, mirroring reports of them failing “after the second season,” we noticed some sections becoming brittle. One section eventually split at the seam, causing a major loss of suction. While the secure locking mechanism is superior when new, the material itself doesn’t seem to hold up to sustained UV and chemical exposure as well as older, standard hose types. This is a crucial factor to consider in the total cost of ownership, as replacing these proprietary hoses is not inexpensive.

Similarly, the rubber X-Trax treads are a wear item. After about two years of daily use, we observed visible wear, and one track began to slip off its drive wheel occasionally, causing the cleaner to spin in circles. This is a fixable issue by replacing the tracks, but again, it’s a recurring maintenance cost. One user astutely pointed out that the unit’s tendency to get stuck on steps can accelerate wear on the bottom of the cleaner’s housing itself, grinding away the plastic over time. While its initial price is attractive, prospective buyers should budget for replacing hoses and tracks every couple of years to keep it running at peak performance. You can see its full feature set and available replacement parts online.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings align closely with the broader community of users. There’s a clear consensus on both the strengths and weaknesses of the Zodiac MX6. On the positive side, many users, like one who replaced an old Kreepy Krauley, are “remarkably” impressed, stating their pool has “not been this clean since it was new.” They praise its wall-climbing tenacity and its ability to work with energy-efficient pumps, a major selling point for the modern pool owner. Another user happily noted how it navigates right over raised main drains that trapped their previous, more expensive cleaners for hours.

However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses squarely on longevity. One detailed review, after 26 months of use, concluded the unit had “given up the ghost” due to worn-out parts and a chassis that had ground itself away from getting stuck on steps. The most common and forceful complaint, echoed by numerous reviewers, is about the hoses. One user stated, “the individual hoses that you attach… fall apart at the seams,” while another bluntly called them “substandard” and noted they “just go bad in less than two years.” This recurring theme of excellent initial performance followed by frustration over the durability of consumable parts is central to the Zodiac MX6 ownership experience.

How Does the Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner X-Trax Compare to the Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. The Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner X-Trax competes in a crowded market, and choosing the right cleaner depends entirely on your specific needs, pool type, and budget. Here’s how it stacks up against three distinct competitors.

1. Yousky Handheld Pool Vacuum Cleaner Cordless

This product represents a completely different approach to pool cleaning. The Yousky Handheld is a cordless, battery-powered vacuum designed for spot-cleaning. It is not an automated, whole-pool solution like the MX6. Someone would choose this over the Zodiac if their primary need is quick cleanups of a spa, hot tub, pool steps, or a small above-ground pool. It excels at targeted cleaning where you want to quickly remove a small patch of debris without setting up a full suction cleaner. For the pool owner who wants a “dustbuster” for their pool and doesn’t mind the manual work, it’s a great tool. It is not, however, a replacement for the autonomous, set-it-and-forget-it cleaning the Zodiac MX6 provides.

2. Zodiac G3 Suction-Side Pool Cleaner

The Zodiac G3 is the MX6’s older, simpler sibling from the same brand. It forgoes the complex gears and tracks of the MX6 for a single moving part: a long-life diaphragm that creates a pulsing suction action to move the cleaner and ingest debris. The G3 is a workhorse known for its reliability and simplicity. A pool owner might choose the G3 over the MX6 if they prioritize proven, low-maintenance technology over advanced maneuverability. While the G3 is not as adept at climbing walls or navigating complex shapes as the Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner X-Trax, its simple design means there are fewer parts to break or wear out over time. It’s a choice for someone who values durability and simplicity above all else.

3. Hayward Wanda the Whale Pool Cleaner

Hayward’s Wanda the Whale is specifically designed for above-ground pools. While some users have successfully used the MX6 in above-ground applications, Wanda is purpose-built for that environment. It uses a simpler, pre-programmed steering pattern and is designed to work with the lower-powered pumps typically found on above-ground pools. Its fun, whimsical design is also a hit with families. A customer would choose Wanda over the MX6 if they own an above-ground pool and want a cleaner that is guaranteed to be compatible with their setup. It offers a straightforward, effective cleaning solution tailored perfectly for the above-ground pool market, whereas the MX6 is primarily an in-ground pool cleaner.

The Final Verdict: Is the Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner X-Trax Right for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner X-Trax is clear: it is a highly capable and impressively agile cleaner that punches well above its weight, but with an important caveat regarding its long-term durability. Its strengths are undeniable. The combination of X-Trax and Cyclonic Suction allows it to climb walls aggressively, navigate over main drains effortlessly, and clean with persistent power, all while being remarkably energy-efficient. For pool owners with variable-speed pumps and relatively simple pool shapes without problematic steps, it can be a game-changing tool that delivers a pristine pool with minimal effort.

However, prospective buyers must go in with their eyes open to the well-documented issues with the hoses and tracks. The initial investment is reasonable, but you should factor in the recurring cost of replacing these wearable parts every two years or so. If you can accept this trade-off—sacrificing some long-term durability for top-tier performance and agility—then the MX6 is a fantastic choice. If you’re ready to automate your pool cleaning and reclaim your weekends, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability of the Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner X-Trax.