Experts recommend Zodiac MX8 more than Hayward PoolVac XL
As of 9 Jan 2025, experts prefer Zodiac MX8 over Hayward PoolVac XL, but both Pool Cleaners have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, Zodiac MX8 received 5 recommendations: from Salt Water Pool and Spa, Pool Cleaner Lab Cleanup Expert (2 Jan 2023) and 2 others. By contrast, Hayward PoolVac XL received only 2 recommendations from Pool Care Guy (22 Jan 2020) and ElectronicsHub (29 Apr 2024).
| Rank | Change | Price | Pool Cleaner | Salt Water Pool and Spa  | House Grail  | Pool Cleaner Lab  | Cleanup Expert  | Bob Vila  | Pool Care Guy  | ElectronicsHub  | TopTenReviews  | Swim University  | Better Homes and Gardens  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | - | Check price |  Zodiac MX8 The Zodiac MX8 pool cleaner is a highly recommended option for small to medium-sized pools, offering efficient cleaning performance, ease of use, durability, and energy efficiency. | 3 | - | 6 | 1 | 3 | 5 | - | - | - | - |
| 11 | - | $599 |  Hayward PoolVac XL The Hayward PoolVac XL is a versatile and efficient pool cleaner that is compatible with all types of pools, praised for its cleaning performance, ease of use, durability, and energy efficiency. | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | 3 | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire Suction Pool Cleaners ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 22 Jan 2020 Pool Care Guy ranked Zodiac MX8 as #5 and Hayward PoolVac XL as #6
Rank Pool Cleaner ... ... #5 out of 10 Zodiac MX8 #6 out of 10 Hayward PoolVac XL ... ... Source: poolcareguy.com - On 29 Apr 2024 ElectronicsHub ranked Hayward PoolVac XL as #3
Rank Pool Cleaner ... ... #3 out of 5 Hayward PoolVac XL ... ... Source: www.electronicshub.org - Salt Water Pool and Spa ranked Zodiac MX8 as #3
Rank Pool Cleaner ... ... #3 out of 5 Zodiac MX8 ... ... Source: www.saltwaterpoolandspa.com - Pool Cleaner Lab ranked Zodiac MX8 as #6
Rank Pool Cleaner Comment ... ... ... #6 out of 10 Zodiac MX8 Most Popular... ... ... Source: poolcleanerlab.com - On 2 Jan 2023 Cleanup Expert ranked Zodiac MX8 as #1
Rank Pool Cleaner Comment #1 out of 7 Zodiac MX8 Best suction pool cleaner... ... ... Source: cleanup.expert - On 28 Jun 2023 Bob Vila ranked Zodiac MX8 as #3
Rank Pool Cleaner Comment ... ... ... #3 out of 10 Zodiac MX8 Upgrade Pick... ... ... Source: www.bobvila.com
After counting and adding up the 64 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Zodiac MX8 outranks Hayward PoolVac XL. This is not to say that Hayward PoolVac XL is a bad option. Like Zodiac MX8, it is recommended by experts, but less.
As can be seen below, Zodiac MX8 outranks Hayward PoolVac XL by 6 positions. This indicates that, as of 9 Jan 2025, Zodiac MX8 is more critically acclaimed than Hayward PoolVac XL.
| Rank | Change | Price | Pool Cleaner | Salt Water Pool and Spa | House Grail | Pool Cleaner Lab | Cleanup Expert | Bob Vila | Pool Care Guy | ElectronicsHub | TopTenReviews | Swim University | Better Homes and Gardens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | $349 |  Zodiac Baracuda G3 The Zodiac Baracuda G3 is a highly recommended suction-side automatic pool cleaner for in-ground pools, praised for its compatibility, effectiveness, ease of use, durability, and energy efficiency. | 4 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 1 | - | 4 | - | 2 |
| 2 | - | $409 |  Pentair Kreepy Krauly The Pentair Kreepy Krauly pool cleaner is a highly compatible and versatile option that offers excellent cleaning performance, ease of use, and energy efficiency for pool owners. | 5 | 4 | - | 5 | 6 | 8 | 4 | - | 1 | 4 |
| 3 | - | $349 |  Zodiac MX6 The Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner is a versatile and efficient option for inground pools, suitable for various pool sizes and shapes, with a high-suction power and energy-efficient design, although it may have some issues with build quality and hose durability. | 1 | - | 5 | 2 | 9 | 4 | 1 | - | - | - |
| 4 | - | $449 |  Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X | 2 | 2 | 1 | - | - | 2 | - | - | - | 1 |
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Expert reviews [3]
Total expert reviews: 3
- with a score: 1
- without a score: 2
| Highest score by bestroboticpoolcleaners.com | 60 |
| Average score based on 3 reviews | 60 |
| Lowest score by bestroboticpoolcleaners.com | 60 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
Expert reviews [18]
Total expert reviews: 18
- with a score: 3
- without a score: 15
| Highest score by Cleanup Expert | 99 |
| Average score based on 18 reviews | 80 |
| Lowest score by ProductReview.com.au | 56 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
From Seller:
- Over 30 years of proven and reliable suction cleaner technology
- Wall climbing capability and pool coverage may be affected by specific pool shapes and surfaces. The cleaner may not climb the wall under certain conditions. Unmatched pool coverage with SmartDrive steering
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From Seller:
- Dual Cyclonic Suction: Cleans faster and more aggressively than other pool cleaners with greater vacuum power, a wider cleaning path, and the largest debris inlet.
- Durable X-Trax: Allows for the MX8 Suction Pool Cleaner to operate with excellent traction for any pool surface.
- Read more