Experts recommend Zodiac MX6 more than Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X
As of 9 Jan 2025, experts prefer Zodiac MX6 over Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X, but both Pool Cleaners have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, Zodiac MX6 received 6 recommendations: from Salt Water Pool and Spa, Pool Cleaner Lab Cleanup Expert (2 Jan 2023) and 3 others. By contrast, Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X received only 5 recommendations from Salt Water Pool and Spa, House Grail (7 Feb 2024) Pool Cleaner Lab and 2 others.
| 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  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | $441 |  Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X | 2 | 2 | 1 | - | - | 2 | - | - | - | 1 |
Curious to see this month's entire Suction Pool Cleaners ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- Salt Water Pool and Spa ranked Zodiac MX6 as #1 and Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X as #2
Rank Pool Cleaner #1 out of 5 Zodiac MX6 #2 out of 5 Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X ... ... Source: www.saltwaterpoolandspa.com - Pool Cleaner Lab ranked Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X as #1 and Zodiac MX6 as #5
Rank Pool Cleaner #1 out of 10 Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X ... ... #5 out of 10 Zodiac MX6 ... ... Source: poolcleanerlab.com - On 22 Jan 2020 Pool Care Guy ranked Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X as #2 and Zodiac MX6 as #4
Rank Pool Cleaner ... ... #2 out of 10 Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X ... ... #4 out of 10 Zodiac MX6 ... ... Source: poolcareguy.com - On 7 Feb 2024 House Grail ranked Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X as #2
Rank Pool Cleaner Comment ... ... ... #2 out of 5 Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X The Runner-up... ... ... Source: housegrail.com - On 12 Aug 2024 Better Homes and Gardens ranked Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X as #1
Rank Pool Cleaner Comment #1 out of 4 Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X Best Overall... ... ... Source: www.bhg.com - On 2 Jan 2023 Cleanup Expert ranked Zodiac MX6 as #2
Rank Pool Cleaner Comment ... ... ... #2 out of 7 Zodiac MX6 Most Compact... ... ... Source: cleanup.expert - On 28 Jun 2023 Bob Vila ranked Zodiac MX6 as #9
Rank Pool Cleaner Comment ... ... ... #9 out of 10 Zodiac MX6 Best Robot... ... ... Source: www.bobvila.com - On 29 Apr 2024 ElectronicsHub ranked Zodiac MX6 as #1
Rank Pool Cleaner #1 out of 5 Zodiac MX6 ... ... Source: www.electronicshub.org
After counting and adding up the 64 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Zodiac MX6 outranks Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X. This is not to say that Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X is a bad option. Like Zodiac MX6, it is recommended by experts, but less.
As can be seen below, Zodiac MX6 outranks Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X by 1 position. This indicates that, as of 9 Jan 2025, Zodiac MX6 is more critically acclaimed than Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X.
| 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 | - | $410 |  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 | - | $441 | Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X | 2 | 2 | 1 | - | - | 2 | - | - | - | 1 |
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Expert reviews [1]
Total expert reviews: 1
- with a score: 1
- without a score: 0
| Highest score by Real Simple | 100 |
| Average score based on 1 reviews | 100 |
| Lowest score by Real Simple | 100 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
100
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 is the best overall pressure pool cleaner, easily picking up medium to large-sized debris. The Hayward The PoolCleaner 2-Wheel Suction Cleaner is the top pick for a suction pool cleaner, efficiently cleaning pool walls and floors.
+ pros
- The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 is recommended as the best overall pressure pool cleaner for its ability to pick up medium to large-sized debris.
- The Hayward The PoolCleaner 2-Wheel Suction Cleaner is praised for its easy setup and pre-programmed steering for efficient cleaning.
- The Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 is highlighted for its ability to pick up large debris, such as leaves and rocks.
- The Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Pleated Seal Pool Cleaner is praised for its ability to remove salt and chlorine stains from pool floors and walls.
- The Zodiac Baracuda G3 W03000 is commended for its deep cleaning capabilities and ability to reach hard-to-reach areas.
- The Hayward W3925ADC Navigator Pro is lauded for its ease of use and effectiveness in capturing dirt and leaves.
- cons
- The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 does not scrub surfaces, so additional cleaning may be required for a thorough clean.
- The Hayward The PoolCleaner 2-Wheel Suction Cleaner may take longer to finish cleaning the entire pool compared to other options.
- The Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 does not have a smart navigation feature, so manual checking may be necessary to ensure all parts of the pool are cleaned.
- The Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Pleated Seal Pool Cleaner's hose can be bulky and heavy, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The Zodiac Baracuda G3 W03000 may not be suitable for large debris, as it is designed for fine dirt particles.
- The instruction manual for the Hayward W3925ADC Navigator Pro could have been clearer, potentially causing confusion during setup.
Expert reviews [12]
Total expert reviews: 12
- with a score: 4
- without a score: 8
| Highest score by Cleanup Expert | 96 |
| Average score based on 12 reviews | 86 |
| Lowest score by House Grail | 76 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
96
The Zodiac MX6 is an exceptional suction-side pool cleaner that is perfect for smaller in-ground pools. It has innovative features such as an easy-grip handle, low-flow design, and tank-like treads that make it highly efficient and easy to use.
+ pros
- Easy-grip handle for easy removal and transport.
- Innovative low flow design for energy efficiency.
- Twist locking hose reduces vacuum loss.
- Tank-like treads for better mobility.
- Powerful suction that can pick up 99% of pool debris.
- Quick connect hoses for easy setup.
- Flow regulator valve to protect components and extend the life of the cleaner.
- Silent operation except for when climbing walls.
- Compatible with various pool surfaces.
- cons
- May get hung up on pool ladders or step corners.
- Hoses tend to fall apart and rip at the connectors.
- Can get stuck with thin strands of shredded palm fronds.
- Better with fine to medium-sized debris, not large debris.
- Trouble operating with low pump speed.
- Only has a single directional gear and 33 feet of hoses, not suitable for big pools.
Show all 12 reviews
From Seller:
- EFFORTLESS DEBRIS MANAGEMENT: The patented self-adjusting turbine vanes eliminates clogs and ensures maximum power at virtually any flow. Their ability to move allows easy passage of large debris to ensure full cleaning with peace of mind
- Read more
From Seller:
- BEST IN CLASS VACUUM POWER: The MX6 delivers powerful suction while aggressively climbing walls with the Cyclonic Turbine.
- IN-GROUND & ABOVE GROUND POOLS: Compact size is great for smaller pools and is safe for surfaces including concrete, vinyl, fiberglass, & tile.
- Read more