Zodiac® MX8™ Elite Installation (MX8 and MX6)

This is the Installation Process of the Zodiac MX8 Elite. It also works for the MX8 and MX6 cleaners. The installation process is pretty easy and I go over my preferred method of installing the MX8 Elite.

All the parts for a skimmer installation are in the box. However, if you are using the side port/ vacuum port there are two additional parts you will need.

One is a vac lock for the threaded port. This is a safety device to prevent entrapment if the cleaner hose comes loose and the pool is in use. I highly suggest installing it with one.

Here is a link for a good one:
http://www.amazon.com/Vacuum-Safety-Suction-Cleaners-W400BWHP/dp/B00TLJB1VI?ie=UTF8&creativeASIN=B00TLJB1VI&linkCode=w00&linkId=B7KICXCNHTLEUCK3&ref_=as_sl_pc_tf_til&tag=swimmingpooll-20

I wish manufacturers would include this with the cleaner as many consumers use a side port when installing.

I also do not like the adapter that Zodiac includes for the side port installation. It tends to pop out when the pool is in use or can easily be pulled out. I like this adapter better - Baracuda MX8 Cleaner Leaf Catcher Hose Adaptor X77094

Here is a link for it:
http://www.amazon.com/Baracuda-Cleaner-Catcher-Adaptor-X77094/dp/B009ZKET3U?ie=UTF8&creativeASIN=B009ZKET3U&linkCode=w00&linkId=65DUVWSJ7QRGBESA&ref_=as_sl_pc_tf_til&tag=swimmingpooll-20

This fits in the vac lock much better and the vac lock actually will latch onto it and hold it in place. Zodiac should consider including this adapter in every box.

I try to cover everything you will run into in the video but for the sake of time I left out what to do if the cleaner has too much suction. Not a common problem but it can happen. You can adjust the skimmer Flow Keeper Valve (Included in the box) to a lower setting but in my experience it doesn't do a whole lot. If I run into this problem when I am installing the cleaner I simply put in a different skimmer regulator valve. I have a bunch in my garage that are manually adjustable. The Zodiac Flow Keeper valve is self-adjusting so you can't really reduce the suction - speed of the cleaner.  With too much suction the MX8 Elite will surface and take in air.

So here is a regulator valve that can be easily adjusted:

http://www.amazon.com/Skimmer-Universal-Cleaner-Regulator-Valve/dp/B00HWDUDK0?ie=UTF8&creativeASIN=B00HWDUDK0&linkCode=w00&linkId=ECKMYH5C3HWWMXWB&ref_=as_sl_pc_tf_til&tag=swimmingpooll-20

Zodiac does a great job with their products but again, their Flow Keeper Valve just is not adjustable enough for all situations. If I were packing the box I would include these three products, it would make the installation much more universal.

If you have too little suction make sure the filter is clean and that all of the flow is going to the skimmer. You can also again replace the Flow Keeper Valve with a more adjustable one and close it off to increase suction.

From a side port it is very easy to set the suction. Simply turn the handle until you achieve the correct wheel RPM of the cleaner.

The RPM - Wheel revolutions per minute is the most critical part of the installation. The MX8 Elite needs just the right flow to work correctly. It is a pretty sensitive cleaner so too much or too little suction will affect the cleaners overall performance.

I also highly suggest a leaf canister so that the pump basket does not get clogged up with debris. Zodiac makes a specific canister for the MX8 cleaners - Zodiac Cyclonic Automatic Pool Cleaner Leaf Catcher Canister. It is a bit over priced in my opinion, but so is everything else in the pool category.

Here is a link for the canister:
http://www.amazon.com/Zodiac-Cyclonic-Automatic-Cleaner-Canister/dp/B00JJ5I5J0?ie=UTF8&creativeASIN=B00JJ5I5J0&linkCode=w00&linkId=4QZZZK6T7EQA3VKQ&ref_=as_sl_pc_tf_til&tag=swimmingpooll-20

I really like the Zodiac MX8 Elite. It is a solid cleaner and a top choice for your swimming pool. To learn more about the Zodiac MX8 Elite visit my website:

http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/#!zodiac-mx8-elite-suction-side-cleaner/j33fq

Related Videos:
Zodiac® MX8™ Elite Automatic Suction Side  Pool Cleaner: https://youtu.be/hUI4WkJJNO8
Zodiac MX8 Cyclonic Scrubbing Kit - Retrofit Kit for your Zodiac MX8 Cleaner: https://youtu.be/oxuddMxbxoE
Zodiac "MX6 Elite" - Adding the Cyclonic Scrubbing Kit to Your MX6: https://youtu.be/yiggOIMU3j4
Cleaning Algae From Your Pool - MX8 Elite’s Active Scrubbing Action Works!: https://youtu.be/EnA6D1fkUQo