Zodiac AX10 Activ
Verified56 reviews
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Planned obsolescence, expensive to keep running – The cleaner worked well for 1 -2 years max. As soon as I started servicing the gears etc. it never worked as well. You need to spend ~$100 a year to keep it going. The tracks, gears, brushes, hoses etc all fail quicker than you might imagine. The last straw for me was a grey plastic part (20c worth) that the hose with the regulator clicks into… Read more
failed. Zodiac will only sell a the whole top lid for over $100. Another unethical company hiding behind retail agents.
Big Thanks To Darko – WE have an Astral gas pool heater that had to be repaired as part of a "Call Back" on a faulty part. Darko, the company rep was incredibly helpful in play a big part in arranging the repair. I had to recall the service guys, and again Darko was instrumental in organising that service call. A very polite & helpful young man. Thanks Darko. Show details
Wheels keep falling off – I have had this cleaner for 18months. Initially it was heat not a problem. Then the wheels kept coming off the tracks. I have replaced the tread. However this has continued to happen. I have had to fix the tread 3 times in one day. If I don’t it just sits in one position waiting for the dirt and leave to come to it. Show details
In-depth reviews
Keep your pool perfect and buy NO chemicals. My Zodiac AX10 is fantastic – Other than the occasional issue with long palm fronds, my Zodiac AX 10 has performed exceptionally for over two years cleaning the whole pool in a couple of hours each day. It has been permanently in the pool for its entire life and shows minimal surface degradation, no scratches and no powdering of any surface. Recently, it stopped climbing the… Read more · 3
walls of my vinyl surfaced pool and destroyed several tracks. After taking it apart (easy to do), I found that the bearings in both gearboxes were damaged and, maybe designed like this to protect other components, needed replacement. Unfortunately, the manufacturer/supplier in Australia does not supply the parts, only whole gearbox units, so I had to source them online. I replaced them today and my AX10 is now functioning perfectly --- $25 expenditure and some brain power was all that was needed. In summary, I love my AX10 and along with the fact that I no longer need to ever buy any pool chemicals, it has saved me a fortune in time doing a perfect job everyday. Often people suspect that these reports are not genuine so if you want help with your AX10 (or similar Zodiac model) please email me direct on jrpavy@gmail.com. I am in Perth if you need direct assistance, but I am not a pool specialist, just someone having fun in the pool, fixing things coz you can.
Good cleaner, not so good warrant claim – Pool cleaner worked great for about 18 months before it had issues with climbing the walls. Eventually it couldn't climb the walls at all. I returned it to place of purchase, which had zodiac service the cleaner and return it to me. It still wouldn't climb the pool walls. Zodiac service guy came to my house where he backwashed the filter,… Read more
tested the pool water chemistry, adjusted flow rates, all of which did not improve the cleaners performance. It was obvious that the cleaner was moving about the pool like it should, it just couldn't get traction to climb the walls. I was told that the cleaner was working fine and there was something wrong with the pool. I was told everything from there being a problem with the fibreglass gel coating, or there was a film of microbial growth on the walls causing the tracks to slip, and finally that the bottom corners of the pool may have buckled which was stopping the cleaner from being able to go up the walls. Of course this was all nonsense, but according to the service guy there was nothing he could do. Eventually I thought that maybe the rubber tracks were the problem so I gave them a little rub with some sand paper to give them some more grip and the cleaner started working better than ever.
With the way this issue was handled I have very little confidence with zodiac warranty claims, and I would be very nervous with their service guys touching any other zodiac equipment of mine.
Finally - A Cleaner That Works – I held off buying a pool cleaner because none of them received great reviews. I researched and hesitated, researched and hesitated - maybe like you’re doing now :) After speaking with my local pool shop guy I decided to go for the Zodiac AX10 - there’s something in me that prefers this ‘mechanical’ option rather than going down the electronic… Read more · 1
(more expensive) pathway and wow, I was instantly impressed. Literally I unboxed it, connected the hoses (which are great), threw it into the pool, attached it to the filter box and boom, away it went first go, as you’d expect and it’s been GREAT since.
I use my ‘Dragonfly’ surface cleaner for about two weeks, then when the bottom collects enough debris, I put the Zodiac in for 2 or 3 days, then repeat the process. It’s a huge time saver for me. This cleaner does the entire bottom of the pool, climbs edges (I have a lined pool) and does a fantastic job. Typically my pool receives lots of tiny native Australian tree leaves, and a few larger ones. The strength of this cleaner for me though is not merely sucking up the leaves, but vacuuming all the settled dust.
It has a robust construction and is quite heavy - not heavy in the sense you can’t lift it, but heavy in the sense that it sinks straight to the bottom and starts cleaning. It’s quite remarkable how it does a straight line for a while, stops, spins, then heads in another direction - over and over and over.
The main reason I purchased this particular model was because there’s nothing on it that would be expensive to repair or replace. It’s kind of like a fancy 4WD kreepykrawly - boasting the functionality and longevity, without the noise.
I am really happy with this purchase and give it a resounding 5 stars.
Positive reviews
Haven't had the issues of all these other reviews – Have been running this cleaner since our kreepy krauly gave up the ghost 6 or 7 years ago. Appreciate the silent running, disturbed only when it cleans the waterline. Have only had a couple of instances where it failed to operate, requiring the rebuild kit of new drive motors, paddles and tracks (twice in 7 years isn't bad for semi consumables)… Read more
Cleans leaves and windblown debris with ease, took a bit of setting up to get the flowrate to optimum. Suggest other reviewers may not have had the best pool guy advice on setup. Ours blitzes most leaves (not agapanthus or massive frangipani though) Sure, it won't pull stones, but not many cleaners will. Cleans our 55kl pool in 6 to 8 hours. Won't do the steps. But cleans walls excellently Very happy at the price point.
It does not get stuck - but does need more consumables – The AX10 is good for pools where normal cleaners get stuck and for my current pool it's the best cleaner I've been able to find. My old favourite Kreepy Krauly was always getting stuck in my new pool and would get no where unless you freed it. However, the AX10 unlike my previous Kreepy Krauly needs new tracks every 9 months - without the new… Read more · 2
tracks - it goes nowhere. On my concrete pebble pool, the little blades it spins around also wear quickly, and because the suction pipe does not get as close to the pebble as a Kreepy does, I'm not sure its suction is as strong for dust.
So in summary, the AX10 is the only cleaner that works in my pool so I am happy - but it's constant consumption of tracks is annoying. Thankfully they are readily available for purchase.
Pool has never been so clean – Purchased the Zodiac AX10 about a month ago so early days however I’m wrapt. After pissing around with crappy creepy crawlys from Bunnings that didn’t clean I decided to spend a bit extra on the Zodiac. It picks up leaves etc no problems and scrubs to pool surface walls etc as it goes. Highly recommend. Show details
Negative reviews
Constantly stops working – Doesn’t matter what is done to maintain this cleaner (and my pool), it stops working on a weekly basis. We have a professional pool maintenance company coming in once a month as well. Show details
Terrible Product - does not work if there is even small leaves or stones – Paid nearly $800.00 had for 1 year. Does not pick up leaves and if there is any small pebbles it gets stuck. Worst equipment on the market. Show details
Zodiac ax10.. meh – Great if you don't have any greenery around your pool I'd say, however if you have any greenery it jams so easily and frequently on a singular leaf! Spend more time unjamming the paddles than it does actually cleaning. Wouldn't recommend unless you get zero leaves in your pool year round. Have had it for 2 years now and would not buy another, very disappointed Show details
Recent reviews
ABSOLUTE JUNK – Purchased a new Zodiac AX10 Active, 4the November, 2021. It passes over the leaves in the pool, and if one actually gets picked up it will be spat out the back. Had pool Tech visit today and he strongly recommended I take it back to the retailer, which I must say he works for. If I had read the reviews prior to buying I certainly would not have… Read more
purchased the AX10 Active.Anyone have a suggestion as to what is a tried and true pool cleaner. My pool is 40,000 ltrs and Mag salt.
Find out how Zodiac AX10 Activ compares to other Suction Pool Cleaners
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Still trying to get them to answer the phone – 3rd day in a row on hold for an hour. 2 weeks old ax10 Tracks Stopped working, just sits in the one spot doing nothing. Followed all troubleshooting steps and still nothing. Show details
Terrible terrible machine do not buy – I had model 8 ok for 5 years the pool shop recommended the model 10 as a better model it’s terrible within months no good I want my money back it’s not fair I m pensioner it’s hard to save money now waiting for parts a month replace with a better model or give my money back a bad product is an embarrassment to the company that makes it I want my money back Show details
In the bin warning do not buy this item – Update from 2 years ago from new and after spending $150 on spare parts only 2 years old I have put this terrible peice of junk out of its misery. 3 times a week the rotary parts got blocked up from very small leaves and tiny strands, parts than began to break has I had to regularly take it in and out of the water to remove small debris from the… Read more
rotory ball. Be aware lots of others have had the same issue these can really only clean dirt but your average Aquabuddy does the same. After I put a hammer to the AX10 I purchased the Aquabuddy unit from Amazon $150 delivered and after 3 weeks it has outperformed the AX10 in every area dirt, leaves, you name it no more manitance. Buyer beware here its junk and I know theres no way this item was tested in Australia before release.
Glad found this – Thankyou every one, I was prepared to go purchase this week AX10 so glad I read reviews... Will definitely NOT WASTE my hard earned $$$. My Zodiac G2 has worn out and not sure what to purchase as that always had troubles , cleaning corners and steps and has stopped sucking, changed hoses, diaphragm etc. Any advise on what to purchase would be great Show details
Hi Mrs H, Thanks for your inquiry. Both the Zodiac G2… Read more
Very average cleaner for the price – There are both cheaper and more expensive cleaners on the market, but I thought the Zodiac brand and the not inexpensive price point would have landed me a decent product. Unfortunately, I am pretty disappointed. Like other reviewers, I have found: 1) it gets constantly clogged by small twigs and large leaves and as a result just sits there… Read more
while the filter pump continues to run; 2) Only works on the highest pump speed (yes, I have tweaked the settings on the AD flow valve) making me regret forking out for a variable speed pump; 3) Never climbs the walls or reaches seats, steps or ledges - They all have to be cleaned manually; 4) The plastic componets break easily - the clips on the flow regulator valve broke after 12 months and three of the connectors on the hoses have split; and 5) The cleaner needs to be overhauled every year (tracks, gears, brushes etc..) making it very expensive to maintain.
Hi Linz, We would like to apologise for your negative… Read more
Crap product keeps breaking down – My elderly friend has this product and this review is on her behalf. My husband has fixed this thing no less than 3 times with the kits they keep sending telling a 73yr old lady that nothing can go wrong with these things, yet next moment they say are sending yet another kit to fix it. We went to Office of fair trading and they agreed on 10… Read more
December to refund. On 19 January I called them and they agreed to call my friend by end of last week re her agreed refund. Nothing! They answered one email when I called again on 21 jan, answered within minutes, now nothing. Update asked for on Friday to our request of the direct debit or proof of by cob 22 jan. NOthing ! Now lodong qcat on them for something that is soooooo simple. AFTER SALES SERVICE SUCKS AS WELL AA THE PRODUCT IN MY OPINION.
Hi Diane, We are sorry about your experience. Can you… Read more
Very average – This cleaner is only good for tiny leaves and dirt. It jams up the minute a large leaf gets in its way. It doesn’t do any steps or ledges which means they all need to be done by hand. Also after just 2 years of ownership, it has now broken. I will not be replacing with the same. Show details
Hi Chedo, Thank you for taking the time to share your… Read more (+1 reply)
Not working after 6 months – Absolute rubbish, after 6 months the drive lugs on the tracks and the gears were worn out. Cleaner is only good for removing dust any other leafy material becomes stuck and requires cleaning. I phoned Zodiac to ask some advice after a 45 minute wait they answered and than I was cut off. So I decided to send an email,could not find their contact… Read more
details on the web so next was live chat. I asked for a rep to give me a call and for their email address .Sent an email asking for a phone call and outlined my problem. This was 3 days ago i have not been contacted by Zodiac.I have had pools for over 30 years and this AX10 is by far the biggest waste of money I have ever had.
Hi Russell, Thank you for reaching out. We apologise for… Read more
Absolute rubbish – Absolute piece of rubbish. For this to work well your pool will need to have no steps or benches, seats of any kind and have no trees anywhere nearby. Flow controller was the same on all settings hose curls up and machine spends more time spinning around than actually moving around the pool. Just my opinion Show details
Hi Gavin, We’re sorry that your experience did not match… Read more
Find out how Zodiac AX10 Activ compares to other Suction Pool Cleaners
Know better, choose better.
Good but Flawed Machine – Have been using the AX10 for nearly 2 years without any mechanical issues. It works at all 3 pump speeds, climbing the walls on the 2 higher speed settings. It cleans the dust and small leaves effectively, but it gets clogged fairly regularly by anything larger. We have foxtail palms near the pool and the longer bits of frond that blow into the… Read more
pool often result in the cleaner stopping. Easy enough to pull the offending debris from the workings without having to dismantle, but still a nuisance. So... a good cleaner if you only have bushes near your pool, but will likely require regular attention if there are palms nearby, for example.
Hi Coast. Thanks for your inquiry. If it won't turn on… Read more (+2 replies)
Gets clogged up all the time!! – I bought this cleaner a few weeks ago. Recommended by salesman. Gets clogged with gum leaves several times EVERY day. Disappointed. Track also fell off day 2. When working well it scoots around the pool but the silly paddles in the mechanism do not let some gum leaves through. Would not have bought it if honestly advised. Show details
Hi Dawne, Thank you for taking the time to share your… Read more
Only cleans dust – I purchased this cleaner just after I purchased a variable rpm pump. The pool shop guy never advised me on any issues with running this cleaner with a variable rpm pump. But its useless, unless the pump is running at high rpm (using more power) the cleaner hardly moves. Then as soon as it (tries) to pick up gum leaves, it clogs up. Is there a pool cleaner on the market, that picks up gum leaves? Show details
Hi Anthony, Thank you for taking the time to share your… Read more (+4 replies)
Good for clean pools – This device does a good job picking up dust, jacaranda leaves and grit from the pool floor, but easily clogs with even small eucalyptus leaves. With my variable speed pump it will only work on the high speed which is OK as the cleaner clogs every 30 minutes or so , hence I only run it supervised when the sun is out and the power is free. Show details
Hi David, Thank you for taking the time to share your… Read more
Not very good if you have a Variable speed pump – If you use this cleaner at maximum pool pump rpm It works very well, however I have a variable speed pump to save on energy bills and when in clean mode which is after 1 min of pump starting, the pump slows to 2150 rpm & there is not enough suction so the cleaner gets stuck on steps and bottom of the walls constantly. When I first purchased this… Read more
cleaner I did the speed test ( counted 10 wheel revs) however this was when the pump was at max rpm. It was not until I sat watching it, after having it for over a year, that I found out it’s useless, I did another speed test and get 39 seconds for 10 wheel revolutions! Zodiac should advertise this fact to save people wasting $700, you should not have to run the pump at maximum rpm for this cleaner to work.
Not Happy Jan – We purchased this cleaner in April 2019. In early 2020 we had to replace the treads as they kept coming off and the cleaner would not run. This cost us about $60 as the product was out of warranty already. The problem is still occurring at least once a day and sometimes more than once a day. I have contacted Zodiac so am waiting to hear back… Read more
from them. Considering the price of this pool cleaner I don't think this issue is acceptable. At this stage I wouldn't recommend this pool cleaner to anyone.
Clean Pool when it works properly – Cleans brilliantly when the rubber tracks stay on. Picks up dirt, leaves and small twigs. If we leave in pool when we use it there are usually no problems encountered. Sent it back under warranty but still was charged about $200 as they would not accept liability. Would not have got it back If I did not pay. Was sent new rubber tracks but problem has returned. Now I need to supervise when it is running. Show details
Adequate but not reliable – Over the more than 2 years I have had brushes wear out, rubber tracks wear out and now one side will not rotate. I assume gears or bearing wear. I cannot find where I can get information on how best to repair without getting into excessive cost. Show details
Hi Gary, If you'd like us to get in touch, could you… Read more
Started great, now next to no good – Purchased in May 2018 the AX10 was fantastic, best pool cleaner I had purchased. Now I have had to replace the tracks, the unit keeps turning to the left, will not climb the walls and the under body cleaning fins are not the best. I had a few issues attempting to contact supplier, however once contact made, the issues were resolved and the pool is clean again. It is a great pool cleaner. Show details · 3
The real deal. Works just as it should – We have had them all after getting new pool put in a Year ago. We are surrounded by gums and other trees so it’s hard keeping it clean. We tried the creepy crawly and other versions, two different $2000 robots and various other types of cleaners with no success. Don’t get me wrong, no cleaner will pick up mass amounts of leaves, if you have an… Read more · 1
abundance of leaf matter you really need to use a net and scoop out what you can. But in terms of cleaning, this guy does what it should, it takes slime away keeps the pull pump running at capacity never gets air locked, cleans dirt, picks up all leaves, it doesn’t pick up sticks Or stringy leaves (that’s your job) it climbs walls and ledges without any issue, covers our entire pool in about 3-4 hours. We purchased ours from local pool shop for $650. We can’t recommend enough.
After 25 years and half a dozen cleaners, this one is completey useless – Bought this yesterday and have adjusted the speed correctly. Today alone it has stopped 7 times due to average size gum leaves blocking the mechanism. Even when not blocked it runs right over small leaves without sucking them up. It seems like the spinning brushes actually pushed the debris away from the suction hole. With my old Barracuda the… Read more
skimmer basket would fill up completely about once a day. The AX10 has been running all day (with me clearing the blockages several times) and the skimmer basket in only about a quarter full. It picks up almost nothing. I will call Zodiac tomorrow and demand a full refund
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, we know how… Read more (+1 reply)
Much better than all previous cleaners – Having used more than 5 different pool cleaners over the past 10 years I am blown away at how much better this unit performs. I have had this unit for 2 years and it has not skipped a beat. This doesn't clean 100% of the pool but covers far more than my previous T5 and Kreepy Krauly. Show details
Starts off good then turns to crap – Rubber tracks come off all the time, now doesn't climb walls. Avoid...still working through warranty claim. Overall a risky proposition. Body also is scratched up loads in a short period. Doubt it will last 5 years Show details
Hi Hopper. Sorry to hear that you have had issues. May I… Read more
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Hi Mike, We're sorry that you have had an issue with one… Read more