Zodiac VX55 4WD
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Had my VX55 since 2017, first year the cable was replaced under warranty. 4th year I purchased the kit that replaces all the wheel cogs. 5th year replaced the two front rollers. 7th year replaced cable . Now in its 8th year I finally received the E03 error which is the left side drive motor, replaced the whole drive block, part only cost $600 and… Read more
its running fantastic again. I have to say looking after it with the odd part here and there definitely helps the longevity, and 8 years for a drive motor is very good in my opinion. Also being mindful not to drop the cable piece with the floation part on the concrete as this will cause you problems especially the dreaded E10 error. So my advice is maintaining anything you own with care and it just may last a little longer than you think.
Overpriced repairs cost more than original outlay – Had my VX55 for around three years with no problems then the other day it came up with an E10 error. I checked everything but then took it to a dealer as recommended by Zodiac. Cost $50 for a check and was then advised that the Box Control Unit on my caddy and the electrical cord required replacement. Cost $1699. As the machine cost me $1500 I… Read more
class this as highway robbery. No way in the world would I ever buy an Aquatic product again. Replacement parts should be affordable and not prohibitively expensive.
Extremely disappointing – Very disappointed by this product and aftercare service. The machine itself when working worked reasonably well. After one year error 10 came up. Went back to local pool shop a number of times before finally being told to call Zodiac. Two visits to resolve the problem and long wait times. Only to have both the motherboard and cord replaced. Ran… Read more
well then happened again after warranty ran out. Told nothing can do. After reading many of the posts this looks like an ongoing problem for this machine model. Not surprised it is discontinued. Cost was high and didn’t last the distance. Will never buy zodiac again.
In-depth reviews
Totally dissatisfied with Zodiac and VX55 4WD – We bought this robot cleaner only 3.5 years ago and it has now failed for the 3rd time. The cord failed in the first 12 mths and was replaced under warranty by Zodiac, after extended discussion. Zodiac tried to dismiss the warranty, blaming misuse and it was only after a series of difficult discussions, (over several weeks), that they finally… Read more
honoured the warranty. All this across summer when you need the robot most.
The robot failed again after another 12 months, and was sent back under warranty a second time. We experienced a similar response from Zodiac and it was held in service for over 6+ weeks. We were told they were extremely busy!
The robot has now failed a 3rd time (at 3.5years) and just out of warranty. The quote has just come back at $505.00 from Bayside Pools and Spas, to replace the cord which has failed again. This cord was replaced new, under warranty within the first 12 months of purchase.
To say we are unhappy with The Zodiac VX55 4WD is an understatement! For a product priced at over $2000, it is a total disappointment. We have had nothing but issues with it and Zodiacs after service is disgraceful. There are lots of other choices of pool cleaners on the market, so do your research and steer away from Zodiac. Be totally aware..
Love – This is a product I could confidently recommend after having given it a real workout over the last almost 12 months. It does a brilliant job, I really could not do without it. It is simple to operate, picks up all the debris on the pool floor, climbs the walls and stairs and has been completely reliable. We live on a farm so there is a lot of… Read more
debris such as leaves, twigs, grass clippings, insects, dust and pollens from all our surrounding paddocks so it is at work almost every day. Its ability to collect what appears to be a fine sediment, probably caused by the hard bore water is very impressive. I have read some reviews where people have said it won’t do this but I think they simply haven’t left the machine In the pool long enough. Yes, some fine particles go through but they settle and the zodiac picks them up the next time round - it’s simply amazing, go out and buy one! (no I don’t have shares in the company, no I don’t work for them, no I don’t sell them, I really am just a farmers wife)
Very good robotic pool cleaner - but not perfect – The other reviews of this pool cleaner are accurate - this is an excellent pool vac; I am lucky enough to be able to afford the version with the remote control and the cord that doesn't tangle. So far what Zodiac say the machine will do, it does; with the following exceptions: Cleaning the waterline/tiles - no way, the VX55 seems just too heavy… Read more · 1
to be able to get to the waterline and has been a total failure at cleaning the walls of my pool. the ONLY time I have seen this vac get to the waterline (in the shallow end at about 1.0 m depth) was the first time I put it in the water. Cleaning the walls/waterline area - it tries, but just can not do it.
The remote control - maybe I'm just old and unable to deal with new technology - but the remote control is absolutely useless and very difficult to use. I don't find waving the remote around to the left/right/up/down intuitive at all - Zodiac - please just use some buttons next time. I find it frustrating and almost impossible to control the VX55 using the remote control.
The lift feature - does not work for my VX55 - then again, the weight of the machine seems quite heavy so it does not surprise me it can not climb the walls effectively. When I press the lift button - the vac will align itself with the side of the pool and TRY to climb the wall, but just cannot get up the wall...there is no traction for it to climb the side of the pool - if its at the shallow end of the pool I can reach in and help it up. If it lifts at the deep end - forget it - then see comments above re the remote control trying to get it to the shallow end of the pool.
Things I like - the caddy, the cord that doesn't tangle is excellent and appears to work just fine (read Zodiac's instructions), suction/pool cleaning is excellent (apart from the walls/waterline feature). It does a very good job at keeping the pool clean of leaves/larger debris on the pool floor. I may buy the 100 micron canister to see if I get a better clean... The canister is easy to remove and cleaning is easy. Zodiac products seem nice quality, I would definitely consider them again in the future.
If the VX55 could consistently lift itself up to the waterline at the end of each clean, and the remote control was not so infuriating to operate, this robot pool vac would easily get 5 stars. It is a really nice piece of equipment that I would recommend.
Positive reviews
Well mine is still operating perfectly after 5yrs – In 5yrs+ of sitting in my pool the only “repair” I’ve had to do for my Zodiac VX55 is change the leaf basket. It goes on every second or third day and gobbles leaves from three large trees, a gum tree, an ornamental mulberry tree, a pain in the large unknown to me tree species on my neighbour’s side that drops plenty all year round and a… Read more
podocarpus hedge along one side of the pool. Robot goes on for 1.5hrs and does it’s thing on the 8x4 rectangular pool without fuss or breakdown. Long may it continue!!
And oldie but a goodie – I’ve got a Zodiac four-wheel-drive pool cleaner it’s about six or seven years old now yes it has had a few faults through its life but it’s even still cleaning the pool with one of its wheels broken off it’s like a terminator that won’t give up and I must admit if you take the time to go to Zodiac at Weatherall Park and sit in the reception they… Read more · 1
always fixed the pool cleaner for me without charging me I thought they were amazing even though the product does have a few faults there after sales service for me over the last couple years has been faultless
Best Pool Cleaner I have ever had – Our Zodiac VX55 has been used very regularly in a pool that gets a LOT of gum leaves for close to 3 years. It has always done an amazing job, better than any other pool cleaner I have ever had. When we did have an issue with the motor, the service I received was prompt and a technician arrived at the time arranged and fixed the unit. It truly was "service with a smile". I could not be happier - I even call the unit "Pool Boy" Show details
Negative reviews
Waste of money – Its good at picking up debris like leaves etc but even then the filter at the back clogs so you cant use the lift feature, add to that it's all but hopeless at picking up fine debris like sand , we even bought the fine filter and that too was useless save your money and go back to the Kreepy it leaves this product for dead Show details
Zodiac South Africa... Scam artists! – The VX55 has fulfilled my needs without any major problems for the last 4 years... until this past Monday 31st October 2022, it gave an error 02 and stopped. took it to the nearest dealer for an assessment and a quote, they are quoting me more that what I can get a new machine for. I feel I'm being scammed, and I'm looking for something else now! Show details
Discontinued for good reason – Have had cleaner for three years didn’t pick up fine dirt and missed areas of rectangular pool.. error codes all the time and now not working at all. Cannot be fixed Show details
Recent reviews
Great Cleaner- Poor Reliability - $$$$$$ Repair Costs – A great cleaner for large pebblecrete pool with 100 micron filter canister. However once things go bad they go very bad. Last 16 months has seen 3 x $500 parts expire - uneconomical to keep repairing what has become a money pit. Will gift to family member hopefully for some remaining parts. Time to look for another robotic without the Zodiac name on it!! Show details
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Costly and now not working – Whilst this seemed like a good idea,after just over 3 years i have had to replace filter baskets a few times and it now shows error 10. Took it for yet another repair and I’m quoted over $900 for a new motor, replace a flooded cable and yet another basket. Cable constantly tangling probably doesn’t help it.Totally disappointed with initial cost… Read more
and now repair costs. Was told a motor can’t be supplied as not available and no timeframe can be given. Worst investment ever. Zodiac not the manufacturer for me as now have to find an alternative after less than 4 years. Wasted money.
Crap crap and more crap - do not waste your money – Got this pool cleaner about 3years ago. After many part issues and it constantly ending up on its back (even after cleaning it out regularly) it is now showing just a E10 Message constantly and no longer goes. Paid over $2000 for it, worst money spent ever!!!! Show details
Do not by Zodiac – So many people with so many complaints about the same issue yet Zodiac did nothing to resolve the issue. On the dot three years and the unit failed like the rest of the reviews, going backwards on its roof. DO NOT BUY ZODIAC Show details
Hi George, Thank you for taking the time to share your… Read more
cable damage after 3years – cable damage after 3years and 5 months, the The repairs cost 40% of a new one, it's not worth the repair as I was told to expect more faults. Not happy at all with zodiac Show details
Hi Abdullah, Thank you for taking the time to share your… Read more
Leaves my pool cloudy – My VX 55 Cleans the debris (mainly leave litter) from the bottom of the pool but spits out a hazey mess leaving the pool very cloudy. I can’t believe I spent over $2000 on a pool cleaner that leaves my pool looking worse than when it went in!! Show details
Hi Marina, Thank you for taking the time to share your… Read more
No after sales support – My Zodiac VX55 worked well for a while but it keeps tangling the chord. Even once I replaced the chord with the swivel joint, it still tangles. Its a software problem. Cant over-rotate in one direction. Put a kit though it a year ago, worked well again. Now it stopped I suspect after a lightning strike nearby. Now literally NOONE want to try to… Read more
fix it - just buy a new one? UNACCEPTABLE. How can you sell a product and then not service it afterwards. AVOID ZODIAC.
Hi Stuart, Thank you for taking the time to share your… Read more
NOT GOOD ENOUGH – 3 years and 1 month on the dot it stopped working. Error 10.Zodiac refused to fix it. Never again I would buy from this company. Spending $2000 on a. Item that dies 1 month after warranty is not good enough. Show details
Hi Tarek, Thank you for taking the time to share your… Read more
Vx55 great cleaner, until 3yrs/800hrs – The VX55 has been a great pool cleaner, really good floor and wall coverage in a slippery mosaic tiled pool. Having a 100 micron filter option is great for dust, although fan at rear undoes some of the good on dust front. That said, it hasn’t been great at cleaning steps but did most things really well but cost near on $2,000 when new. BUT Here… Read more
is my important gripe, like many posts you see here my unit died at pretty much bang on 800 hrs use (3 years). I always removed and cleaned the VX55 after use. It’s now outside of warranty and needs a new motor block. There is clearly a recurring, inherent and unfixed design flaw in the VX model range even after 5 years of selling this unit to us poor pool owners.
I hope the new EvoluX version fixes this issue but make sure you ask lots of pressing questions before spending your hard earned cash on Zodiac robotic cleaner as 3 years of life is frankly unacceptable.
Life span is around 4 years only – Purchase date: 8th of Nov 2016 Where: Hornsby pool and spa warehouse Issue: Left wheels not working Used hours: 475 hrs This has been a good pool robot for last nearly 4 years while used for about 475 hours. Like many other reviews, the product life span seems to be only 4 years. I rang the Zodiac customer service a few times, left my callback… Read more
number after waiting 20 ~ 30 odd mins every time with no calls returned so far...
I rang Zodiac again today(Tue, 22 Sep 2020) finally spoke to a technician only to be told that I need to go to a local dealer to get a repair service.
I rang Swimaster and they asked for $130 just for a diagnosis.
I also rang Pool and Spa warehouse amd got a $600 quote to replace a motor.
I am giving up on using this high maintenance product as it cost me around $400 / year to own and maintain it. I will chuck it in the bin and buy a non-robot pool cleaner. Very very disappointed...
Hope this helps other potential buyers considering a robot cleaner.
Find out how Zodiac VX55 4WD compares to other Robotic Pool Cleaners
Know better, choose better.
Great while it lasted – 4 years old and very expensive but only used once a month after heavy storms/winds. So probably used 50 times. Controller gone, the part that has no moving pieces so can't be worn out! $500 to replace it. No thanks will seek another solution. Show details
Does not last, and Zodiac don't care after warranty ends – Similar to the last reviewer, my unit is around 4 years old too and constant Error-10. This is after it was fixed about 18 months ago with a tune up kit and new cable. It also had a new motor in its first 12 months. So constant issues. Contacted Zodiac for support, and nothing. Its out of warranty and no concerns for ACL. Show details
After 4 years stops working and I'm told just to buy a new one!!! – Bought the Zodiac 4WD 4 years ago. It always did a great job until this week it shows an Error 10. Called my pool shop and they told me to buy a new one as this error likely means the Motor needs to be replaced and would cost a lot of money to repair. They actually recommended not to buy a Zodiac but a Dolphin. Also called Zodiac as lifespan of… Read more
only 4 years for a product of this price is not what I expected. They did not provide a price but confirmed that sending the product to them, the labor and the margins of the pool shop will potentially make it look like buying a new one is a better option.
Not impressed! Didn't clean our pool as we thought it would – We tried out the Zodiac cleaner based on a the advice of our pool shop and we were not impressed. We have a few trees around our pool and this cleaner didn't pick up the debris very well. It was also quite clumsy to use. Not impressed. Ended up going for a different brand, which happens to be awesome. Make sure you try before you buy! Show details
Significant drop in performance after 2 years – 4 months after the 3 year warranty, the exact same issues as many other reviewers: Device slows down, operates in reverse; and flips upside down in the pool. Avoid at all costs. Show details
Could have designed it better – For me, a man, don't need it to return to parapet, don't need remote, never works or not worth the effort, and how about the poor design of the corner of the hood catching on the power lead when you open / close it to clean the filter. Amazing what it finds in the pool, some finds when you clean the easy clean filter. Show details
Review after three years – Still has no idea where its going next, Yesterday it skidded on it's back across the whole width of the pool.. It had fallen off the wall onto it's back!!! I have noticed this several times and wondered how long (like a turtle) it had been cast there...??? Show details
The worst – Error 10 - I’ve lost count how many times I’ve had this. Just too frustrating to give a positive review. I’m beyond accepting a ”I’m sorry to hear about your experience” Show details
Hey Phil, It sounds as if you have yourself a troubling… Read more
Can I return it? – I bought this VX55 today and found one issue. It seems that I have to take it out every time after I use it. If cleaning job takes 30 minutes, I have use about 20 minutes to put it in the place and get it out and store it somewhere. It is not automatic at all. How can I mange it? Can I return it? I miss auction cleaner now Show details
We are sorry to hear that you have had a problem with one… Read more
800 hour unit has errors and repaired myself – I have had the Zodiac VX55 for 3 years plus and it has been great for a large pool under gum trees. Nothing comes close to keeping the pool clean except this unit. As others have said around the 3 year mark (800hrs) the unit starts to see errors. One of the errors I had was over consumption on the motors which could mean debri caught in places… Read more
making the motors work harder or failure of parts in the motors themselves.
I am a sparky by trade so stripped the unit down to ensure all mechanical parts were clear and functioning and all good. It was then I diagnosed the problem down to the motor block....possible $450 dollars for the motor block!
I spoke with Zodiac to try and talk to a service tech to see what parts are available for the motor block if I stripped it down, first of all they wouldnt let me speak to a tech and said I had no choice but to buy the motor block.
The fan motor felt notchy indicating motor bearings had failed so I stripped the motor block and removed and stripped down the fan motor itself. The bearings had failed so replaced them like for like ($17 in parts) then cleaned and rebuilt motor.
Reassembled the motor block and reassembled the complete robot unit. Installed back into pool and its working like new. Saved $450 dollars.
The motor block itself contains three motors...one fan motor and two gear drive motors and a small PC board and is relatively easy to dissemble and repair. Its a shame these parts are not available separately for replacement.
As I have said already its a good unit but obviously longevity and quality of parts are letting it down around the 800hr mark.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, we know how… Read more
THE ONLY TOOL FIT FOR THE JOB – This pool cleaner is amazingly effective. I have owned it for over 3 years, and yes I had a breakdown under warranty, fixed by the dealer in days. BUT it is amazingly effective at picking up those leathery gum leaves that block a Kreepy as soon as it hits one, and I have plenty of gum leaves ! In addition, with a 12 m pool, the cable length is… Read more · 1
ideal. This is an electrical appliance working under water then getting baked in the sun, then back in the pool. That the seals remain effective through this treatment year after year is astonishing. If it packed up tomorrow I'd be buying another.
It could be a perfect cleaner but it is not – I have had this cleaner for 15 months now. There are two things I am unhappy with. The VX55 4WD will not climb and clean the steps. When it moves around the pool on the floor picking up the dirt that the wind has blown in it just blows it all out the back exhaust of the machine making the pool so cloudy you can't see the cleaner in the water at… Read more
all..I purchased the 100-micron filter insert for extra dollars but does the same blows all the dirt out the back. I then have to wait for all the dirt to settle on the pool floor before we can repeat the mess. For leaves, the cleaner works well. For $1500 this pool cleaner is not fit for purpose.
We are sorry to hear that you have had a problem with one… Read more
filter – what size microns is the filter cartridge that comes with the standard 55 4wd as the fine dust seems to be blown out the back i have looked at owners manual and it dosent say Show details
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Hi Ness, We would like to apologise for your negative… Read more