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Sue LFar North Queensland, QLD
- 2 reviews
Spends more time in the shop than my pool
I purchased my VX40 in March 2018, since then I have had the front cleaning rubbers replaced. Then in June 2022 it wouldn't go and was flashing that the basket was dirty which it wasn't. Contacted Zodiac who eventually got back to me and sent a replacement basket. They put it on the wrong courier service as we live in far north Queensland and it was lost in transit. I kept phoning them to be told that it wasn't their problem as it had left their depot. After 2 months went back to my pool shop who contacted them and they sent a replacement baske...Read more
t. After 3 months got the basket but still had the same fault. Took the cleaner down to the shop to be told it was the motor block so had to wait another month and a half for it to arrive. So after 6 months got my cleaner back in December. Early February this year same problem again to be told now it's the control box. How long this time will I be without a cleaner, over Zodiac.
Purchased in March 2021 for $1,700.00.
5 comments
Have sent the email, will it help me any. I have lost faith in Zodiac.
So it has now been a week and still have not heard from anyone. Your company really needs to take a good look at themselves because you don't give after sales service. I have been another 3 weeks with... Read more
out a cleaner to add to the other months that it has spent in the shop and still no idea what is going on.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Robert M.South East Queensland, QLD
Had issues
This cleaner has been difficult. Firstly, The motor died just out of warranty and despite proven maintenance and low use, had to buy a new one. Also when it is on wall cleaning, it keeps on going after reaching the surface and continues up wall, until it finally stops, floats on surface while motor fires water out the tail, then sinks again. This twists the cable, or worse, means it slams itself into the wall. It doesn’t seem to realise its reached the water surface level. However, it doesn’t do this on the lift out function. I have to leave it on the floor function only. No-one seems to know why?? Any help would be appreciated.
5 comments
Fluidra AustraliaZodiac
Thank you for bringing this to our attention Robert, we know how frustrating it can be when you have a bad experience with a new product and we are sorry that this has happened to you. Please send you... Read more
r name, phone number and a description of the problem (INCLUDE NAME OF THE PRODUCT WITH HYPER LINK) to our customer service team at [email protected] and we will be in touch as soon as possible.Have done as instructed. Look forward to hearing from you.
Hi there - still awaiting a reply.
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Mary L.Illawarra, NSW
Floating cable nightmares.
I too have had nothing but trouble with my tangling cable which impedes the robot from getting to the other end of the pool; I sometimes stand poolside so I can manually move the cleaner in an attempt to get it down the other end. I follow recommendations I.e lay cable out around pool deck to soften but alas once back in the water its dejavu. Its unfortunate Zodiac has not found a solution for this problem.
It also gets stuck on the steps, wheels keep spinning but can't budge unless I manually move it.
I haven't contacted zodiac yet and now seems pointless after reading these reviews.
Ma
Purchased in May 2021.
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Find out how Zodiac VX40 compares to other Robotic Pool Cleaners
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Zodiac VX40 follow up 12months after dealing with Zodiac
It’s now been over 12 months and I have decided to do a follow up review of where I got with this whole cord tangle issue in this model.
Well firstly Zodiac stepped up and sent there tech team out twice in the space of 6 months replaced just about everything on the cleaner. So service I thought great in that regard they didn’t just give up or tell me to go away.
Problem is as I told them numerous times, the unit requires a swivel system like the newer models now all have. You can send your tech man out and replace cord, motor, wheels it won’t ...Read more
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LukeyLeekSydney, NSW
- 4 reviews
- 1 like
Has to be in breach of Trade Practices Act it's that bad
I had my machine pack it in February 2018 just 3 months over the 3 year warranty. I contacted Zodiac customer service and they advised I take it to the shop I bought it (Hornsby), but consider taking it to Blacktown where they do the assessments to avoid courier costs. I took it into Pool & Spa warehouse Blacktown in March 2018, they said they were a Zodiac Platinum Partner which gave me some confience at the time that I would be looked after.
However, the guys said that the cable unit was faulty ($600 to repair) as was the motor block ($400)...Read more
Purchased in December 2021 at Pool and Spa Warehouse Physical store for $1,200.00.
1 comment
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi, Sorry for this experience with our VX40 Cleaner. We will definitely be happy to speak to you regarding this and answering your concerns. The VX40 is not discontinued and we are unable to remove an... Read more
y reviews regarding any of our products. Are you able to supply an email address (via DM or Inbox on Facebook) as we don't want to ask for your personal details on a public forum. Regardless of the time frame, we will always deal with each case as it comes to hand and hope that we can have the chance to sort this for you. Thanks in advance.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Short lifespan, terrible servicing - Consider a different brand!
Our 3 YO Zodiac recently developed a motor block error, it was disappointing that this happened only 3 years into the life of the machine, used only 4 months of the year. We are meticulous about leaving it in the pool to cool down and then rinsing thoroughly with fresh water.
What I find most difficult to reconcile is the appalling job conducted servicing the unit and the complete lack of willingness on behalf of the manufacturers to show customer care and 'make it right'.
- We sent our cleaner away for repair (via a NZ authorized dealer...Read more
). We waited over a week to be told that it was the motor block that needed replacing (something i had assessed already by reading this forum.) - I then waited another 3 weeks to have the machine returned, when i picked it up I realized that it had been handled so badly and packed so badly in transit that the item had been broken, in multiple places rendering it unusable. - I returned it back to the dealer who thankfully had the good sense to order the parts and fit them themselves, saving me another (likely) protracted wait A few days later I picked my machine up again, and when i put it in the pool I found it still didn't work - which as you can imagine was rather frustrating. - I returned the unit for a second time to the dealer who inspected the the unit and then 4 days later returned it again, informing me that Zodiac had fitted the wrong motor block in the machine.2 comments
Customer C.Zodiac
HI Cam. Sorry to hear of your issues. This is the Australia version of Product review. I have emailed the Review to them, however I dont have a number for you to give to them. Im sorry as we are not i... Read more
n the same country, we cant help with the options you have outlined but if you are able to provide a DM with your number, I would be happy to pass on for you. Thanks.Hi, Thanks for your response, how would I DM you?
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An example of the worst robot on the market
This robot was provided as part of my pool build. Its problems are many:
1. The cord tangling is pathetic resulting in the robot not reaching the end of the pool. I raised with Zodiac After Sales and they were not accepting responsibility claiming it is my problem for leaving the robot in the pool for too long. Essentially after every pool clean I have to take the cord and extend it out in the sun to jet the tangle out.
2. Because of the wide wheel base it does not reach into my pool corners - eg between the base and the walls. It also str...Read more
1 comment
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi Kim, Sorry to hear that you have had these issues. Please call us should you need to discuss further and we have passed your feedback. Thanks.
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KathyAU
Fed UP
The Zodiac VX40 came with the pool 2 years ago and it is a great cleaner cleans up tiny bits easily, BUT the pool cord!! It twists contantly and twisted so bad that it splt exposing the power cord underneath so couldnt use it die to danger of death by electrocution Had it replaced after getting in touch with Zodiac and a guy came out and replaced it for free. A year later the rubber hosing has split again. So its just before christmas, and i have no pool cleaner. I have contacted the pool company but i thought id post here as well. I want a r...Read more
eplacement machine of an upgraded model. This product is faulty and i cannot believe it passed testing. You need to put a plastic flexible cord casing around it, this rubber casing you use is just not appropriate. And no, i did not cause this. I have never once left the cleaner in the pool, as soon as its done, its out. The guy who came out told me how to store it, which is what i had been doing all along. Its just bad design. I require a refund or replacement with an updated model if the problem has been fixed in later models. As the guy says below, you should admit this is a mistake model and recall and replace. Its actually life threatening to have this cord split. If someone didnt notice the cord had split and put it in the pool then they run the risk of being electrocuted. This could have been me today.1 comment
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi Kathy, Please forward your details to [email protected]. Please include this information and your contact details and we can assist you from there. We dont not ask for personal details on a public forum. Thank you in advance.
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JessieBrisbane
- 3 reviews
- 5 likes
Cable nightmare, design flow
I am wondering how this type of products get through the testing phase. Do they even get tested before release? It is advertised that it will save you time and stress cleaning the pool. Well it's quite the opposite. The robot itself cleans well and goes up the walls and stairs, but the cable is getting tangled constantly. It's not very smart either, it just makes rounds into the same direction, causing the cable to tangle all the time, no matter what.
4wd or 2wd version should not have anything to do with the cable. I am surprised this tha...Read more
t kind of products are allowed to advertise the ease of use. In my opinion it is misleading and false advertising. They should admit their mistake and either recall or upgrade customers to the next model with swivel floating cable3 comments
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi Jesse. Sorry to hear of your frustrations. We definitely test our Products before release. May I ask if you have spoken to our Customer Care or had a Tech look at the Unit. We would love the opportunity to try and assist you. Thank.
Yes, they just told me to untangle it and lay out in the sun. I did it numerous times, it always get tangled. If I do that every time I use this thing, there would be no point of having a robot cleaner.
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi Jessie, Please send your contact details via DM, thanks.
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Find out how Zodiac VX40 compares to other Robotic Pool Cleaners
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PaulaGPostmans Ridge
- 2 reviews
Great pool cleaner
this little beauty picks up everything from small granules of dirt, leaves and general pool rubbish.
Its super quiet and the best thing its not heavy to lift out of the water. Very easy to clean and it never gets tangled. I would recommend this cleaner for just over a $1000 its worth it.
1 comment
Customer C.Zodiac
Thank you for your 5 star review. Happy Swimming.
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PaulBANGALOW
- 2 reviews
Cable always tangles robotic pool cleaner useless
The Zodiac VX40 robotic pool cleaner was recommended by our pool builder.
It is basically a nightmare, we have had one summer with it and don't get me wrong it cleans the pool, but the cord tangles so it takes 20 minutes everytime to untangle the cord and that has to be done a good couple of times during every clean. So you can imagine the frustration as it is supposed to be a robotic pool cleaner.
To give some detail, the issue is the cleaner cannot make it around the pool.
The cord tangles so much it can't make the distance so you need ...Read more
3 comments
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi Paul. Thank you for your review. We have been looking into this with you. Could you please DM your details so we can call you and discuss the options for you. Thanks.
Thank you for your message. Though not sure how to send you a private Direct message, as only way I can see is via this open messaging. I could contact your customer care team again, who would I ask for?
Thank you,
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi, Please call 1300 763 021 and ask for the Social Media coordinator. Thanks!
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Going through the battle with manufacturers as this is obviously a design problem from the start!
Pool cleaner is great! But the cable tangles every time. Even doing their recommendations still tangles straight away, obviously a design fault as the new model has a swivel installed. Should be a recall really.
Installing a swivel wouldn’t be to hard, if they supplied one but then they would loose out on the “upgrade selling pitch” what they have tried already.
1 comment
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi Andrew, Sorry to hear that you are having these issues with the Cable. The VX40 model doesn't have a Swivel Cable as it is 2 wheel drive. We do offer the Swivel on the VX50 & VX55 Models which are ... Read more
4 wheel drive. May I ask if we have had a look at your Unit or if you would like us to contact you to discuss some options? Thanks.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
CRKGold Coast
Stay clear, not fit for purpose.
Cleaner robot itself seems ok, but the cable unfourtantely makes the unit unusable. 9 our of 10 times it ends up in a tangled mess. I avoid using it because I can’t be bothered battling the ever tangling cable. I wish I had seen the reviews here before purchasing. Go for something else.
1 comment
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi, sorry to hear that you are having issues. May I ask if you have contacted our Customer Care team for assistance? Thanks.
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ChrisPerth
Zodiac VX40 - Possibly the worst large ticket item I've ever purchased.
Zodiac VX40 - Possibly the worst large ticket item I've ever purchased.
I have had a robotic pool cleaner for a number of years and purchased a VX40 to replace it. The cable gets caught up and limits movement and the cleaner misses area's of a relatively small pool. May I suggest to steer clear of this one.
2 comments
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi Chris, Sorry to hear that you have had issues with your Cleaner. May I ask if you have spoken to our Customer Care team to try and resolve these issues? Thanks.
Thanks for your reply. I have forwarded my concern through your website on the 28th of November and I'm looking forward to a response.
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EmmaCAuckland
Terrible product and terrible customer service
So bitterly disappointed in the VX40 due to cord tangling and it doesn't clean my pool as well as a cheap suction cleaner I have as a back up. Have contacted Zodiac twice begging them to get in contact with absolutely no response from them. Steer clear would be my advice. This is a huge amount of money for a product that simply doesn't work as advertised or promised and Zodiac won't respond directly to feedback or asking for help (maybe posting here might get some assistance) or looking to swap to another cleaner (suction).
Just to note - my ...Read more
3 comments
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi Emma, I am sorry to hear that you are having issues with your Cleaner. We totally understand how frustrating this can be. Unfortunately, this is an Australian Review site. If you can PM you details... Read more
I will try and contact the NZ office for you to help and also see if you can place your Feedback and Review on the appropriate Site. Thanks!Hi Zodiac. I have had no response to my PM so posting my email address here and will delete once you have picked this message. Appreciate any help you can provide with sorting in NZ! Thanks, Emma
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi Emma. Sorry I have checked the PM's and I cant see one from you. I have emailed your message to our NZ Office. Thanks!
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Find out how Zodiac VX40 compares to other Robotic Pool Cleaners
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LeeRichmond-Tweed, NSW
- 12 reviews
- Verified purchase
Happy with purchase
Tested a few prior to purchasing this and came to the conclusion that it wasn't worth the extra expense going for the 4wd model. Shop was after clearing stock so i picked up the VX40 about a yr ago for $1050. Now i have an odd shaped pool which every cleaner i tested struggled whether 2 or 4wd.
It very rarely will do the whole pool on 1 cycle and the cord tangles pretty easy restricting the area, it does however suck up all the crap. I would recommend getting the smaller micron filter as this made a considerable difference it what it picks up...Read more
1 comment
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi Lee, Thanks for your 4 star review, Appreciate you taking the time to leave this Feedback. Thanks!
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What a nightmare
Bought an LM 40 Salt cell and control box. It stopped producing chlorine after two months. Contacted zodiac warrantee. No back up, no follow up, no service, no care whatsoever. Two and a half months later stress, headaches, dramas and $600 spent on liquid chlorine I get the unit back next week. I will never buy another Zodiac product again.
1 comment
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi, sorry to hear you have had issues with your Unit and lodging a warranty claim. If you are able to provide further details, I can look into this for you. If you can email - [email protected]... Read more
om. Please use Urgent Product Review in the title and your user name in your email so I know who to reference it too. Thanks.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Painful.
It cleans the pool great,picks up all the leaves but the cord is always getting tangled,doesn't matter how long it is stretched out for as soon as u put it in the pool its tangled. Driving me nuts because once its tangled it restricts the area the cleaner will clean.
1 comment
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi Gen, sorry to hear that you are having issues. If you havent already and would like assistance, please call us on 1300 763 021, thanks!
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PeterSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 5 reviews
Shouldn't be on the market
After a run of poor service from Astra with their Pandora product which we loved) we were convinced to try the new Zodiac VX40. What a failure! on two accounts. It left the pool in the same state with sand and leaves on the bottom from new out of the box. Failure no 1. On returning it to the shop they tested it and we were told they couldn't fault it (after three weeks) and gave it back to us to "try again" Failure no 2. Poor service on a poor quality product. Feel sorry for the retailer getting mucked around. We are back in the market again for a quality product that has manufacturer support not just a sales channel.
2 comments
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi Peter, sorry to hear about your experience. Have you been in touch our After Sales Department? You can contact them via phone on 1300 763 021 or email [email protected]
i had several contacts over a one month period through the retailer and was very disappointed. Iv'e moved on now
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Questions & Answers
jvd18asked
A couple of things i would like to mention. Firstly i am trying to find my paperwork on the VX40. Does anyone know what the warranty is on this model?I do not think i have done a product review on this site before but did do one on facebook a while back. To be honest i was angry and quite blunt about the product. But this did bring attention to Zodiac and they were quick on the phone.
After a discussion on the phone a rep came out in Adelaide and was helpful to a certain extent. I have had him out 3 times and have changed numerous things on this model which was good but really should they have done that? With the model only around 12 months old at the time you would not expect these things to be changed already but it was to my advantage. The cord was the main issue with tangling all the time. I had it changed twice and had an issue with the control box. I was told the cable would need replacing on a regular basis, how regular it depends. Its all to do with the cord in the water and when the cable stiffens that's when tangles happen even worse.
I had a reasonably good run out of it, managed to cut down the tangle issue a little by just experimenting of different ways of laying out the cable. But i still think this model should not have been released if it had proper testing. The idea of a robotic cleaner is for the cleaner to clean the pool without the help of a human having to always keep an eye on it, move the cleaner around, take it out the pool to get rid of tangles.
Rep was great but he can only do so much for a product that is not that good. I know someone that has a Dolphin and they have never had to change their cable yet and it seems the dolphin brand uses a different quality of cable. But now i have the same issue with the info light flashing and now will have to call Zodiac again. Hoping its still under warranty that's why the question i had earlier how long is the warranty on this model.
Generally its a good cleaner bar the cable issue.Also, im not sure if the cleaner is at fault but having an older fibreglass pool this zodiac cleaner has been breaking up some of the weak sections of the fibreglass where its been peeling. Maybe its too strong of a cleaner compared to a suction type, but that's what i took a gamble on. Reading here on the reviews on the expense of the cable you would not want to have to replace it it on a yearly basis. I am not sure what will happen if this unit is not under warranty. I am not sure if i can trust the Zodiac brand again. Be better paying the extra money and look at a different brand.
But hopefully, on my next purchase, that whoever i get one from i hope they can do a demo first.
So now to contact Zodiac again, and see what happens. It must be terrible for a company that wants to put themselves in the market but having a product that fails must put pressure on them to satisfy the client and keep their customer base.
Finally to Paula G ...Your comment that you have never had a issue, please give more facts, eg size of pool and shape, and how you prevent the cable from knotting up. It is hard to believe that you have never had an issue. perhaps do a video and upload to Youtube, you will get a lot of hits!!!!
sadowner
3 answers
I ended up getting an upgrade replacement as the supplier intervened, as they should. They sell and promote the product, hence they stepped in. I think warranty is 24 months but you have proof the issue was occurring prior to end of warranty.
yeh, like only after having it for 3 months. Not sure what will happen if only a 2 year warranty.If so ran out last month
just checked paperwork 3 year warranty. Glad i had today off from work, i have spent 40 mins waiting on the phone and now i left auto dial back. See if that works. Wow! They must be very busy
Robert M.asked
This cleaner has been difficult. Firstly, when it is on wall cleaning, it keeps on going after reaching the surface and continues up wall, until it finally stops, floats on surface then sinks agin. It doesn’t seem to realise its reached the water surface level. However, it doesn’t do this on the lift out function. I have to leave it on the floor function only. No-one seems to know why?? Any help would be appreciated.
2 answers
Robert I didn't have that experience with mine. Mine was the cable issue.
Though I'd like to mention after multiple emails and videos with no reply I ended up contacting the pool company which supplied the cleaner with emails attached. I ended up with an upgraded new cleaner.
Sorry I couldn't help with your query.
Thanks Mary. I’m hoping the company contacts me.
SMVasked
Hey Zodiac team.
Am trying to get in touch with you here, since response time seems to be better than your phone.
I've attempted to call you twice today, on hold for 17 and 15 minutes respectively to no avail.
My VX40 has a continued flash of the error lamp, and this is not noted in the owners manual anywhere, making it impossible to deal with.
I can see that in all the below threads you suggest to call the office, but is there a best time to get in touch. It's not feasible to stay on hold and simply wait for somebody to answer the call.
1 answer
Customer C.Zodiac
Hi, Sorry to hear that you had issues with getting through. As our Customer Care team do lots of Troubleshooting, sometimes calls take longer to handle as we like to ensure we are solving your issues at first call. If you are able to send a DM with your number, we can call you. Thanks.
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Fluidra AustraliaZodiac
Hi Sue,
Incredibly sorry for your negative experience with us. We've created a case inbox to handle issues like yours, which need to be prioritised. Please copy and paste your review into an email and send it to [email protected].... Read more
Looking forward to getting your cleaner back in your pool! Zodiac