Zodiac Tornax TX20 / TX30 / TX35 Cleaner Review - Prices

Zodiac Tornax TX20 / TX30 / TX35 Cleaner Review

The Zodiac TX20, TX30, and TX35 are a more affordable series of robotic pool cleaners that are also among the lightest weight models available. Although these products are cheaper than some machines available on the market, are they worth the price?

In this Zodiac TX20/TX30/TX35 review, we’ll cover the pros and cons of these machines, talk about how they compare to other products on some main features, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you determine if one of these cleaners would make the right choice for you and your pool.

Pros & Cons

Design

The Zodiac TX series are all small, lightweight pool cleaners for pools that are no more than 10 x 5 metres in area. This series of cleaners are among the easiest to handle in terms of size and weight, and they also come with a collapsible handle for easier lifting.

The Zodiac TX20 has officially been discontinued and replaced with the improved TX30/TX35, which is now capable of climbing walls and has a longer run time than the TX20.

The difference between the Zodiac TX30 and TX35 is that the TX35 comes with a caddy included. This caddy requires “tool-free” assembly.

This series of cleaners have filter canisters that work on debris as small as 200 microns in diameter, but are said to work best on larger debris.

A few owners of these machines have complained that the filter is difficult to reassemble after emptying, though reviews of this kind are not widespread.

Cleaning Performance

The Zodiac TX20, TX30 and TX35 appear to have somewhat subpar cleaning quality, at least according to customer reviews of the product.

Many users state that they must assist the cleaner by brushing debris out of corners and off of steps, while others even report finishing the job by vacuuming manually after the machine has finished its cleaning cycle.

Most users agree that this cleaner works well on larger types of debris, but it tends to have an issue with dirt and other fine-particle debris. Although this could be a result of the grade of filter canister, it is likely the result of a lack of suction as showcased by other problems with the cleaner.

It is commonly reported that this machine struggles with steps, ledges, and corners in pools, however most users report that it climbs walls effectively and does an effective job at cleaning the water line.

Power Specifications

This cleaner uses 100 Watts, giving the 2.5 hour cleaning cycle a total power usage of 250 Watt hours. This is comparable to other Zodiac cleaners of the same size, and it also compares well to the energy consumption of cleaners by other brands.

Build Quality & Warranty

Zodiac TX20/TX30/TX35 Problems

The Zodiac TX range is known to have a few issues with build quality. The issue that is most specific to this model of Zodiac cleaner involves the movement tracks on the machine.

Many users report that these rubber tracks stretch out and can jam up the machine, necessitating their replacement. These tracks are not covered under warranty, and tend to cost around $40.

Another issue of the Zodiac TX series is that they lack weight and suction. The light weight of this machine may make it much easier to handle, but it can have a hard time staying flat on the bottom of your pool.

Several reviews report this issue, with one user describing the machine as doing “wheelies,” – which may be amusing, but is not very efficient for cleaning.

Other issues with these models are common among other pool cleaners by the Zodiac brand in general. Many users report that these machines break soon after warranty, and typically require expensive repairs.

These failures typically include water in the motor, indicating that these machines were not designed to maintain waterproofing features long after the two year warranty.

Zodiac TX20/TX30/TX35 Warranty and Service

The Zodiac TX20, TX30 and TX35 all come with a two-year warranty.

The quality of customer service that you receive during this warranty period may vary. Many customers who have dealt with Zodiac customer service say that long hold times and a lack of responses for weeks on end is par for the course.

Because repairs on Zodiac products must be made by certified electricians, it can be hard to find reputable repair centres near you. Some customers report waiting for weeks only to be told that no one is available to repair their machine.

While these complaints do exist, some users seem to have a good time with Zodiac customer service, so long as the product is still under warranty.

Depending on your issue, you may be eligible for repairs or replacement at no monetary cost to you, but beware that you may still spend lots of time trying to get access to the coverage you are afforded by the warranty.

Zodiac TX20, TX30 & TX35 Price

The Zodiac TX20/TX30/TX35 is a somewhat cheaper cleaner compared to other products available on the market. The TX20 (now discontinued) typically sells for $800+, while the TX30 is around $1,100. The TX35, which is simply the TX30 with an assembly-required caddy included, can cost upwards of $1,300.

Zodiac TX20/TX30/TX35 - FAQ

What’s the difference between the TX20, TX30 and TX35?

The Zodiac TX20, now discontinued, was not capable of climbing walls. It was then replaced with the TX30/TX35 models, which climb walls.

The difference between the Zodiac TX30 and the TX35 is simply that the TX35 model contains an assembly-required caddy for easier transport of the machine.

Can the TX20/TX30/TX35 climb walls?

The Zodiac TX20 cannot climb walls. The TX30 and TX35 can both climb walls.

How long do Zodiac pool cleaners last?

The general consensus among consumers is that Zodiac pool cleaners tend to last for about two years, or until shortly after the warranty period expires.

There are some reports of people happily using their Zodiac pool cleaners much longer than this period, but repairs may be required to reach this longevity.

Can I Leave My Zodiac Pool Cleaner In The Pool?

Pool cleaners are not intended to be kept in the pool constantly. Instead, they should be removed from the pool after use.

Keeping your Zodiac pool cleaner in your pool constantly will allow the elements of the machine to degrade faster than expected, increasing the likelihood of problems developing even earlier.

Final Thoughts - Zodiac TX20/TX30/TX35 Review

The Zodiac TX20/TX30/TX35 is okay, but better options are definitely available.

Although these products have a relatively lower price point than similar machines, these cleaners don’t have enough consistently-positive reviews about the overall quality of the cleaning process.

If you are interested in other Zodiac robotic pool cleaners, check out the CX20/CX35 or the FX18. You can also check out our list of the best robotic pool cleaners in Australia.

Price Comparison - Zodiac TX20

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