The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in collaboration with Bestway (Hong Kong) International Ltd., has issued a recall for approximately 866,000 AirJet and HydroJet Spa Pumps. These defective spa pumps pose a significant fire hazard due to their potential to overheat, which can cause the plastic housing to catch fire. Several injuries and at least one death are linked to the defective pumps.
Spa pumps are designed to enhance the experience of inflatable hot tubs and spas, providing therapeutic water jets and circulating water for heating and filtration. However, when these pumps are defective, they pose serious risks, including overheating, fire hazards, and potential burn injuries. In recent years, defective spa pumps have been linked to several incidents, including house fires and fatalities, raising concerns about consumer safety and product liability.
In the article below, the defective product lawyers at Kherkher Garcia will explore the dangers of defective spa pumps in the CPSC recall, the risks they pose, and how an experienced product liability lawyer can help consumers injured by these faulty products.
Defective Spa Pump Recall Information
According to the CPSC recall notice, at least three fire incidents are linked to the faulty spa pumps. One of these fires tragically resulted in a fatality during a house fire in Kansas City, Missouri, in January 2024. Another incident caused substantial property damage. While no additional injuries have been reported, there are at least seven more incidents currently under investigation.
If you own one of these defective spa pumps, the CPSC urges you to stop using it immediately. Consumers are eligible for a free replacement spa pump or a refund of $100 for AirJet models and $189 for HydroJet models.
These defective pumps may have been sold as stand-alone products or as part of a package with inflatable spa liners. The inflatable spas were marketed under the brand names SaluSpa, Coleman, and Hydro-Force. Model numbers included in the recall are:
- P05332
- P05339
- P05711
- P05807
- P07000
- P07001
- P05511
- P07034
- P07572
The model numbers can be found on the label of the spa pump.
The recalled spa pumps were sold online through retailers including:
- Bestway USA
- Amazon
- Costco
- Walmart
- Sam’s Club
- QVC
- RuralKing
- Spreetail
They were also sold in physical stores nationwide. These products were available between May 2021 and May 2024, with prices ranging from $400 to $790. The defective pumps were manufactured in China by Bestway (Hong Kong) International Ltd.
Consumers should take immediate action to protect themselves and their property by discontinuing use and reaching out to Bestway for their replacement or refund.
The Danger of Defective Spa Pumps
Spa pumps, like any electrical appliance, require precise engineering and safety mechanisms to ensure they operate safely. Defective spa pumps can overheat, causing the plastic housing to ignite. These defects often stem from manufacturing errors, poor quality control, or design flaws that fail to account for prolonged or intense use. When these pumps overheat, they create a significant fire hazard, which can lead to catastrophic injuries and property damage.
The recent recall involving AirJet and HydroJet spa pumps underscores the severity of the issue. According to the CPSC, these pumps pose a fire hazard due to their potential to overheat and ignite. Tragically, several fires have already been reported. These incidents highlight the devastating impact a defective product can have on consumers and their families.
Fire Hazards and Defective Spa Pumps
The most severe risk associated with defective spa pumps is the potential for fire. When an electrical component within a spa pump malfunctions, it can generate excessive heat. If the plastic casing or other components are not designed to withstand these temperatures, they can melt or ignite. The resulting fire can quickly spread, especially if the spa is located near flammable materials or within a confined space, such as a garage or outdoor patio.
Fires caused by defective spa pumps often occur without warning, leaving homeowners little time to react. In many cases, these fires start when the spa is unattended or being used at night, making it more difficult to detect the issue before it escalates. Even if the fire is detected early, the damage can be extensive, often requiring significant repairs or even the complete loss of the home.
Burn Injuries from Defective Spa Pumps
In addition to the risk of fire, defective spa pumps also pose a risk of burn injuries. When a spa pump overheats, it can cause the surrounding water to become dangerously hot. Consumers using the spa may unknowingly expose themselves to scalding water, which can result in serious burns. These injuries can range from minor first-degree burns to severe third-degree burns that require hospitalization and long-term medical treatment.
Burn injuries caused by scalding water can be particularly dangerous for children, older individuals, and individuals with preexisting medical conditions. These groups are often more vulnerable to heat-related injuries and may experience more severe consequences. Additionally, burns caused by defective spa pumps can lead to infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring, further impacting the victim’s quality of life.
Additional Hazards
Aside from fire and burn injuries, defective spa pumps can also lead to other dangerous outcomes. Electrical malfunctions in the spa pump may cause short-circuiting or power surges, posing a risk of electrical shock. Consumers could suffer electrical injuries if they come into contact with the pump or its wiring while it is malfunctioning. Moreover, the risk of water damage from a defective spa pump can result in mold growth or structural damage to a home, further compounding the costs associated with the defect.
Product Recalls and Consumer Safety
When a product is deemed unsafe, manufacturers or regulatory agencies, such as the CPSC, may issue a recall. Recalls are an essential tool for protecting consumers from hazardous products, but they are not always issued promptly. In the case of the recalled AirJet and HydroJet spa pumps, the recall was only issued after multiple fires had already occurred, including one fatality.
While recalls aim to prevent future injuries, they do little to help consumers who have already suffered harm. In many instances, consumers may not even be aware that their spa pump has been recalled until it is too late. This is especially true for products sold over a long period, as the defective pumps in question were available from May 2021 to May 2024. For affected consumers, the question becomes: What can be done after an injury or property damage occurs?
How an Attorney Can Help Consumers Injured by Defective Spa Pumps
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective spa pump, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, property damage, and other losses. Defective product cases, such as those involving hazardous spa pumps, fall under product liability law. This area of law holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible for selling unsafe products to consumers. A skilled product liability lawyer can help you pursue justice and recover compensation by taking legal action against those responsible for the defect.
Here are some of the ways that the defective product lawyers at Kherkher Garcia can assist consumers who are injured by defective spa pumps:
Investigating the Defect
Our experienced lawyers will thoroughly investigate the spa pump defect to determine how the product failed. This may involve reviewing manufacturing records, testing the product, and consulting with experts in electrical engineering or product safety. The goal is to establish that the defect was the direct cause of the injury or property damage.
Identifying Liable Parties
Product liability cases often involve multiple parties, including the manufacturer, distributor, and retailer. Our team can identify all potentially liable parties and determine who should be held accountable for the defect. In some cases, multiple companies may share liability, such as when a foreign manufacturer produces the product and a domestic company distributes it.
Filing a Product Liability Claim
Once the investigation is complete, your legal team can file a product liability claim on your behalf. This legal claim seeks compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases of severe injury or wrongful death, additional damages may be sought to cover funeral expenses and the emotional toll on the family.
Negotiating a Settlement or Pursuing Litigation
In many cases, manufacturers may offer a settlement to avoid the negative publicity and costs associated with a lawsuit. Your lawyer can negotiate with the responsible parties to secure a fair settlement that covers your losses. If a settlement cannot be reached, your legal team will be prepared to take your case to court and present your case before a judge or jury.
Ensuring Compliance with Recall Procedures
For consumers whose spa pumps are subject to recall, our lawyers can ensure that you receive the appropriate remedy, whether that’s a replacement pump or a refund. If the recall procedures are inadequate or poorly executed, your lawyer can hold the manufacturer accountable for any additional harm caused by their failure to protect consumers.
Get Help after a Defective Spa Pump Injury
Defective spa pumps present a serious risk to consumers, leading to fires, burn injuries, and significant property damage. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective spa pump, it is essential to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At Kherkher Garcia, our experienced defective product lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal process, hold the responsible parties accountable, and recover the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait – contact our team today to discuss your case and protect your rights as a consumer. To start your free injury consultation, call us at 713-333-1030, or submit our online contact form.
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