What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a significant recall affecting approximately 866,000 inflatable spa pumps manufactured by Bestway. These units, marketed under the specific model names AirJet and HydroJet, were identified as unsafe due to critical design flaws that could lead to overheating. The scope of this recall is broad, encompassing pumps that were not only sold as standalone replacement parts but also integrated into complete hot tub systems. If you purchased an inflatable spa from a major retailer in recent years, there is a strong possibility your unit contains one of these affected pumps.
To determine if your equipment is part of this recall, you must look closely at the branding and model numbers printed on the device itself. The pumps were sold under the Bestway brand name, which is clearly labeled on the side or back of the spa pump’s housing. Alongside the brand name, a specific model number is printed on the label. The recall specifically targets the following nine model numbers: P05332, P05339, P05711, P05807, P07000, P07001, P05511, P07034, and P07572. It is crucial to check this label directly on the pump unit, as the packaging may no longer be available.
These pumps were often bundled with inflatable spa liners sold under three primary retail brands: SaluSpa, Coleman, and Hydro-Force. If your hot tub liner displays any of these brand names on its side, it is likely one of the recalled products. The inflatable liners came in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes, making visual identification alone insufficient for confirmation. You must verify the pump model number to be certain. These products were widely distributed across various retail channels, meaning they are still in use in thousands of homes across the United States.
The timing of this recall is particularly urgent given the severity of the hazard involved. Announced on September 12, 2024, the notice follows reports of serious incidents linked to these specific pumps. The sheer volume of units—nearly nine hundred thousand—highlights the importance of immediate verification. Because these pumps function as the heart of many popular, affordable inflatable hot tubs, their failure does not just render the spa unusable; it poses a direct threat to home safety. If you own an inflatable spa under the SaluSpa, Coleman, or Hydro-Force brands, do not wait for further notifications. Locate your pump and check its model number against the list provided above to see if your unit is included in this critical safety action.
The hazard, explained
When we talk about the recalled AirJet and HydroJet spa pumps manufactured by Bestway, it is helpful to understand exactly what is happening inside the device when things go wrong. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the core issue is that these specific pumps can overheat. This is not just a minor temperature fluctuation; it is a significant thermal event that compromises the structural integrity of the pump’s outer shell. The plastic housing, which is designed to protect the internal electrical and mechanical components, begins to soften and eventually ignite due to this excessive heat. Once the plastic catches fire, the hazard shifts from a simple malfunction to an active, rapidly spreading fire threat.
To understand why this is so dangerous, it helps to look at how these pumps are typically used. These units are often sold as part of inflatable spa systems under brands like SaluSpa, Coleman, and Hydro-Force. In many cases, the pump sits directly on or very close to the floor of a room where people are gathered, or in an area with combustible materials such as carpets, curtains, or furniture. When the plastic housing ignites, it does not just burn slowly; the CPSC report notes that this mechanism has already led to at least three fires, including one severe house fire in Kansas City, Missouri, in January 2024. That specific incident resulted in a fatality, underscoring that the heat generated by the overheating pump is sufficient to breach the enclosure and ignite surrounding materials with alarming speed.
The physics of this failure are particularly concerning because the pump is an electrical device operating in a high-humidity environment. Normally, these units are built with safety margins to handle the electrical load required to circulate water. However, in the recalled models—specifically model numbers P05332, P05339, P05711, P05807, P07000, P07001, P05511, P07034, and P07572—this safety margin appears to have failed. The internal components likely generated heat faster than the housing could dissipate it, or an electrical fault caused a localized hot spot. Because the outer shell is plastic, once the threshold of ignition is crossed, there is no automatic shutoff mechanism built into the design to stop the burning. This creates a chain reaction: the pump overheats, the plastic melts and catches fire, and that fire can quickly spread to the inflatable liner or nearby household items.
While we have confirmed reports of three fires with one death and another causing significant property damage, it is important to note that the CPSC is currently investigating seven additional incidents. Although no injuries have been reported in those specific cases yet, the pattern suggests a systemic design flaw rather than isolated user error. The danger lies in the fact that you might not hear or see the pump overheating before the plastic housing ignites. By the time you notice smoke or flames, the fire may already be established enough to escape the immediate area of the spa equipment. This is why the hazard is considered so critical; it transforms a leisure product into an unpredictable ignition source within your home.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at immediate risk consists of the owners and operators of the approximately 866,000 recalled AirJet and HydroJet spa pumps manufactured by Bestway. Because these defective units are often sold as bundled packages with inflatable spa liners under popular brands like SaluSpa, Coleman, and Hydro-Force, many consumers may not realize they possess a dangerous component until it is too late. The risk is not limited to the pump itself but extends to anyone who has entered the water or allowed others to enter the water where this specific equipment is installed. When a pump overheats and its plastic housing ignites, the resulting fire can spread rapidly in an indoor environment, trapping individuals who are physically compromised by their surroundings.
The demographic most vulnerable to severe injury or fatality from this hazard includes individuals who are elderly, have limited mobility, or suffer from chronic health conditions that affect physical strength and reaction time. Inflatable spas are frequently marketed toward families, seniors, or individuals seeking accessible relaxation at home. However, the nature of these products means users are often seated in warm water, which can cause muscle relaxation and decreased alertness. If a fire breaks out due to the pump’s electrical failure, a person sitting in a spa may find it difficult to stand up quickly, navigate through steam or smoke, or break free from the inflatable structure to escape. The heat from the burning plastic housing can also cause immediate burns to anyone in direct contact with or near the pump unit.
Children and young adults are also at significant risk, not only due to their physical vulnerability but because they may be less aware of the subtle warning signs of an overheating appliance. A child playing in the spa might place hands or feet directly against the pump housing, which can become extremely hot before it ignites. Furthermore, the psychological impact of a sudden fire in a confined space like a bathroom or bedroom can cause panic and disorientation, leading to poor decision-making during evacuation. The recall notice highlights that one death has already occurred in a house fire linked to these pumps, underscoring that this is not a theoretical risk but a lethal one for anyone living in the home where these units are installed. Even those who do not use the spa directly are at risk if they sleep in adjacent rooms or floors, as smoke inhalation and structural damage from the fire can endanger all occupants.
Ultimately, the risk is universal to anyone sharing a living space with these specific model numbers: P05332, P05339, P05711, P05807, P07000, P07001, P05511, P07034, and P07572. There is no safe subgroup within this category because the electrical failure mechanism does not discriminate based on age or health status. The only way to eliminate the risk is to remove the pump from the environment entirely through the recall remedy.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action, you need to confirm whether your specific spa pump is part of this recall. Because these pumps are often sold as components within larger kits or bundled with inflatable liners, identifying them requires a close inspection of both the pump itself and the accompanying spa liner. The recall specifically targets AirJet and HydroJet Spa Pumps manufactured by Bestway. It is crucial to understand that not every Bestway pump is affected; only models with specific model numbers are included in this safety notice.
The most reliable way to identify a recalled unit is to check the label printed directly on the spa pump. Look for the word "Bestway" along with one of the following nine model numbers: P05332, P05339, P05711, P05807, P07000, P07001, P05511, P07034, or P07572. This label is typically located on the side or the back of the plastic housing of the pump. If you can see these specific numbers printed clearly on the device, your pump is part of this recall and must be addressed immediately.
If you purchased your spa as a complete set rather than just the pump alone, the identification process involves looking at the inflatable spa liner as well. These recalled pumps were sold in packages with inflatable spa liners under three specific brand names: SaluSpa, Coleman, and Hydro-Force. You should look for these brand names printed on the side of the inflatable liner. The liners came in various colors, styles, and sizes, so color alone is not a definitive identifier. However, if you see one of these three brands on your liner, it is highly likely that the included pump is among those recalled.
It is also important to note that while many pumps were sold bundled with liners, some AirJet and HydroJet spa pumps may have been sold separately. If you bought a pump individually, rely solely on the model number label on the pump itself. Do not assume a pump is safe just because it does not match a brand name on a liner; if the model number matches one of the nine listed above, it is subject to this recall regardless of how or where it was purchased.
- Check the Pump Label: Look for "Bestway" and one of the nine specific P-series model numbers on the side or back.
- Check the Liner Brand: If bundled, look for SaluSpa, Coleman, or Hydro-Force on the liner's side.
- Verify Model Numbers: Only the specific models listed are included; other Bestway models are not part of this recall.
Once you have confirmed your model number matches the list, stop using the pump immediately. Do not attempt to use it again until you have contacted Bestway for a free replacement or refund. Taking the time to verify these details accurately ensures that you are addressing the correct hazard and keeping your home safe.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Bestway AirJet or HydroJet spa pumps, your immediate priority is safety, not convenience. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a serious fire hazard associated with these units, and the manufacturer’s official remedy is clear: you must stop using the equipment right away. Do not attempt to repair it yourself, do not try to reset it, and do not leave it plugged in while you are home but not actively using it. The risk of overheating and igniting the plastic housing exists whenever the unit is powered on, regardless of whether water is circulating. Treating this as an urgent matter rather than a minor inconvenience is crucial for protecting your home and family. First, carefully unplug the spa pump from the electrical outlet. If the pump is still installed in or near your inflatable spa liner, disconnect it completely. It is important to handle the unit with care; if the plastic housing has been exposed to heat during its operational life, it may be brittle or fragile. Avoid dropping or striking the pump, as this could damage internal components that might pose a secondary risk. Once unplugged, move the pump away from any flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture, or dry vegetation, and place it in a cool, non-combustible area like a concrete garage floor or a paved driveway until you are ready to contact Bestway. Do not attempt to drain the spa or dismantle the liner unless you have already secured the pump for return, as this may complicate the verification process later. Next, locate the model number on the label attached to the side or back of the spa pump. The recall specifically targets models P05332, P05339, P05711, P05807, P07000, P07001, P05511, P07034, and P07572. Verify that the label clearly displays "Bestway" alongside one of these numbers. If your pump is part of a package sold under SaluSpa, Coleman, or Hydro-Force, check the side of the inflatable spa liner for these brand names as well, though the pump itself holds the definitive model identification. Having this information ready will streamline your communication with customer support and ensure you are directed to the correct remedy without delay. Finally, contact Bestway to initiate the recall process. You can reach their dedicated support line at 888-943-2396 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, visit www.bestwayusa.com and navigate to "Recall and Safety" in the bottom footer, or go directly to www.bestwayusa.com/product-safety-and-recall for detailed instructions. When you contact them, explain that you are participating in the fire hazard recall. Bestway will arrange for a free replacement spa pump or provide a refund—$100 for AirJet models and $189 for HydroJet models. Follow their specific instructions for returning the old unit, which may include prepaid shipping labels. By completing these steps promptly, you eliminate the risk of fire and ensure you are covered by the manufacturer’s safety commitment.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have confirmed that your spa pump is among the recalled units, the good news is that Bestway has established a clear and generous remedy to resolve the issue. You are not left to deal with a potentially dangerous product on your own. The company is offering two distinct paths to make things right: a free replacement spa pump or a direct refund. It is important to choose the option that best fits your current situation, whether that means getting back up and running quickly or simply closing the chapter on the purchase entirely.
For those who wish to keep their inflatable spa setup, Bestway will provide a free replacement spa pump. This is generally the most convenient route if you are eager to resume using your hot tub without significant delay or additional cost. By accepting a replacement, you ensure that your unit continues to function with a part that does not carry the same overheating risk. This option effectively repairs the core safety flaw in your existing system by swapping out the faulty component for a safe one at no charge.
If you prefer not to continue using this specific model or simply want to cut your losses, Bestway offers cash refunds based on the type of pump you own. The refund amounts are fixed and depend entirely on which model you have in your possession. If you own an AirJet spa pump, you are eligible for a $100 refund. If you have a HydroJet spa pump, the refund amount is higher, at $189. These figures represent the full monetary remedy provided by the manufacturer; there are no partial refunds or pro-rated calculations based on how long you owned the item. You receive the specific dollar amount tied to your pump type.
To initiate either of these remedies, you must contact Bestway directly. Do not attempt to return the item to a retail store, as the recall process is managed centrally by the manufacturer. You can reach their dedicated support team by calling their toll-free number at 888-943-2396. Their representatives are available to assist you from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can handle the process online. Visit www.bestwayusa.com/product-safety-and-recall or go to the main site at www.bestwayusa.com and click on "Recall and Safety" located at the bottom of the page. These digital portals are designed to guide you through the verification and remedy selection process without requiring a phone call if you prefer that method.
When you contact Bestway, be prepared to provide specific details to verify your unit is part of this recall. Have your pump’s model number ready, as it is printed on the label on the side or back of the device. You may also need to provide proof of purchase, although the recall notice does not explicitly state if this is mandatory for every case, so having your receipt handy is a wise precaution. Once you have submitted your information and selected your preferred remedy—whether that is the free replacement pump or the applicable cash refund—the company will guide you through the next steps to ensure you are compensated or equipped safely.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a consumer product is recalled due to a fire hazard, the decision to continue using it might feel like a minor inconvenience compared to the hassle of stopping your relaxation routine and navigating the return process. However, in this specific case, the stakes are exponentially higher than a simple malfunction. The AirJet and HydroJet spa pumps recall issued by the CPSC is not based on a theoretical risk or a minor defect that might cause annoyance; it is rooted in a physical reality where the internal components can overheat to the point of igniting the plastic housing. Ignoring this warning means leaving a potential ignition source active in your home, often in close proximity to flammable materials such as vinyl spa liners, wooden decks, or indoor flooring.
The consequences of ignoring this recall are already documented in tragic real-world scenarios. The CPSC has confirmed that at least three fires have occurred involving these specific pumps. Most notably, one of these incidents resulted in a house fire in Kansas City, Missouri, in January 2024, which tragically led to the death of an individual. This is not just a statistic; it is a reminder that electrical failures in heating elements can escalate rapidly from a minor overheating event to a catastrophic structural fire. When the plastic housing ignites, it releases toxic fumes and spreads flames quickly, endangering not only the spa itself but the entire structure it resides in and the people within it.
Beyond the confirmed fatalities and significant property damage from known incidents, there are seven additional reports currently under investigation. While no injuries have been reported in these specific pending cases yet, the fact that they involve the same model numbers suggests a pattern of failure. Continuing to use a recalled pump is essentially gambling with your safety. You might get lucky and experience no incident for months or even years, but the probability of a fire increases with every hour the defective component remains powered on. The heat buildup does not discriminate; it will continue until the material reaches its ignition point.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall means you are assuming full financial and legal liability for any resulting damage. If a fire starts because you refused to take advantage of the free replacement or refund offered by Bestway, your homeowner’s insurance may complicate claims if it is determined that you ignored an official safety alert. The remedy provided is straightforward: stop using the pump immediately. By acting now, you protect your family, your home, and your peace of mind from a risk that is entirely preventable.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a critical defect in certain inflatable spa pumps, maintaining safety with any electrical appliance that interacts with water requires a proactive and layered approach to prevention. The primary lesson here extends far beyond checking model numbers; it is about understanding the unique risks posed by combining electricity and moisture in temporary or semi-permanent structures. Inflatable spas, while convenient, often lack the rigid grounding and thermal regulation systems found in permanent in-ground pools. Therefore, the responsibility for safety shifts heavily toward the owner’s diligence in monitoring equipment condition and environmental factors.
First, always prioritize the use of a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) for any spa or hot tub setup. A GFCI is not just a recommendation; it is a life-saving device designed to detect imbalances in electrical current and cut power in milliseconds if a fault occurs. When installing your spa, ensure the outlet is specifically rated for outdoor use and is protected by a GFCI breaker or a portable GFCI adapter. This provides a crucial second line of defense against electrocution, especially since water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Regularly inspect the power cord for fraying, cracks, or exposed wires before every use. If you notice any damage to the housing or connections, stop using the unit immediately and do not attempt a DIY repair.
Ventilation and heat management are equally important for inflatable structures. Unlike concrete or fiberglass spas, the plastic walls of an inflatable spa can trap heat more effectively, potentially raising the ambient temperature around the pump motor beyond safe operating limits. Ensure your spa is placed on a level, stable surface that allows air to circulate freely around the pump unit. Never cover the pump with towels, blankets, or other materials while it is running, as this can lead to overheating. Additionally, be mindful of the electrical load on your home’s circuit. Running high-wattage heating elements alongside other large appliances on the same circuit can cause voltage fluctuations that stress the pump’s internal components.
Beyond immediate usage habits, cultivate a habit of regular product registration and recall monitoring. Manufacturers often update safety protocols or issue recalls based on long-term field data that may not be apparent during initial use. Sign up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and subscribe to notification lists from major retailers where you purchase home goods. This ensures you are among the first to know if a defect is identified in any of your appliances, allowing you to act before an incident occurs. Finally, keep all electrical components at least three feet away from the water’s edge whenever possible, and never handle plugs or switches with wet hands. These simple, consistent habits form the foundation of a safe home environment.