Watkins Manufacturing Recalls Hydromassage Rotary Jets in Hot Spring Highlife Spas Due to Hair Entanglement and Drowning Hazard

Watkins Manufacturing Corporation has recalled approximately 32,900 Hydromassage Rotary Jets (6 fin) installed in Hot Spring Highlife Collection spas in the United States — and an additional 853 units sold in Canada — due to a confirmed entanglement and drowning hazard. The recall covers eight spa models from model years 2023, 2024, and 2025, as well as jets sold separately as replacement parts, and was announced February 12, 2026. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is overseeing the recall under case number 26-268.

Quick Facts

Detailed Recall Information

The Hazard

The CPSC confirmed that the Hydromassage Rotary Jets can create a suction force that allows a user’s hair to become entangled in the jets, pulling their head underwater and posing serious entanglement and drowning hazards. This risk applies during normal hot tub use and affects all users with longer hair.

Incidents and Injuries

The firm has received one report of a consumer whose hair was entangled in the jets. No injuries have been reported. As of February 10, 2026, no incidents or injuries have been reported in Canada.

Which Products Are Affected

This recall involves Hydromassage Rotary Jets (6 fin) in Highlife Collection spas and also jets sold as standalone replacement parts. The eight affected models are: Grandee (GGN), Envoy (KKN), Vanguard (VVN), Aria (ARN), Prodigy (HN), Sovereign (IIN), Jetsetter (JJN), and Jetsetter LX (JTN).

How to Identify an Affected Unit

The serial number is located on the right side of the spa’s base pan. The model designator appears at the beginning of the serial number, followed by a letter D or E. The three numbers after that letter indicate the spa’s production quarter. If the serial number contains a letter D or E followed by the specific qualifying production quarter numbers, the spa is included in the recall.

Consumers can check their serial number directly at hotspring.com/recalls to confirm whether their specific unit is affected.

Regulatory Authority

This recall is coordinated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in conjunction with Health Canada. Watkins Manufacturing Corporation is based in Vista, California, and the recalled jets were manufactured in China.

What Consumers Should Do Immediately

Stop using the recalled jets right away — do not use the spa until the remedy is complete.

1. Stop use immediately. Do not operate the spa or allow anyone — especially children or individuals with longer hair — to use it until the jets have been replaced.
2. Check your serial number. Locate the serial number on the right side of your spa’s base pan and visit hotspring.com/recalls to confirm whether your unit is affected.
3. Contact Watkins Manufacturing to receive step-by-step instructions and a video guide on how to safely disable the recalled jets and install free replacement jet inserts.
4. Install the free replacement. Contact the firm to obtain instructions and a video demonstrating how to turn the recalled jets off and how to install free replacement jet inserts in your spa. Consumers will need the serial number located on the front of the spa to make the determination.
5. Do not attempt to use the spa with the recalled jets in place, even if you tie back your hair or take other precautions.

Related article: Topps Class Action Alleges 2025-26 NBA Chrome Mega Boxes Were Falsely Advertised as Containing Blue X-Fractor Cards

Company Contact Information

• Phone: 888-450-5748 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET)
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: hotspring.com/recalls
• CPSC Recall Page: cpsc.gov — Recall #26-268

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you or anyone in your household experienced hair entanglement in the jets, seek medical evaluation as appropriate. Report any injury or near-miss directly to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov or by calling 800-638-2772.

Regulatory and Legal Context

This recall is classified as a Fast Track Recall by the CPSC, a designation used when a company moves quickly to address a confirmed safety hazard in cooperation with the agency. No lawsuits or class action filings related to this specific recall have been publicly announced as of this writing. Consumers who believe they suffered harm due to the defective jets should consult a qualified attorney.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a CPSC voluntary recall. Dealers and resellers should immediately remove affected spa models and replacement parts from sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which products are affected by this recall? 

The recall covers Hydromassage Rotary Jets (6 fin) installed in 2023, 2024, and 2025 model year Highlife Collection spas by Hot Spring, including eight models: Grandee, Envoy, Vanguard, Aria, Prodigy, Sovereign, Jetsetter, and Jetsetter LX. It also includes jets sold separately as replacement parts.

How do I know if my spa has the recalled jets? 

Consumers will need the serial number located on the front of the spa to make the determination. Visit hotspring.com/recalls and enter your serial number. The recalled units have a serial number containing the letter D or E in a specific position, followed by qualifying production quarter numbers.

How do I get the free replacement? 

Call Watkins Manufacturing at 888-450-5748 or email [email protected]. The company will provide free replacement jet inserts along with a video demonstrating proper installation. There is no cost to consumers for the remedy.

Is this recall supervised by the government? 

Yes. The CPSC — the federal agency responsible for consumer product safety — is overseeing this recall in the United States. Health Canada is overseeing the parallel recall in Canada. The official CPSC recall number is 26-268.

What is the risk if I keep using my spa? 

The jets can create a suction force that pulls hair into the unit, submerging a user’s head underwater and posing serious entanglement and drowning hazards. Stop use immediately until the free replacement parts are installed.

Were there any injuries? 

The firm has received one report of a consumer whose hair was entangled in the jets. No injuries have been reported.

Can I still use other features of my spa while I wait for the replacement?

The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the recalled jets entirely. Do not resume use of the spa until the free replacement jet inserts have been installed per the company’s official instructions.

Where can I get more information? 

Visit the official recall page at hotspring.com/recalls or the CPSC’s official recall notice at cpsc.gov (Recall #26-268). You can also call the CPSC’s consumer hotline at 800-638-2772.

Last Updated: March 4, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only. Always follow official recall guidance and contact the company or relevant authority for additional instructions.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah