December 10, 2025 – A recent incident report highlights a significant safety concern for owners of Sundance Payton 680 series hot tubs. A consumer reported that their hot tub’s temperature sensor displayed readings far below the actual water temperature, leading to superficial minor burns for both themselves and their spouse. The incident raises questions about potential widespread issues, especially since the consumer noted that their specific model, despite exhibiting the exact same defect, was not covered by an existing recall for similar Sundance models.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On November 20, 2025, an incident was reported concerning a Sundance Payton 680 series hot tub. The owner stated that the hot tub’s digital temperature sensor was displaying a temperature significantly lower than the true water temperature. As a direct result of this malfunction, the user and their spouse sustained superficial minor burns. The report explicitly mentions that there is an existing recall for similar Sundance hot tub models experiencing the identical temperature sensor defect, but the Payton 680 series was not included. The consumer strongly recommended that their model and year be added to the recall list, given the identical nature of the safety hazard observed.
Safety Concerns
The primary safety concern associated with a malfunctioning temperature sensor in a hot tub is the severe risk of thermal burns.
- Immediate Dangers: Users can be exposed to dangerously hot water without warning, leading to immediate skin damage. Superficial minor burns, as reported, can progress to more severe second or even third-degree burns depending on the water temperature and duration of exposure. This risk is particularly high for individuals who may have reduced sensitivity to heat, such as young children, the elderly, or those with certain medical conditions.
- Long-Term Risks: Beyond the immediate pain and discomfort, burns can result in blistering, infection, scarring, and, in severe cases, require medical intervention, skin grafts, or lead to permanent disfigurement.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using the affected hot tub is at risk. This includes family members, guests, and particularly vulnerable populations who may not be able to react quickly to discomfort or perceive the danger accurately.
- Property Damage Potential: While the primary risk is personal injury, sustained overheating due to a faulty sensor *could* theoretically lead to damage to internal components of the hot tub itself or surrounding structures if not promptly addressed, though this incident specifically highlights human injury.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Sundance Payton 680 series hot tub or any other Sundance hot tub and suspect a temperature sensor malfunction, please take the following immediate steps:
- Stop Using Immediately: Do not use the hot tub if you believe the temperature sensor is inaccurate or if the water feels excessively hot despite the displayed reading.
- Verify Temperature Manually: If you must use the hot tub, or to confirm your suspicions, use a reliable external thermometer (e.g., a swimming pool or candy thermometer) to manually check the water temperature before entry. Do not rely solely on the hot tub’s built-in digital display.
- Check for Recalls: While this specific model may not yet be officially recalled for this issue, it’s prudent to check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website (www.cpsc.gov) for any related recalls concerning Sundance Spas or temperature sensor issues.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to Sundance Spas directly to report the issue. Provide them with your hot tub’s model and serial number. Inquire about potential remedies, inspections, or if your model is under investigation for inclusion in an existing recall.
- Report the Incident: File an incident report with the CPSC at www.saferproducts.gov. Your report helps identify hazardous products and can lead to recalls and safety improvements.
Manufacturer’s Response
Sundance Spas has acknowledged the incident report concerning the Payton 680 series hot tub. Further details regarding their investigation or potential actions are not publicly available at this time, but the manufacturer’s response to the reported incident is confirmed.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.