Ten Fires, Nine Property Damage Claims
Wybotics knew about ten separate incidents of these pool vacuums overheating or catching fire before initiating the recall [1]. Nine of those ten incidents caused actual property damage—meaning flames spread beyond the device itself.
Two Models Affected
The recall covers Osprey 700 Max models (WY3312MAX and WY100MAX) and S1 models (WY200). Only specific serial numbers are included, not every unit of these models.
The Serial Number Check
You’ll find the serial number inside the top cover after removing the filter box. For Osprey 700 Max, recalled serial numbers begin with WY100M followed by specific date codes; for S1, they begin with WY200- or W200**.
Specific Date Codes
Osprey 700 Max units with serial numbers WY100M230117XXXX, WY100M230127XXXX, WY100M230130XXXX, and WY100M230318XXXX are recalled. S1 units with WY200-230328XXXX and W200**230330XXXX are included.
The Battery Overheating Problem
These pool vacuums use lithium-ion batteries that can overheat during operation. The concerning part is that fires occurred both while charging and while not charging—meaning the battery can overheat at any time.
While Charging Fires
Lithium-ion battery fires during charging are bad enough. You plug in your pool vacuum overnight to charge it, and wake up to flames spreading through your garage or pool equipment area.
Not Charging Fires Are Worse
The fact that some of these caught fire when not plugged in is particularly alarming. A battery that can spontaneously overheat and ignite even when the device isn’t in use is a constant fire hazard.
The $500 to $700 Investment
These weren’t cheap pool cleaners—they sold for between $500 and $700 at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, and Wybotpool.com. People spent serious money expecting reliable, safe pool maintenance equipment.
Sales Timeline
S1 models sold from April 2023 through September 2024. Osprey 700 Max units sold from April 2023 through November 2024—meaning some of these fire hazards were purchased just months before the recall.
The Free Replacement
Wybotics offers a free replacement WYBOT C2 robotic pool vacuum. They’ll provide a return label for shipping back the recalled unit, then send the replacement within 15 days of receiving your defective vacuum.
Grey and Blue Design
Both models come in grey and blue with the “Wybot” brand name printed on the top/front. They weigh approximately 17 pounds each, though the S1 is slightly larger at 18 x 17 x 11.5 inches versus the Osprey’s 14.6 x 14.1 x 9.4 inches.
Made in China
These pool vacuums were manufactured by Wybotics Co. Ltd. in Tianjin, China and imported by Wybotics Inc. of Arcadia, California. Quality control on lithium-ion battery safety should have caught the overheating issue before 5,000 units reached consumers.
Lithium-Ion Battery Dangers
When lithium-ion batteries overheat, they can enter thermal runaway—a chain reaction where the battery temperature rapidly increases, potentially leading to fire or explosion. Once thermal runaway starts, it’s extremely difficult to stop.
The Water Device Irony
These are pool vacuums designed to operate underwater. The fact that their batteries can still catch fire despite being water-related equipment shows how serious the lithium-ion defect is.
Garage and Pool Area Fires
Most people store pool equipment in garages, sheds, or pool houses. A fire starting in one of these locations can quickly spread to homes, especially if the vacuum is charging overnight near other flammable materials.
No Injuries Yet
Wybotics reported no injuries despite ten fires and nine property damage incidents. But property damage from fires means flames spread enough to burn structures, equipment, or other belongings—people just weren’t physically harmed in these specific incidents.
The Charging Location Risk
Where were people charging these vacuums when they caught fire? Garages attached to homes, pool equipment rooms, or outdoor storage areas—all locations where an overnight fire could spread undetected.
Battery Design or Manufacturing Defect
Either the lithium-ion batteries were poorly designed for this application, or manufacturing defects created internal shorts that lead to overheating. Either scenario represents a failure to ensure product safety.
Breach of Consumer Expectations
Selling battery-powered pool equipment that can spontaneously catch fire violates basic consumer product safety standards. Pool vacuums should clean pools safely without creating fire hazards in people’s homes.
Contact an Attorney
If your Wybotics pool vacuum overheated, caught fire, or caused property damage or injuries, contact a product liability attorney immediately. Preserve the device exactly as it is without sending it back yet, photograph all fire damage thoroughly, document property damage with detailed photos and repair estimates, and save all purchase records and communication with Wybotics.
References
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Wybotics-Recalls-Robotic-Pool-Vacuums-Due-to-Burn-and-Fire-Hazards