Can Enzyme-Based Hot Tub Treatments Truly Replace Chlorine and Bromine?

[DaveC426913]

This is a product that's supposed to do away with itchy, smelly chlorine and bromine.

http://www.spamarvel.com/index.html"
"...a unique formulation of natural enzymes, minerals and plant extracts and
contains no chlorine, bromine or other harsh chemicals ... made with
seaweed, lanolin and other natural compounds as well as Vitamins C and D which contain
skin conditioning properties..."

It sounds too good to be true.

I asked why every pool supply and hot tub outlet isn't selling this product. The response was: "they make their money on chlorine and bromine sales; this would knock out their bread & butter."

So how can I determine if this product is a viable alternative to bromine?

 

[Moonbear]

I wouldn't dismiss an enzyme as potentially being as effective as chlorine at killing bacteria and algae, though I would question it being less harsh than chlorine. On the other hand, lanolin is the greasy/waxy substance in sheep's wool that is used as a moisturizer (skin lotion), and serves the sheep well by being a good water repellant so they don't get soggy very fast when it rains on them; how would that mix with water in a pool or hot tub? Likewise, vitamin E is a lipid soluble vitamin, not water soluble. It doesn't seem consistent with the idea of a "scum free" pool.

It also fails its own claim of eliminating multiple chemicals...chlorine is only ONE chemical...chlorine. A mixture of enzymes, lanolin, vitamins, and other "natural" compounds is, by definition, a mixture of a LOT of chemicals.

Personally, I'd be more concerned about bathing in an unnamed enzyme mixture than a pool with a low concentration of chlorine.

 

[lisab]

...made with seaweed, lanolin and other natural compounds as well as Vitamins C and D which contain skin conditioning properties...

Sounds like marketing BS. I'm surpised they don't claim that the seaweed is "organically grown."

Besides, lanolin smells like a wet sheep.

 

[Evo]

These enzymes bond to the contaminant that enters the water
(by using naturally occurring magnetically charged technology).

Doesn't explain anything.

 

[chemisttree]

... Likewise, vitamin E is a lipid soluble vitamin, not water soluble. It doesn't seem consistent with the idea of a "scum free" pool.

Yes, definitely scum free is the way to go when dealing with (or in) hot tubs! As my daughter would say, "Yeah, I went there!"