Does anyone have any experience with Natural Chemistry Spa Perfect? We are new to owning a hot tub but our local chemical store recommend Spa Perfect a SmartZyme that controls unwanted non living organic contaminants for weekly maintenance. I added it last night and woke up to a yucky tan/light brown gunk all over my hot tub. Prior to adding this my water looked, felt, and smelled normal along with the chemicals being balanced with the chlorine a little high. We did a water change about 2 weeks ago and replaced the filters with new ones at the same time. We also did a spa purge prior to draining it. We have done a purge and drain 2x’s since October. We use it about 2-4 times a week and it’s usally only myself that gets in it. Someone suggested the metals might be high and that’s what’s causing the gunk with the product. I’m at a loss and being a newbie I’m not sure what might be causing the issues. I would have guessed water needed to be changed had we not just done it 2 weeks ago. What’s others experience with this product?
Natural Chemistry Spa Perfect
- Thread starter AngelC
- Start date
- May 23, 2015
- 24,711
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
The MSDS can be found here - https://media.nat.cm/filer_public/44/d9/44d96be4-fa88-4cf4-8b5b-eee518ddad5e/spa_perfect_-_english_sds_dec_2016.pdf
The only active ingredient listed on the MSDS (ie, the one that they are required to disclose by law because it can affect human health) is 1,3,5-Triazine-1,3,5-triethanol also known as TZT. TZT is used as a biocide in metal working fluids and other aqueous applications such as oil field drilling mud. It it a broad spectrum antibacterial/anti-fungal agent. There is limited epidemiological data on it but some limited studies have shown that it can cause contact dermatitis and skin sensitization in humans.
The product should be used as per the label recommendations and I would personally flush the tub after use and wipe down the walls to remove any biofilms that it might expunge from the plumbing. As a personal recommendation, I would not use this product but rather suggest you use Ahh-some as it is a much stronger formulation of a well known surfactant and biocide that has much more in-depth epidemiological studies associated with it.
The only active ingredient listed on the MSDS (ie, the one that they are required to disclose by law because it can affect human health) is 1,3,5-Triazine-1,3,5-triethanol also known as TZT. TZT is used as a biocide in metal working fluids and other aqueous applications such as oil field drilling mud. It it a broad spectrum antibacterial/anti-fungal agent. There is limited epidemiological data on it but some limited studies have shown that it can cause contact dermatitis and skin sensitization in humans.
The product should be used as per the label recommendations and I would personally flush the tub after use and wipe down the walls to remove any biofilms that it might expunge from the plumbing. As a personal recommendation, I would not use this product but rather suggest you use Ahh-some as it is a much stronger formulation of a well known surfactant and biocide that has much more in-depth epidemiological studies associated with it.
- May 23, 2015
- 24,711
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Ahh-some is a system purge product. Typically you only need to use it once per season. If you maintain your hot tub using the dichlor-then-bleach method taught in this forum, then you only need to purge once per year and you don’t need any other “magic potions” sold at the spa store. Enzymes products are fairly useless and do more to drain your wallet than keep your tub clean.
I am not an expert on the product you used, but it looks like the application of the product had a result that is drawing out some bad stuff (biofilm type gunk). That stuff is nasty and needs to be wiped out and cleaned, and also the water should be drained and filled.
My simple speculation is your tub was not purged to 100% clean, and this enzymatic cleaner drew out some remaining gunk. So, on one hand that is a good thing! However, you no longer have clean water.
I second the vote for Ahh-some.... it is tremendous. It does a great job purging. I did two purges with it, with a drain and refill each time, until there was no more gunk. I clean the walls with a diluted version of it, and I add a very small amount (half teaspoon) every 2-3 weeks.
good luck! I know that stuff looks gross, and is frustrating because you had "clean" water before, but try and take it as a sign you are getting your tub cleaner now.
My simple speculation is your tub was not purged to 100% clean, and this enzymatic cleaner drew out some remaining gunk. So, on one hand that is a good thing! However, you no longer have clean water.
I second the vote for Ahh-some.... it is tremendous. It does a great job purging. I did two purges with it, with a drain and refill each time, until there was no more gunk. I clean the walls with a diluted version of it, and I add a very small amount (half teaspoon) every 2-3 weeks.
good luck! I know that stuff looks gross, and is frustrating because you had "clean" water before, but try and take it as a sign you are getting your tub cleaner now.