"Naturel Spa" spa cleaner.  Does it work according to the claims on
its website: carefreespa.com ?  How does it work?  What are the
downsides to this method?   (Website claims: No testing, No pH
balancing, no chemicals. Just one bottle will keep spa clean for 2
months)

---

Request for Question Clarification by cynthia-ga on 27 Aug 2006 12:56 PDT

Hi arizona1010,

I'd like to bring to your attention the actual words at the web site:

...""ANNOUNCING...Naturel Spa - A Maintenance-Free Formula for a Safe,
Crystal Clear Spa That Virtually ELIMINATES Regular Testing, Chemical
Balancing, Shock Treatments and Toxic Chemicals"  ..."

NOTE the word VIRTUALLY, --here's the definition:
http://www.answers.com/virtually&r=67

1) In fact or to all purposes; practically: The city was virtually
paralyzed by the transit strike.

2) Almost but not quite; nearly: ?Virtually everyone gets a headache
now and then? (People).

3) In essence or effect but not in fact. Derived from adjective: virtual 

4) (of actions or states) Slightly short of or not quite accomplished;
`near' is sometimes used informally for `nearly' and `most' is
sometimes used informally for `almost'
  
Synonyms: about, just about, almost, most, all but, nearly, near, nigh, well-nigh


I HATE the word "virtually" in advertising!

There is no report on this company in the local or national BBB.  

Without an explanation of what is in the product, it's _virtually_
impossible to answer your question!

Do you know the ingredients? All the site says is:  ..."Naturel Spa
has all natural ingredients with plant-derived enzymes that will keep
your water safe without the toxic chemicals..."

My feeling is that if you start with a perfect spa, it'll probably
work fine, for awhile. There are too many variables to guess how long
it will work.

My guess is that the active ingredient of this product is snake oil.

Aren't you hilarious.  Thanks for nothing.

I have been using Le Natural Spa, http://www.naturelspa.com/ for over
4 years now and it works as advertised. (Some damn good snake oil). I
use a bottle about every 3-4 months, but I also use a very good Ozone
unit. http://www.onlinepoolsupply.net/ozonators/delzoneplantinumspa9-9007.htm?id=10

Ozone with the Enzymes is a great combo. I never use any other
chemicals. Well, all most never, in the rare cases where we have
numerous people in the tub such as a party. It is best to throw in
some non-chlorine shock to help the little critters out. The Enzymes
convert the oils and dead skin into CO2 and dust on your filter. If
two many people use the spa at one time it will take the enzymes a few
day to devour all that matter. In that case its best to hit it with a
couple of scoops of NC Shock.

However, with normal bather load we do nothing but enjoy the spa. A
real fresh smell (hint of Joy dishwashing soap, when the smell is gone
we add a bottle) no foaming and crystal clear water. No issue's what
so ever, simply add a bottle every 3-4 months. When our original Del
Eclipse ozone broke, we got by with just the enzyme for about 2
months. Without ozone the enzyme just doesn't last as long. We don't
adjust ph, test anything, nothing, ya its that good! We change the
water only once a year, and use the orange clean product.

We tried Eco One Enzymes, ass covering literture, and nice carry case.
Their kung fu is weak, maybe a month or 2 and it was no longer
working. Stick with the Le Natural Spa. Bottom line is it works and
you are not sitting in a chemical soup. Highly recommended.