Anyone Hear Of This?

[salp]

http://www.ehow.com/how_4796375_hot-tub-wa...-naturally.html

[Roger]

http://www.ehow.com/how_4796375_hot-tub-wa...-naturally.html

No way......... well I spose if you shower and don't bring anything into the tub with you when you soak maybe........no way!!

[pkillur]

http://www.ehow.com/how_4796375_hot-tub-wa...-naturally.html

I have used colloidal silver a few times for homepathic reasons, and seen absolutely not one benefit except for ONE time (this is after dozens of uses, mind you) when I believe it helped with a really bad ear infection my wife got when we were in the mountains. I'm not a big believer. However, I do believe nature2 has "silver ions" - are these the same as colloidal silver? I'm not sure. I don't know that I would trust it.

[JerimiahR]

Even the Nature 2 system with Silver in it does not act as an independent sanitizing agent. The EPA requires it be accompanied by other agents (Such as MPS) to even be marketed as a sanitizer. However, the Nature 2 AG+ cartridges really do work. We've seen a lot of benefit from them over the years.

We're usually fairly leery when folks tell us about "one bottle does all" systems. Many times they're get rich quick schemes. IF you're looking for a very simple, comfortable system I'd recommend something like Silk Balance as an option. It's not a one single bottle cure all, but it gets you a lot closer (and works very well for our customers).

Part of what bothers me about the article you linked to, is that they simply prescribe a single 16.9 ounce bottle for all hot tubs, seemingly regardless of size. Even if this stuff worked, there would more than likely be some content level that works effectively (e.g. parts per million).

I once had a customer come into my store with a small bottle of clear liquid, with paper taped to it and instructions on that piece of paper. She said a dealer sold her the stuff, and claimed that you just put in so many drops (literally, drops) and it would take care of it all. Obviously she came into my store because it wasn't working. No idea what was actually in the bottle.

Mayo Clinic says Colloidal Silver isn't safe:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colloidal-silver/AN01682

What's important to note, is that the Silver Ions in the Nature 2 system are not the same as what is supposedly put into the Colloidal Silver solutions.

Silver is widely used in topical gels and impregnated into bandages because of its wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The anti-microbial properties of silver stem from the chemical properties of its ionized form, Ag+. This ion forms strong molecular bonds with other substances used by bacteria to respire, such as molecules containing sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen.[23] When the Ag+ ion forms a complex with these molecules, they are rendered unusable by the bacteria, depriving them of necessary compounds and eventually leading to the bacteria's death.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver

It's not just silver particles/pieces, but actual silver ions that are used for killing bacteria and such.

[chem geek]

Silk Balance has been discussed on this forum in several threads including this one, this one, this one and this one.

You are correct that colloidal silver and silver ions are not the same thing. Nature2 uses silver ions (and some zinc ions for spas; copper ions for pools) and these along with MPS in a hot spa or with chlorine is an EPA-approved disinfectant. The silver ion probably catalyzes a reaction that breaks down the most irritating minor component in MPS so makes the MPS more tolerable for soaking.

[DK117]

[north_of_boston]

http://www.ehow.com/how_4796375_hot-tub-wa...-naturally.html

Heard of it. I'm staying away from it. Keeping it out of my spa -- and out of my body. 'nuf 'ced.

PS - I also have a 2009 Arctic Yukon Ultra.