Quote Originally Posted by waterbear View Post
Richard, Did the chemist tell you why the product is not approved for use in California? (Then again California also does not allow borates in swimming pools so maybe they just are a bit too strict out there!)

Edit: Don't get me wrong. NaturalChemistry makes some excellent products! Their enzyme based products work very well. I have found that their EDTA based metal remover does not prevent stains from returning in a fiberglass pool as well as phosphinic acid based products such as Jack's Magic or Proteam's Metal Magic. Not trying to hijack the thread. Just want more info on the NaturalChemistyr stabliizer!
I've E-mailed Dr. Lowry and will let you know his response. As for Borates, I don't think they are actually banned from being used in swimming pools. My understanding is that California sets a low level of toxicity for what is considered to be a "hazardous waste" so the borates (which can form boric acid) have to have special labeling and handling instructions, plus maybe fees or something like that. This discourages manufacturers from selling the product in California (think "skull and crossbones" on the product label!). However, I don't recall any such warnings on the 20 Mule Team Borax product which IS sold in California. I don't think it's actually illegal to use it in a pool, specifically. See this MSDS for more info. This link raises concerns for using Boric Acid in broadcast applications with constant exposure. This link that I have referred to in other posts gives details about Boric Acid toxicity levels. The level in pools is way below any problem amount (for skin exposure) and some boron may be necessary as a nutrient and is found in food. I can't seem to find the post, but I did write that it would be best if borates were not used in a pool where a dog drank from it every day -- it could just get over the minimal level where minor symptoms would start, but is still far from toxic levels. The 30-50 ppm Borates were about 2-3 times this minimal problem level as the equivalent for chlorine in the water.

Richard