Colored Corn starch in pool?

[kul]

Hi! there is an upcoming holiday that my family celebrates. As part of the celebration we throw colored powder (typically dyed cornstarch) at each other and generally up in the air. If any should ACCIDENTALLY get in the pool, aside from having to vacuum does anyone foresee any bigger issues?
Trying to decide on an appropriate location for the crazy mess.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Hi! there is an upcoming holiday that my family celebrates. As part of the celebration we throw colored powder (typically dyed cornstarch) at each other and generally up in the air. If any should ACCIDENTALLY get in the pool, aside from having to vacuum does anyone foresee any bigger issues?
Trying to decide on an appropriate location for the crazy mess.

Cornstarch in the pool would be a bad idea. First of all, it's an organic compound and so it will tend to use up free chlorine through oxidation reactions and who knows what by-products it will create. Second, cornstarch is a thickener and it will dissolve in water which means it will make it into the filter. Depending on what kind of filter you have (please fill out your signature with your pool and equipment specs!), you could create a giant sticky gooey mess inside the filter.

I suggest you do your Holi celebrations somewhere else ... or, if possible, switch the colored powder to talcum powder (aka, baby powder) as that will not dissolve in water but way still cause a mess in the filter.

FYI - talc is a possible eye irritant so you may want to wear safety goggles when dashing one another with powder ....

 

[kul]

@JoyfulNoise appreciate the info. Front yard away from pool it is!

 

[Saturn94]

Cornstarch in the pool would be a bad idea. First of all, it's an organic compound and so it will tend to use up free chlorine through oxidation reactions and who knows what by-products it will create. Second, cornstarch is a thickener and it will dissolve in water which means it will make it into the filter. Depending on what kind of filter you have (please fill out your signature with your pool and equipment specs!), you could create a giant sticky gooey mess inside the filter.

I suggest you do your Holi celebrations somewhere else ... or, if possible, switch the colored powder to talcum powder (aka, baby powder) as that will not dissolve in water but way still cause a mess in the filter.

FYI - talc is a possible eye irritant so you may want to wear safety goggles when dashing one another with powder ....

Isn’t breathing in talc a big no no?

Talcum powder poisoning Information | Mount Sinai - New York

Learn about Talcum powder poisoning or find a doctor at Mount Sinai Health System.

www.mountsinai.org

 

[Homebrewale]

Talcum Powder Lawsuits | Ovarian Cancer & Talc Lawyers

 

[kul]

please fill out your signature with your pool and equipment specs!

I entered this information a while ago. Is it not showing up?

 

[Newdude]

I entered this information a while ago. Is it not showing up?

There are two spots to fill out. You did the one next to your avatar and whatnot atop your post. For the bottom details that can be alot more specific with model #s, click the Hamburger menu in the upper left corner, click the bald lady (mine is a dude) and then click signature. For an idea you can check most people's, but if on mobile you have to turn it sideways first.

 

[kul]

There are two spots to fill out. You did the one next to your avatar and whatnot atop your post. For the bottom details that can be alot more specific with model #s, click the Hamburger menu in the upper left corner, click the bald lady (mine is a dude) and then click signature. For an idea you can check most people's, but if on mobile you have to turn it sideways first.

Thanks. Do you see my update? I entered this into the box as a test.

 

[kul]

Ahhh got it. Thanks @Newdude I was looking in the wrong place. Thanks for the guidance!

 

[Newdude]

Go buck wild as you can add alot. All makes and model #s and all the pool Details.

 

[kul]

Alright. Will go wild.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Isn’t breathing in talc a big no no?

Talcum powder poisoning Information | Mount Sinai - New York

Learn about Talcum powder poisoning or find a doctor at Mount Sinai Health System.

www.mountsinai.org

Talcum Powder Lawsuits | Ovarian Cancer & Talc Lawyers

It’s a one time event and it’s typically done outdoors. I doubt you could inhale enough to cause any serious injury. But just make sure everyone is made fully aware of the CA Prop 65 warning … cuz, ya know, bottled water can potentially cause cancer ….

 

[kul]

It’s a one time event and it’s typically done outdoors.

Totally. Holi powders are typically corn starch anyhow and that’s what I always use. My kid has had it up her nose, accidentally in her eye, and I’m also pretty sure she’s eaten some. Lol. All is well.

 

[Homebrewale]

It’s a one time event and it’s typically done outdoors. I doubt you could inhale enough to cause any serious injury. But just make sure everyone is made fully aware of the CA Prop 65 warning … cuz, ya know, bottled water can potentially cause cancer ….

I know that one time use isn't really an issue. But I'm an environmental engineer who has been writing environmental regulations for the last 30 years so I know having dealt with the public, some people are more fearful over the littlest of risks. So using talc may turn a fun event into something not so fun when someone gets upset it is being used.

Still using Roundup on his weeds.

 

[Saturn94]

It’s a one time event and it’s typically done outdoors. I doubt you could inhale enough to cause any serious injury. But just make sure everyone is made fully aware of the CA Prop 65 warning … cuz, ya know, bottled water can potentially cause cancer ….

Yeah, I wasn’t sure how much exposure it takes to be dangerous.

This reminds me when we were getting quotes for our pool back in 2003. One of the builders warned me not to get a DE filter because DE causes cancer and would be banned soon (he also told me DE costs over $100 for a 25# bag ). The only information I found talked about DE miners who breath DE everyday. Of course we went with another builder and are pleased with the performance of our DE filter. I just avoid snorting it while adding it (only needs recharged once a year).

 

[kul]

I’m happy I didn’t do Holi by the pool!

 

[Newdude]

'Just some dusting' she said ........

Yeah gurl, no.

But OMG it looks like they had a blast !!!! Well done.

 

[kul]

 

[JoyfulNoise]

The guy at the waste treatment plant that deals with sewer runoff is going to be like “what in the name of all that’s holy is this stuff ” … get it? “Holy” ( Holi ) … see what I did there … pretty slick, right?

 

[kul]

I live for dad jokes @JoyfulNoise