Quote Originally Posted by Justy View Post
I have a plan to set a pool of water on fire.

The plan is to put enough oil into the pool, so that there is a thin layer of oil over the entire surface of water. That way, the oil can catch fire, but since it won't mix with water, the water would be ok. And in my "theory" it would be possible to swim under the fire in the water.


Ok scientists, tell me what I'm doing wrong and why
Two big issues spring to mind:

Firstly, the water will quickly get contaminated with filthy residue of burnt oil.

Secondly, swimming under the fire wouldn't be too bad, but then you'd have to surface for air. You'd get burning oil stuck to your face, hair, etc. Not pleasant, with potential for permanent disfigurement.

If you try to get around this by using a snorkel, then there're further complications: a plastic snorkel could melt or burn, while a metal one would absorb heat. Your lungs wouldn't appreciate either option. If the snorkel's too short, then its opening might be in a layer of oil smoke, so you'd be in the unique but unenviable position of suffocating while underwater.

Quote Originally Posted by Shlup
Doesn't oil and water and fire cause... explosions?
Only if you try to extinguish an oil fire by pouring water on it. And it has to be a hot volume of oil, too, - like a pan of cooking oil. A thin layer of oil on a large body of water probably wouldn't be as bad, though it could still be hard to put the fire out with water alone. If you splash water onto one area, the oil'll just float back up and get re-ignited by the flames around it.

Overall, I'd just say that dicking around with fire really isn't a good idea.