Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Faces Algae Issues Post-Renovation
President Donald Trump’s renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has encountered an algal bloom, turning the pool chartreuse shortly after a $14 million makeover. This unforeseen complication highlights the difficulties of maintaining such a large structure with untreated river water from the Tidal Basin.
Challenges of the Renovation
Despite re-filling the pool to restore views of the Washington Monument, Trump’s vision of a blue aquatic expanse faces biological and chemical hurdles familiar to many pool owners. The Reflecting Pool is notably large, exceeding ten Olympic-sized pools. Trump renamed it a lake, further complicating efforts due to its size and water source.
The Tidal Basin’s water quality challenges any renovation efforts.
This iconic site has faced algae issues for over a century. Trump targeted this longstanding problem as part of his plan to beautify Washington ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. More than $14.8 million in contracts have been awarded to tackle the issue, after Trump was inspired by a friend’s complaint about the pool’s appearance.
Efforts to Curb Algal Growth
National Park Service employees and contractors have initiated various treatments to manage the algae. Techniques include using chemicals and ozone nanobubbles, a water purification method designed to minimize harsh chemical usage. These strategies are akin to pre-renovation maintenance practices.
“What do you expect?” remarked Cochise Wanzer II, of the Pool Service Company in Arlington, Virginia. He explained that drawing untreated river water into the pool leads to natural algae growth. The pool’s new dark bottom coats have further compounded the issue by retaining heat, which encourages algae proliferation.
The cleaning efforts also feature a vacuum used to remove algae on the pool floor, revealing stretches of the American Flag Blue paint alongside green patches. In a statement, the park service noted their use of hydrogen peroxide, an alternative to chlorine, which poses no risk to marine life or the environment.
Tourist Reactions and Contractor Insight
Even as cleaning progressed, tourists and locals observed the activity near the pool. On a sunny morning, a contractor waded into the pool, positioning an ozone nanobubble tube amid onlookers.
Rick and Ariana Pettit, visiting from Las Vegas, took photos nearby. Sporting American flag-themed attire, they noted the pool’s gradual return to blue with optimism.
Wanzer suggested a complete overhaul: “They may want to drain it, hose it all down, and start from the beginning with fresh water and treat it as the water comes in.”