Expert unable to diagnose cause of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool deterioration
With the Trump administration attributing damage to vandalism and deploying nanobubbler technology, industry professionals warn that a definitive diagnosis remains impossible without specific measurements of phosphates, nitrates, and clarity on the water source.
Swimming pool expert Steve Goodale has stated he cannot determine the cause of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool’s deterioration, citing insufficient data on water chemistry and structural integrity. The pool, which underwent a renovation intended to restore its "American flag blue" colour, has experienced significant issues including algae blooms turning the water green and chunks of the newly installed lining peeling off. Goodale, known as "Swimming Pool Steve," noted that without specific measurements of phosphates and nitrates, or clarity on the water source, a definitive diagnosis remains impossible.
The Trump administration has attributed the damage to vandalism and stated the pool will be drained, while also relying on nanobubbler technology to address the algae. Goodale highlighted that while nanobubblers add oxygen to suppress algae and control phosphorus release from sediment, their effectiveness depends on the quality of the source water and filtration system. He pointed out that the Department of the Interior has not confirmed whether the pool is currently using water from the Tidal Basin or municipal drinking water, nor have they provided phosphate or nitrate levels.
Goodale described the situation as overwhelming, comparing it to a *Simpsons* episode where Homer is force-fed donuts. He explained that pools are complex systems where structure, water chemistry, and filtration must work in conjunction. He noted that while hydrogen peroxide might contribute to the peeling, the issue is likely more complex, involving technical installation errors such as ambient conditions, substrate moisture, and chemical compatibility.
The expert estimated that draining the 6.5 million-gallon pool is a considerable undertaking and questioned whether the damage is localized or systemic. He emphasised that without access to water samples to test for phosphates and nitrates, or clarity on the current water source, a definitive explanation for the failure remains impossible. Goodale suggested that if this were a private pool, he would simply take a sample to test for nutrient levels, but access has been restricted.
As the saga continues, Goodale remains one of the most in-demand sources for those trying to understand the monument's condition. He noted that the interior surfaces are chemically resistant but not infinitely so, and that membrane systems require precise installation conditions to bond correctly. Without answers to these technical questions, the cause of the peeling lining and green water remains a mystery.
