Problems emerge after repainting of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
The recent resealing and painting of the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial has encountered issues, including algae growth and peeling paint, prompting criticism of the project’s durability.
The Interior Department announced that crews have completed resealing and repainting the concrete basin of the Reflecting Pool, which lies between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The work was finished in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary, as directed by the administration.
Within weeks, the pool’s water turned bright green due to an algae bloom, prompting staff to scrub the basin and apply a treatment that the department described on social media as having "killed the algae" and restored "crystal clear" water. Images posted showed the Washington Monument reflected in blue water, countering expert comments that the pool would not achieve a clear blue appearance without addressing deeper structural issues.
Later, observers reported that algae remnants remained in the water and that sections of the new coating were peeling away, exposing the original concrete. One missing area was described as roughly the size of a park bench, with a strip of paint several inches long flapping in the water.
