Even the Internet’s Favorite Pool Guy Doesn’t Know How to Fix the Reflecting Pool
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool turned green after a renovation, and expert Steve Goodale says without more data, diagnosing the problem is impossible.
Steve Goodale, known as Swimming Pool Steve on YouTube with nearly 91,000 subscribers, has become a go-to source for journalists trying to understand the plight of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The pool, which was renovated with the promise of becoming "American flag blue" for the US's 250th birthday, is now green due to an algae bloom. Pieces of the new lining have broken off and float on the surface. President Trump has blamed vandalism without evidence, and US Park Police have arrested people for touching the water.
In an interview with WIRED, Goodale explained that without detailed information—such as water chemistry values, photos, and videos—it's impossible to pinpoint a single cause. He pointed to potential issues like improper installation, chemical reactions (e.g., hydrogen peroxide affecting the liner), or sediment buildup. Vandalism, he said, is unlikely to cause such widespread damage.
The National Park Service has deployed nanobubblers, an ozone injection system that adds oxygen to the water to suppress algae. However, the effectiveness depends on the water source—usually from the Tidal Basin, but switched to municipal water during algae blooms. Goodale emphasized the need to test phosphate and nitrate levels to assess nutrient availability. Draining the 6.5-million-gallon pool is a significant undertaking, and the extent of damage—whether localized or systemic—will determine the cost and complexity of repairs.
