Just when it looked like the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was finally ready for its close-up, another setback has emerged.

The White House announced this week that additional repairs will be needed at the recently renovated Reflecting Pool after a string of problems surfaced almost immediately following its reopening. First came the return of algae. Now attention has shifted to reports that portions of the newly installed epoxy lining are beginning to separate from the underlying concrete.

It’s a frustrating turn for a project that, only weeks ago, appeared to be one of the most visually striking renovations on the National Mall.

The Algae Came Back Almost Immediately

Workers had barely finished refilling the Reflecting Pool before a familiar problem began to reappear.

Within days, visitors started noticing a green tint developing in the water. Officials later said they believe algae remaining inside portions of the existing plumbing and circulation system was likely flushed back into the newly filled basin once the pumps were restarted.

Maintenance crews spent much of the following week working around the clock trying to stay ahead of the bloom. Photos showed crews treating the water daily as algae continued spreading across the nearly seven-million-gallon reflecting pool.

Eventually, officials announced they would deploy nanobubble technology—paired with hydrogen peroxide—in an effort to stop the bloom before it became significantly worse.

From Celebration to Cleanup

The speed at which the algae returned made the situation even more surprising, considering how optimistic everyone had been just days earlier.

The recently completed rehabilitation introduced a brand-new blue epoxy lining designed to waterproof the nearly century-old basin and address persistent leakage issues. Members of the project team toured the completed work, and stunning aerial photographs of the vibrant blue Reflecting Pool quickly spread across social media.

For a brief moment, it looked like the renovation had been an overwhelming success.

Then the algae returned.

At first, it was subtle—a faint green cast that was barely noticeable against the brilliant blue epoxy surface. Within a matter of days, however, that changed dramatically. Larger patches of algae began forming across the pool, eventually obscuring much of the newly installed coating beneath.

Fresh images circulating online painted a far different picture than those early celebration photos, showing murky green water and floating algae where crystal-clear reflections had been expected.

A New Problem Emerges

As crews worked to regain control of the water quality, another issue began generating concern.

Reports surfaced that portions of the new epoxy coating are now peeling and delaminating from the concrete beneath.

The reports quickly fueled online discussion, with some observers questioning whether the renovation itself had already begun to fail.

That conversation intensified after former U.S. Olympic cyclist David Hearn was arrested after authorities alleged he damaged the Reflecting Pool by peeling up a section of the newly installed epoxy coating. According to published reports, Hearn has disputed that characterization, maintaining the coating was already loose when he encountered it.

Regardless of how that case is ultimately resolved, the incident brought national attention to reports that portions of the new surface were already separating.

Is Hydrogen Peroxide to Blame?

Could the chemicals being used to combat the algae have contributed to the coating problems?

Probably not, according to pool construction expert Paolo Benedetti.

Benedetti told Pool Magazine that the hydrogen peroxide being used to jumpstart the nanobubble treatment is unlikely to be responsible for the reported delamination. Instead, he says coating failures are typically associated with poor surface preparation, not a single chemical treatment introduced after the coating has already been installed.

That doesn’t necessarily identify the cause of what’s happening at the Reflecting Pool.

Epoxy coating failures can result from a combination of factors, and without a forensic evaluation of the installation, it’s impossible to point to any single reason for the separation now being reported.

What’s Next?

Crews continue treating the Reflecting Pool using the combination of hydrogen peroxide and nanobubble technology in hopes of getting the algae under control while repairs to the epoxy surface move forward.

The timing couldn’t be more important.

The Reflecting Pool was expected to play a prominent role in celebrations surrounding America’s 250th birthday, with hopes the restoration would be completed well in advance of Independence Day festivities.

As of today, however, it appears that the timeline is becoming increasingly difficult to meet.

The next phase of the project will require crews to drain the Reflecting Pool once again so repairs to the surface can be completed before the basin is refilled. At the same time, officials will continue evaluating whether the combination of hydrogen peroxide and nanobubble technology can finally get ahead of the recurring algae problem. With Independence Day and the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations fast approaching, the clock is ticking. Right now, it appears increasingly unlikely the Reflecting Pool will be ready in time, despite the best efforts of crews working to restore one of America’s most iconic water features.

Featured Photo Credit: Matt Smith

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced the recall of approximately 340 Arrogantf spa and hot tub drain covers after determining they violate the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (VGBA), creating a potentially deadly entrapment and drowning hazard.

The recalled products are white plastic suction covers sold for use as hot tub jet covers and spa drain covers. According to the CPSC, the drain covers fail to meet the mandatory federal safety standard because they lack required product markings, service life information, and installation and maintenance instructions. These deficiencies mean the products cannot be verified as compliant with the anti-entrapment requirements established under the VGBA.

Product Details

The recall involves Arrogantf 3-3/4-inch spa suction covers packaged in a clear plastic bag labeled:

• X004TW6LTF
• Arrogantf
• BWG 3-3/4″ 100gpm
• BSC334-AF

Each package also includes two mounting screws in a separate clear plastic bag. The drain covers themselves contain no identifying markings or manufacturer information.

The products were sold exclusively through Amazon between September 2025 and March 2026 for approximately $16. The recalled drain covers were imported by Shenzhen Fuxiangyue Technology Co., Ltd., doing business as Arrogantf, of China.

What Consumers Should Do

The CPSC advises spa owners, operators, and consumers to stop using any spa or hot tub equipped with the recalled drain covers immediately.

To receive a refund, consumers should:

• Remove the drain cover from the spa or hot tub.
• Clearly write “RECALL” on the cover with a permanent marker.
• Photograph the marked drain cover.
• If possible, disable the cover by cutting its perimeter structure to prevent future installation.
• Dispose of the drain cover.
• Email the photograph to [email protected] to request a refund.

No Injuries Reported

At the time of the recall, the CPSC reported no incidents or injuries associated with the recalled drain covers.

Why VGBA Compliance Matters

Drain cover safety remains one of the most important layers of protection in pools and spas. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act was enacted to reduce the risk of suction entrapment incidents, which can result in severe injury or drowning. Compliant drain covers are engineered and tested to minimize these hazards while providing clear guidance on installation, inspection, and replacement intervals.

Pool and spa professionals are encouraged to verify that all installed suction outlets utilize VGBA-compliant drain covers and to replace any non-compliant products immediately as part of routine inspections and maintenance.

For complete recall information, consumers can visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s official recall notice.

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is one of the most recognizable bodies of water in the world. Stretching between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, the century-old basin has served as the backdrop for presidential inaugurations, historic speeches, protests, celebrations, and countless photographs. It is as much a piece of American history as the monuments it reflects.

For decades, however, one of the most iconic pools in America has struggled with persistent algae blooms, water clarity issues, leaks, and aging infrastructure. Those problems have led multiple administrations to explore several rehabilitation projects over the years.

Now, with the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration approaching, the Trump administration has accelerated plans to renovate the pool once again, setting an ambitious timeline intended to have the project completed in time for Fourth of July festivities in Washington, D.C.

The project has generated significant discussion within both preservation and aquatic industry circles. To better understand the challenges involved, Pool Magazine spoke with Tim Auerhahn, Chairman of the Aquatic Council, who was recently interviewed by The New York Times regarding the project. Auerhahn has worked on numerous high-profile aquatic facilities, including projects at Camp David and other government installations.

His perspective offers insight into both the opportunities and concerns surrounding one of the most closely watched aquatic renovations in the country.

A Unique Aquatic Challenge

For those outside the pool industry, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool may appear to be little more than a long decorative basin. According to Auerhahn, that perception couldn’t be further from reality.

“This is an enormous project on several fronts,” Auerhahn explained. “For any pool contractor that’s working on it, it’s probably going to go down as their largest pool renovation project ever.”

The reflecting pool is approximately six million gallons and more than a third of a mile long. Unlike traditional swimming pools that gain volume through length, width, and depth, the reflecting pool derives most of its volume through its extraordinary length while remaining relatively shallow.

“You’re looking at a body of water that’s about a foot and a half to three feet deep at any given point,” said Auerhahn. “It’s a very shallow body of water, too, which really lends itself to notable algae blooms.”

The combination of shallow depth, summer heat, sunlight exposure, environmental issues, and sheer size creates conditions that make algae control extremely difficult. Those challenges have existed for more than a century.

Why Previous Renovations Didn’t Solve the Problem

The last major rehabilitation project was completed in 2012 following a roughly two-year reconstruction effort that cost approximately $34 million. That project focused heavily on structural concerns, including installing thousands of support pilings beneath the basin.

While the work addressed settlement and leakage concerns, algae problems returned almost immediately.

“Right away, when they reopened it in 2012, just a couple weeks later, the algae was back,” Auerhahn noted. “If you want it to be a really crystal clear body of water, structure, surface, and mechanical equipment all need to be considered in a restoration or a renovation.”

From his viewpoint, solving the algae issue requires a comprehensive approach that addresses circulation, filtration, chemistry, waterproofing, and structural integrity simultaneously.

The Coating That Started the Debate

Much of the current discussion centers around the decision to coat the basin with a polyurea-based lining system.

President Trump initially described the project as a relatively straightforward effort to “paint” the reflecting pool blue, a characterization that immediately drew criticism from aquatic professionals.

Auerhahn became one of the most quoted experts on the topic after telling The New York Times that “painting is not going to solve that problem.”

His concern wasn’t that the coating would fail as a waterproofing material. Rather, he questioned whether it addressed the underlying issues that have plagued the reflecting pool for decades.

“If we’re gonna fix the algae problem and we’re going to use a sealant on this basin, that’s ultimately not going to address the real problem,” he explained.

He believes the darker blue surface may improve appearance in the short term and even make algae less noticeable, but that it won’t eliminate the biological conditions that create algae blooms in the first place.

“I think when late September rolls around, and Washington, D.C. has been baking in 90-degree heat, we’re probably gonna see a pretty significant algae bloom again in this body of water unless a whole bunch of other things are addressed.”

What About Filtration and Circulation?

One area where Auerhahn believes meaningful progress could be made is through modernization of the reflecting pool’s circulation and treatment systems.

The previous renovation in 2012 introduced new equipment that draws water from the Tidal Basin rather than relying on municipal water supplies. However, aquatic technology has advanced significantly over the past decade.

“I think what we have done in a decade and a half in filtration, chemical delivery systems, advanced oxidation, and circulation of this basin, we could probably move in a direction where this looks more like crystal clear water for longer periods of time.”

When asked what technologies might be most effective, Auerhahn pointed to ozone and ultraviolet systems.

“There does seem to be a company consulting on this from an ozone generation perspective,” he said. “Advanced oxidation through UV or ozone might be the better way to go, and with that, chemical balance supported by the right circulation system, and ultimately everything being fed through a better filtration system.”

In his opinion, upgrading the equipment might ultimately have a greater impact on water clarity than resurfacing the basin itself.

Questions About Rhino Pipeliner 5000

Another area drawing scrutiny is the specific coating selected for the project.

According to Auerhahn, the material being used, called Rhino Pipeliner 5000, is a product manufactured by the same Rhino known for their popular truck bed liners.

“That’s probably what they’re best known for,” Auerhahn said.

After researching the product and consulting industry professionals, he found little evidence of widespread use in large aquatic applications.

“I proposed it in a whole bunch of pool groups. I said, ‘Has anybody used this? Has anybody seen anybody use it?’ I kind of got crickets.”

His concerns extend beyond simple familiarity. He notes the product lacks peer-reviewed testing specific to several conditions that are highly relevant to the reflecting pool.

According to Auerhahn, there are unanswered questions regarding long-term UV exposure, chemical resistance, adhesion to granite surfaces, and how the coating could eventually be removed if future preservationists decide to restore the basin to its original appearance.

“There are a lot of question marks,” he said.

Among them are reports of bubbling, cracking, uneven appearance, and color inconsistency observed during installation.

“If we decide to remove this product at some point in the future… what have we done to that historical granite?”

Those unknowns remain one of the primary concerns among preservation-minded observers.

Another Leading Expert Weighs In

To gain additional perspective, Pool Magazine also reached out to renowned pool construction expert Paolo Benedetti.

Benedetti, a renowned pool builder, industry expert, and current Watershape University educator, offered a somewhat different assessment.

He noted that polyurea is widely regarded as a durable waterproofing material and has been successfully used in surge tanks and other demanding aquatic applications.

According to Benedetti, the material should hold up structurally and may actually be one of the few practical options available, given the immense scale of the project.

He did, however, acknowledge that UV exposure will likely cause the blue color to fade over time.

Benedetti also pointed out that alternative finishes, such as plaster, would likely deteriorate quickly under the heavy public use the reflecting pool experiences. More durable alternatives, such as large-format porcelain or stone, would dramatically increase both project cost and timeline.

Auerhahn largely agrees with that assessment.

“If you’re just focused on waterproofing this structure, this is a really reasonable solution,” he said. “I do think it’s going to slow the water loss significantly.”

His concern remains whether waterproofing was truly the primary issue being solved.

The Challenge of “Trump Speed”

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the project has been its timeline.

The renovation was publicly announced in late April, with construction activity beginning almost immediately. Officials initially targeted May 22 for completion, a date that has already passed.

While some observers have criticized the accelerated pace, Auerhahn cautions against viewing the discussion through a political lens.

Auerhahn noted that major restoration projects in Washington, D.C. typically involve architects, historians, preservation experts, engineers, landscape architects, the fine arts commission, and aquatic specialists working together to ensure decisions are made thoughtfully.

That level of review helps answer difficult questions surrounding materials, aesthetics, longevity, reversibility, and preservation.

The concern for some observers is that the accelerated schedule may not have allowed enough time for those conversations to ever occur.

Will It Be Ready For July 4?

Despite his reservations, Auerhahn believes the project is likely to meet its ultimate goal.

“From what I saw, they seemed to be almost done,” he said after visiting the site in person.

By his estimate, roughly 95 percent of the basin had already been coated as of his visit in early June.

“I do think at Trump speed, they got this done for the 250th.”

Barring unforeseen complications, visitors attending July Fourth celebrations will likely see a newly coated reflecting pool filled with water and ready for public viewing.

Whether the solution proves successful over the long term remains another question entirely.

A Quick Fix or a Lasting Restoration?

In the end, Auerhahn sees a distinction between achieving a short-term visual improvement and executing a true historic restoration.

“If this was a quick fix and if the messaging was, ‘We want this to look great this summer for this event,’ they did that,” he said.

Water, after all, remains remarkably forgiving. Freshly filled and newly resurfaced, the reflecting pool will almost certainly produce beautiful photographs and dramatic reflections.

But questions remain about long-term color retention, UV exposure, chemical resistance, algae control, future removability, and the impact on the original granite surfaces beneath the coating.

Those are questions that simply cannot be answered yet.

As one of America’s most visible aquatic landmarks enters its next chapter, the industry will be watching closely—not just to see how it looks this summer, but how it performs in the years to come.

Ready to take a deeper dive?

Listen to our entire conversation with Tim Auerhahn on the Pool Magazine Podcast.