Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Renovation: Blue Paint, Green Algae, and Peeling Concerns

In April 2026 the National Park Service drained the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and hired Atlantic Industrial Coatings to repaint its concrete basin “American Flag Blue.” The $14.6 million project finished in early June, but within days a green algae bloom appeared and paint began to peel.

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Algae blooms have recurred since the pool’s 1922 dedication, resurfacing after the 2012 Obama-era renovation and a 2019 water-line repair. The 2026 work was promoted as a permanent fix for the long-standing discoloration problem.

Algae-marred Reflecting Pool draws tourists, but not for reasons Trump wanted

April 2026 – pool drained; May 11 – NYT notes no competitive bidding; June 5 – water refilled; June 14 – algae bloom; June 16 – 12 % hydrogen peroxide added; June 18 – paint peeling seen; June 19 – Interior Dept. declares water “crystal clear.”

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The contract cost $14.6–$14.7 million; $1.7 million funded nanobubble ozone tech, raising total spending above $16 million. The pool is 2,030 ft long, 338,000 sq ft surface. Samples identified non-toxic Desmodesmus algae. Workers applied 12 % hydrogen peroxide as an algaecide.

NPR

The renovation was timed for the nation’s 250th-anniversary celebrations, making the pool a visual centerpiece of the “Make America Beautiful” agenda. Cost overruns, paint loss, and recurring algae have sparked public scrutiny of project planning, environmental impact, and coating durability.

Reflecting Pool renovations to cost more than $16 million

President Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum praised the “American Flag Blue” finish as a lasting improvement. The Interior Department said hydrogen peroxide is a mild, eco-friendly algaecide and that nanobubble ozone technology “very effectively killed the algae.” The National Park Service noted algae blooms are common after reopenings and that vacuuming dead algae would continue for several days.

Some of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool liner appears to be falling apart

The Cultural Landscape Foundation sued, arguing the dark liner creates a “resort-like” aesthetic that violates historic design. Environmental groups condemned the no-bid $14.6 million contract and warned rapid scheduling ignored proper flushing of supply lines. Visitors called the project a waste of taxpayer money.

Reflecting Pool renovations to cost more than $16 million

Sources disagree on why the paint peeled—some cite hydrogen peroxide’s paint-removing properties, others mechanical scrubbing or sealant failure. Reported costs vary between $14.2 million and $14.7 million, and officials have not confirmed sabotage claims.

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• “It's called 'New Pond Syndrome,'” — Steve Goodale, Canadian swimming-pool specialist (“Swimming Pool Steve”).

NPR

• “for the last week and I can see the gradual change," he said.” — Loay Hidmi, civil engineer, water-treatment specialist.

NPR

• “A blue-tinted basin is more appropriate to a resort or theme park.” — Charles Birnbaum, President & CEO, Cultural Landscape Foundation.

Forbes

• “You're going to be very proud of it. It'll last for 50 to 100 years before you have to do anything, with very strong, powerful substance that we used,” — President Donald Trump, Truth Social post.

Algae-marred Reflecting Pool draws tourists, but not for reasons Trump wanted

The Interior Department will keep applying nanobubble and peroxide treatments while monitoring water. The pool is slated to reopen for the July 4 semiquincentennial events, with sealant work planned if algae returns.

NPR