A renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., has drawn criticism after problems emerged with algae growth and the pool’s new liner, the Associated Press reported.
The $14-million rehabilitation project, which included draining the pool and applying a new blue coating to its bottom, was intended to improve the appearance of the century-old landmark ahead of the upcoming U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations.
However, within two weeks of the project’s completion, a significant algae bloom developed, turning the water green and obscuring the new coating. In response, workers were seen adding hydrogen peroxide to the pool to destroy the algae.
Problems continued when sections of the new liner began to peel away. A piece of liner was spotted partially floating in the pool, and additional detached sections were observed.
U.S. authorities, including President Donald Trump, attributed the damage to vandalism and announced several arrests related to activity around the pool. However, no evidence supporting the vandalism claims had been publicly released at the time of reporting.
Atlantic Industrial Coatings, the contractor behind the pool renovation, acknowledged that some areas require repairs but maintained that the affected sections represent a small portion of the seven-acre project and do not indicate a broader failure of the liner. The company said repairs would be carried out under warranty once the pool is drained.
