NPS Uses Hydrogen Peroxide for Reflecting Pool Algae

The National Park Service (NPS) is tackling algae growth in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool by using hydrogen peroxide. This decision follows the Trump administration's $13.1 million renovation of the pool, which faced public criticism for its aesthetic choices and a no-bid contract. According to a Department of the Interior spokesperson, the NPS is combining hydrogen peroxide with an advanced filtration system that uses ozone-injected nanobubbles to break down toxins and contaminants.

Videos circulating on social media show workers adding gallon bottles of hydrogen peroxide to the 2,028-foot pool, which has turned green due to algae blooms. Hydrogen peroxide, often used in spas and natural swimming pools, is considered a less harsh alternative to chlorine. The DOI spokesperson assured that the chemical has "no harmful side effects to marine life or to the environment."

Steve Goodale, a pool maintenance expert, explained to CNN that hydrogen peroxide acts as a "turbocharge button" for the oxidization process. He emphasized that the success of this effort depends on the quantity of hydrogen peroxide added to the pool, which holds six-and-a-half million gallons of water.

The recent renovations, which included repainting the pool base "American flag blue" and mending leaking joints, have been criticized for compromising the pool's historic character. The project also drew scrutiny over the DOI's decision to award a no-bid contract to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, which had previously worked on pools at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia. The firm received a 20 percent profit margin, well above the typical rate for federal construction projects.

Despite these controversies, the NPS remains committed to maintaining the pool's cleanliness and addressing algae issues with the new treatment methods.