The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation has become one of the most closely watched aquatic projects in the country. With the nation's 250th anniversary fast approaching, crews are racing to complete a controversial overhaul of the iconic six-million-gallon landmark in time for July 4th celebrations. But will the solution being implemented today solve the pool's long-standing problems, or simply improve its appearance in the short term? In this episode of the Pool Magazine Podcast, host Joe Trusty sits down with aquatic consultant Tim Auerhahn, Chairman of Aquatic Council, LLC, whose comments on the project recently appeared in The New York Times. Together, they discuss the unique challenges of maintaining the historic reflecting pool, why algae and water clarity issues have persisted for decades, and whether coating the basin with a polyurea lining is the right solution. Auerhahn shares his concerns about the lack of peer-reviewed data supporting the material's use in a project of this nature, questions surrounding UV exposure, chemical resistance, fading, adhesion to historic granite, and the long-term implications of altering one of America's most recognizable monuments. The conversation also explores how modern filtration, circulation, ozone, and UV technologies could potentially address the underlying causes of the pool's ongoing water quality problems. The discussion examines the balance between preservation and practicality, the challenges of restoring a 102-year-old aquatic landmark, and whether the accelerated timeline has left enough room for the careful review typically associated with projects of this historical significance. Whether you're a pool professional, watershape designer, preservation enthusiast, or simply curious about one of the most ambitious aquatic renovations in recent memory, this episode offers an inside look at the technical questions surrounding the future of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Topics Discussed: • Why the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is so difficult to maintain • The lessons learned from the 2012 rehabilitation project • Algae blooms, water clarity, and circulation challenges • Rhino Pipeliner 5000 and the use of polyurea coatings • Concerns over peer review, UV exposure, and chemical resistance • Historic preservation versus accelerated project timelines • Will the project be completed in time for July 4th? • What a long-term solution for the reflecting pool might look like • The balance between restoration, aesthetics, and preservation Read our article in Pool Magazine: Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool May Meet Its Deadline—But Will It Solve the Problem? Send us Fan Mail PoolMarketing.comPoolMarketing.com is the leading digital marketing agency servicing the pool & spa industry.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow Pool Magazine, the leading source for pool news on Social Media: FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTube
