The Reflecting Pool has drawn the attention of U.S. Pres. Donald Trump during both his presidential administrations, but in April 2026 he announced a plan to reseal the pool and to paint it āAmerican flag blue.ā During his first administration, the National Park Service (NPS) had said that the only solution to the problem was to replace thousands of feet of pipes, which was not done.
Within days of the renovation being completed, the algae was back. In response, the NPS added thousands of gallons of 12 percent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)āa common pool-cleaning agent and an active ingredient in paint strippers in higher concentrationāinto the Reflecting Pool. However, just days after the chemical treatment was applied, the bottom coating of blue paint began to visibly crack and peel, raising questions about whether the added chemicals, combined with flaws in the repair work, contributed to the coatingās failure.
Trump initially indicated that the algae had been killed and would soon dissipate; he also blamed the peeling paint on vandals, saying that in all likelihood the pool would need to be drained again for further repairs. The coverage of the latest chapter in the Reflecting Poolās story has attracted news reporters and sightseers putting their hands in the murky waters.
On July 13, the pool was again drained with the president saying it would be āput back into service soon.ā In August felony charges were dropped against one of the alleged vandals. after prosecutors admitted in court documents that the damage was caused by ābotchedā work during the renovation.