Laughter as workers put peroxide in algae-filled Reflecting Pool': '0 scientists in admin'
Source: Raw Story
June 16, 2026 9:35AM ET
Workers were spotted dumping hydrogen peroxide by the gallon into the Reflecting Pool days after President Donald Trump's $14.2 million renovation turned it green.
CBS News journalist Bob Kovach was on the ground at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Tuesday morning. He posted a video of gallon jugs labeled "hydrogen peroxide" lined up at the water's edge, with workers kneeling beside them and pouring the chemical straight in. The pool, which Trump had painted "American flag blue" and refilled just 12 days ago, has since turned a mossy green.
Anonymous, an X account with 7.5 million followers, posted its own video of the scene. "'They're literally dumping hydrogen peroxide into the reflecting pool this morning,'" the account wrote.
Trump originally pitched the project as a one-week, $1.5 to $2 million job. It ballooned into a $14.2 million no-bid contract awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings — and algae appeared within days of the water being returned. A pool renovation expert had seen it coming. Canadian specialist Steve Goodale, known as "Swimming Pool Steve," warned the Washingtonian that darker paint absorbs more sunlight, raises water temperature, and makes algae blooms inevitable.
Read more: https://www.rawstory.com/reflecting-pool-hydrogen-peroxide/
As a note - I am using this source because others are calling "peroxide", "household bleach" in their headlines, and it IS NOT. "Common household bleach" (like Clorox) is usually some diluted concentration of sodium hypochlorite. But peroxide CAN be used as a "bleach" (strong oxidizer) for something like hair, when concentrated. IMHO, adding that to the water will oxygenate it more, and if they are trying to strip the green color of chlorophyll from the algae, they probably need a drum of it for all that water, and the stuff would eventually die and sink to the bottom, making more of a mess.
= new reply since forum marked as read
According to Wikipedia, " (The original reflecting pool) held approximately 6,750,000 U.S. gallons (25,600,000 liters) of water.[9] It was completely rebuilt between 2009 and 2012.[10] How much water the pool currently holds since the 2009 restoration is unknown."
The guide below only shows figures for 30,000 gallons, max size.
https://alliancechemical.com/blogs/articles/hydrogen-peroxide-pool-treatment-the-complete-guide-to-chlorine-free-swimming
Proper dosing depends on your pool volume, the H₂O₂ concentration you are using, and whether you are performing an initial shock or routine maintenance. The tables below cover the most common scenarios.
Important: Avoid 3% Drugstore H₂O₂
Household 3% hydrogen peroxide is far too dilute for pool treatment. You would need over 100 gallons of 3% to achieve what 1 gallon of 30% can do. Always use technical or higher-grade concentrations for pool and spa applications.
Initial Shock Treatment (First-Time or Conversion)
When converting from chlorine or shocking a pool for the first time with H₂O₂, use these doses to reach a target of 80–100 ppm:
Note: 12% requires gloves, 25% requires gloves and eye protection, 30% requires full PPE.
Keep in mind that peroxide is also used as an antiseptic.
Hydrogen Peroxide Pool Treatment: The Complete Guide to Chlorine-Free Swimming
Why Pool Owners Are Switching to Hydrogen Peroxide
If you have ever stepped out of a chlorinated pool with red eyes, itchy skin, and that unmistakable chemical smell clinging to your swimsuit, you already understand the appeal of a chlorine-free alternative. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂
is emerging as a powerful option for pool and spa owners who want sparkling clean water without the harsh side effects of traditional chlorine treatment.
Unlike chlorine, which produces harmful disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs) and chloramines, hydrogen peroxide breaks down into just two things: water and oxygen. That means no chemical smell, no bleached swimsuits, and no respiratory irritation for swimmers with sensitivities.
Hydrogen peroxide is actually 30% more powerful as an oxidizer than chlorine and works approximately twice as fast at breaking down organic contaminants like body oils, sunscreen residue, and sweat. It is gaining traction among health-conscious homeowners, natural pool enthusiasts, and commercial spa operators who want effective water treatment with fewer trade-offs.
In this guide, we cover everything from the chemistry behind H₂O₂ pool treatment to exact dosing ratios, realistic cost comparisons, and step-by-step instructions for converting your pool or hot tub to a hydrogen peroxide system.
https://alliancechemical.com/blogs/articles/hydrogen-peroxide-pool-treatment-the-complete-guide-to-chlorine-free-swimming
