Overview
- The pool was refilled earlier this month after a fast renovation and workers have been seen removing visible algae that reappeared days after the basin was filled.
- Federal contracting records show the expedited, no‑bid work grew to about $14.1–$14.2 million after initial estimates and was awarded to selected vendors including Atlantic Industrial Coatings.
- Internal Interior and National Park Service documents and on‑site photos reportedly flagged coating flaws such as bubbles, pinholes, uneven blue paint and sections needing rework during the waterproofing stage.
- Experts and reporting say the underlying 12‑inch circulation pipes that move millions of gallons to the treatment plant were not fully replaced and the Interior plans pipe repairs in the fall, leaving filtration and long‑term algae control vulnerable.
- Preservation groups sued over the change in the pool’s appearance and a judge permitted crews to finish work while the case moves forward, and scientists warn that hot summer temperatures and shallow, slow water make algae likely to return without more extensive circulation or draining.