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Quick Hit – Reflecting on the Pool [1]

['Dan K', 'Chloris Creator', 'Greg Dworkin', 'Thom Hartmann']

Date: 2026-07-20  

So the cosmetic repairs to the Lincoln Monument Reflecting Pool failed. Let me posit what some of the factors contributing to that failure might be.

First, what were the specifications for the work to be done. Were there definitions and criteria defining how the work was to be done? I suspect that the only “spec” that was provided to the “contractor” was that the color be American flag blue. Now, I know as a registered professional engineer experienced in civil projects that that is not a sufficient set of specifications for a successful job. And, as an experienced DIY homeowner who has rehabilitated homes, I know that the result of any paint job is totally dependent on the surface preparation. If you don’t properly prepare before painting, you might as well save the paint or you’re just putting lipstick on a pig.

Second, was there an on-site inspector to keep an eye on the “contractor” to ensure that any “specs” as there may have been were being properly followed? If you don’t have an experienced inspector on the job site to verify the work being performed by the contractor, well good luck with that. Compliance with the job specifications is not optional, but that assumes that there are proper specs.

Third, what is the warranty period and hold-back on the work? It was common in the civil work contracts I bid for clients to have a one year warranty for the work and a ten percent hold back. If there were defects in the work, the contractor was required to remedy any defects before receiving the final ten percent of the total contract to ensure proper performance.

Believe me when I say that there is much more required for the successful completion of a civil project than just the three aspects I have mentioned. However, there would not appear to have been any aspects of a proper civil project for the Lincoln Memorial Reflection Pool repairs, including the traditional competitive bid process!

On the other hand as there was no competitive bidding, and the “contractor” was Trump’s pool guy, maybe the favored contractor will be paid and not stiffed like so many others who have worked on Trump projects have been.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/7/20/800072548/community/quick-hit-reflecting-on-the-pool/

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