I sent the email below to the organization suing on the reflecting pool.
Hi, I am a California architect with substantial experience in building envelopes, including waterproofing and coatings. I am also a recipient of the https://savingplaces.org/crowninshield-awardNational Trust for Historic Preservation Louise du Pont Crowninshield award, the organization's highest national recognition.
Virtually all of the discussion and debate I have seen has been about the color.
We should also be looking at the product, which, based on several sources, is Nukote PA II (https://nukoteindustries.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/NUKOTE-PA-II-TDS.pdf).
The following is copied form the Nukote PA II product data sheet:
DESCRIPTION Nukote PA II is a high-solids, aliphatic polyaspartic polyurea coating. Nukote PA II displays virtually no odors (mild mint smell) and is moisture insensitive. This product has been specifically formulated to be used as a standalone protective coating or as a top coat for steel, wood, urethane foam, concrete, concrete block, masonry, brick and other types of prepared and primed surfaces in aggressively corrosive environments. Nukote PA II is extremely stain resistant with a high gloss finish and displays excellent UV weathering and corrosion protection characteristics. The product can be applied in temperatures ranging from-4 °F to 140 °F (-20 °C to 60 °C). When fully cured, Nukote PA II will produce a highly abrasion resistant, high-gloss, chemical resistant smooth finish. As a top coat Nukote PA II will provide color stability and added UV protection and durability to numerous aromatic coatings.
TYPICAL USES Ø Architectural Finishes and structural Protection Ø Cold storage areas, Industrial warehouses, chemical plants, pulp and paper mills, fertilizer plantsØ Pipeline barges, off-shore oil platforms ØProtective coating for steel, concrete structures in chemical and corrosive environments Ø Protective coating in aggressive processing plants and industries Ø Metal Fabrication and Online Shop painting Facilities Ø Railcars, coaches, Wagons, Marine vessels and other utility vehicles Ø Electric Poles, Wind mills, offshore structures, Ø Food processing areas, Industrial kitchens and Cold storages Ø Pharmaceuticals as an Aseptic coating for Sterile areas ØLaboratories and clean room coating ØAmusement and water park facades and features Ø Concrete floor coatings in manufacturing and processing plants ØHeavy pedestrian and vehicular parking decks Ø Internal and external coating of concrete and steel basins, tanks and pools.
COVERAGE Theoretical spread rate is 106 ft2 /gal at 14 mils (2.6 m2/liter at 350 microns) for metals. Recommended DFT for concrete is 20 mils (500 microns) and the spread rate is about 75 ft2 /gal (1.85 m2/liter) on normal primed concrete. Spread rate is dependent on the porosity of concrete and the coverage will vary.
Concrete: The surface of a concrete subfloor should be dry, smooth, structurally sound and free of depression, scale, or foreign deposits of any kind. Remove all curing compounds. Abrasive blast, sweep blast or water blast to remove all latent material and expose voids. Use a good quality epoxy filler or mortar for void and spall filling, skim coat or repairs. Prime, fill imperfections in the substrate surface to limit out-gassing. All concrete substrates, on or below grade level should be tested for moisture content. On-grade or below-grade concrete floors or slabs should have a moisture barrier installed to protect from ground moisture. The surface preparation of concrete should meet and conform to Joint NACE 6/SSPC-SP 13 standards and achieve a concrete surface profile of CSP 2 to CSP 5 as per ICRI Guideline No.03732 for optimum performance.
WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMERS Nukote Coating Systems International, a Nevada, USA Corporation warrants that the two components of this product shall conform to the technical specifications published in the product literature. The quality and fitness of the product is dependent upon the proper mixture and application of the components by the applicator. Nukote Coating Systems has no role in the application of the finished polymer other than to manufacture and supply its two components. It is vital that the person applying this product understands the product and is fully trained and certified in the use of plural component equipment and application of plural component materials. There are no warranties that extend beyond the description on the face of this instrument, except when provided in writing, directly by Nukote Coating Systems International and executed under seal by a company officer.
Based on what I have read, the purpose of the coating is both aesthetic and to provide waterproofing. From A!:
Leak prevention: The granite has been leaking more than 16 million gallons of water annually, and replacing it would have cost over $300 million and taken years ELLE Decor+1. The coating is intended to stop these leaks.
President Donald Trump announced the project after visiting the site and being struck by its poor condition, describing it as "leaking like a sieve" and unsightly AP News
We don't know the complete application process, but one thing this type of coating is vulnerable to is vapor pressure from ground water that can cause bubbling and blistering during application, peeling and delamination, and early failure.
Presumably, the ground under the pool has a high water table.
The Lincoln Memorial was built on land that was once a tidal mudflat and swamp along the Potomac River. For much of the 19th century, the site was a shallow, mosquito-infested area where the river's waters would rise and fall twice daily. It was often flooded when upstream in the city flooded, and it was considered "a God‑damned swamp" by some politicians Ghosts of DC+1.
The product data sheet includes the following:
All concrete substrates, on or below grade level should be tested for moisture content. On-grade or below-grade concrete floors or slabs should have a moisture barrier installed to protect from ground moisture.
Presumably, there is no moisture barrier below the pool bottom to prevent water or water vapor migration upward. A moisture mitigating epoxy primer may help, but we don't know if that was used.
Finally, there is no manufacturer warranty, which is typical for waterproofing products.
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