YouTube Channel
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Steve Goodale - Swimming Pool & Aquatic Systems Specialist
I am Steve Goodale, known across the internet as “Swimming Pool Steve.” I am a second-generation pool and spa builder with more than 35 years of hands-on experience in swimming pool and aquatic systems construction, water chemistry, and system maintenance and troubleshooting.
As a consultant, I focus on aquatic systems including design considerations, operational efficiency, safety, and failure analysis in swimming pools, ponds, natural swimming pools, and architectural water features across residential and commercial settings.
My work focuses on understanding how swimming pools and large aquatic systems behave in real-world conditions — including residential pools, commercial facilities, fountains, reflecting pools, and other engineered water features.
Through my educational platform, technical writing, and YouTube channel, I have reached millions of viewers worldwide and built one of the most extensive independent libraries of practical information on swimming pool operation, maintenance, and water chemistry.
Swimming Pool Steve - Media Coverage & Featured Analysis
NPR
Expert explanation of algae formation dynamics and "New Pond Syndrome" in newly established aquatic systems.
The Washington Post
Coverage of both the initial refurbishment and the subsequent surface coating failure of the Reflecting Pool.
CNN & CNN International
National and global analysis of the water quality issues and remediation strategy.
ABC News
On-camera breakdown of algae bloom development and system imbalance.
Newsweek
Technical commentary on hydrogen peroxide treatment and surface degradation.
HuffPost
Expert interpretation of the rapid environmental changes in the Reflecting Pool.
FOX 5 DC
Local on-site reporting and technical explanation of the remediation efforts.
The Washingtonian
Follow-up reporting on water condition changes and treatment progression.
Full Media Archive »
Every published interview, feature, and ongoing report on the Reflecting Pool investigation.
Swimming Pool Steve - Areas Of Expertise
Swimming Pool & Aquatic Engineering
Pool construction and design systems, hydraulic design for efficiency and safety, structural failure analysis, surface and interior finish coatings, membrane and waterproofing systems.
Water Chemistry & Biological Control
Algae prevention and bloom dynamics, chlorine balance and oxidation systems, nutrient-driven instability, and "New Pond Syndrome" as found in clear water, open air natural pools and ponds.
Advanced Aquatic Systems
Ozone and oxidation technologies including hydroxyl radical (AOP) systems, hydrogen peroxide treatment systems, and large-scale filtration and circulation design for both chlorinated and non-chlorinated aquatic structures.
Failure Investigation & Diagnostics
Leak detection in pools and water features, surface delamination and coating failure, structural failure analysis, decorative finish failures, safety and accident prevention across all forms of aquatic structures and systems.
Learn about the apparent failures of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool interior surface peeling off. In this video from Swimming Pool Steve he explains what delamination and substrate bond failures look like in an aquatic system that uses a polyurea style elastomeric membrane should they debond from the substrate they are mounted to.
While incredibly tough, durable and puncture resistant, the application of a polyurea or polyurethane aquatic structure interior surface is technically complex with many important preparation and application specifications that must be followed carefully. These systems are unforgiving to application errors or inadequate surface preparation.
For journalists, producers, engineers, or municipal operators covering aquatic system issues — or in need of expert evaluation of pool and water-feature failures anywhere in the world — contact Swimming Pool Steve. I am available for consultation and on-record commentary. I respond directly to press inquiries and provide technical analysis grounded in decades of field experience in aquatic construction, chemistry, and failure diagnostics.
I approach swimming pool education from a fundamentally engineering-driven perspective, focusing on how aquatic systems actually behave in real-world conditions. This video is one example: a different approach to teaching swimming pool water chemistry, designed to make complex water chemistry and pool system behavior accessible, practical, and durable in understanding.
Learn the three basic concepts of how and why we maintain chemical balance in swimming pool water in this unique approach to teaching about pool maintenance. Learn entry level to advanced pool water care concepts all in one short video!
Explore more than 1,200 videos on my YouTube channel!
I am a second-generation pool and spa builder with over 35 years of professional experience in aquatic construction, water chemistry, and system diagnostics — recognized internationally as an authority on swimming pool and aquatic systems performance, combining practical field expertise with media, education, and consulting
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Popular Content
With hundreds of helpful articles about swimming pools and spas this page shows some of the most popular content on the SwimmingPoolSteve.com website
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Award Winning
Read about the time I won an international competition, The Pool & Spa Industry Leadership Award, because of the information contained within this website
How I Can Help You With Your Pool
As one of the most trusted sources for swimming pool and aquatic systems information online, a globally recognized media authority on the subject, I am positioned to help you with every aspect of your swimming pool and pool ownership experience. You can consult with me about your pool, request a structural failure evaluation for a larger aquatic system, or draw on the volumes of free technical information I have compiled on this website. Core fundamentals such as pool water chemsitry, or more advanced subjects including how to paint a concrete pool, how to install a pool liner, or how to measure and install a pool safety cover, are deep dives I have written. Be sure to also check out my 7 hour long video, which I consider the most detailed pool equipment installation guide available anywhere: complete pool equipment installation guide.
In this video I try to reach as many pool owners as possible with this important information about caring for your pool. Specifically I talk about draining pools - every kind of pool - from concrete pools to fiberglass pools to vinyl liner pools and why draining them can end up breaking the pool permanently or causing extensive, expensive damage. Every swimming pool owner should watch this important video!
Here is a sample video from my extensive collection where I talk about the specific advantages of using liquid chlorine versus other potential chlorine options for your pool. Many pool owners will one day end up having a problem with high CYA levels from stabilized chlorine use and this video discusses how to avoid this problem from day one with your pool! For more you can always check out my YouTube channel
Another example where I try to make learning about your pool a little more fun and a little less like actual work. Which it is. Caring for and maintaining a swimming pool is a major responsibility and a significant cost. It also can represent a significant amount of time needed...but it does not have to once you learn more about how to care for your pool properly.
Do you want a salt water swimming pool? In this video I talk (in depth) about the consideration of upgrading your pool from traditional chlorine to salt water. Many pool owners love their salt water pool but it is important to make sure you know exactly what a salt system will do for your pool, and more importantly what it will not. I unpack salt water pools with this helpful buyer's guide video.
Most Viewed Content on www.SwimmingPoolSteve.com
1 - Variable speed pool pump reviews
2 - How to paint a concrete pool
3 - Salt water chlorinator reviews
4 - Swimming pool heater reviews
5 - How to convert a vinyl pool to a concrete pool
6 - What size pool heater do I need?
7 - Brown swimming pool water
8 - How to work with concrete
9 - How to make fake rocks
10 - Chlorine free swimming pool dangers
Or just see EVERY article I've written on the Swimming Pool Steve Blog page.