What It Takes to Maintain the 9/11 Memorial Reflecting Pools: A Night in the Life of the Cleaners

The 9/11 Memorial Reflecting Pools are two of the most iconic monuments in the United States, honoring the victims of the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. The pools, which occupy the footprints of the former World Trade Center towers, feature cascading waterfalls and bronze parapets inscribed with the names of the nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks.

But maintaining these pools is not an easy task. It requires a team of dedicated workers who perform a deep cleaning every night, using specialized equipment and techniques. Insider followed one of these workers, Luis Mendes, as he showed how the pools are cleaned and what challenges he faces.

Mendes, who has been working at the memorial since 2011, starts his shift at 10 p.m. and works until 6 a.m. He is responsible for cleaning the south pool, which has about 400,000 gallons of water and covers an area of one acre. He uses a custom-made vacuum cleaner that can suck up debris and algae from the bottom of the pool, as well as a pressure washer that can blast away dirt and stains from the walls and edges.

Mendes says that one of the biggest challenges he faces is dealing with the weather. Rain, snow, wind, and heat can all affect the condition of the pool and make his job harder. He also has to be careful not to damage the bronze parapets, which are very sensitive and require special care. He says that he feels a great sense of pride and responsibility for his work, as he knows that he is helping to preserve a sacred place for millions of visitors and families of the victims.

The 9/11 Memorial Reflecting Pools are not only a tribute to the past, but also a symbol of hope and resilience for the future. By keeping them clean and beautiful, Mendes and his colleagues are ensuring that they will continue to inspire and honor generations to come.