Reflection Pool Gets an Update

April 21, 2017 by Lauren Wappler

This is part one of a three-part series on the history and current updates of the Houston Zoo Reflection Pool.

If you’ve visited the Houston Zoo recently, you’ve noticed the Reflection Pool is closed to the public. That’s because the Reflection Pool is undergoing routine maintenance for cleaning and water quality control.

So what does it take to clean it up?

*Zoo staff clear the pool of dirt and leaves*

First things first: Take out the koi. Aquarium staff removes all the fish and transports them to quarantine pools located behind the scenes. Once the fish have been safely relocated, zoo maintenance staff completely drains the pool, clears all leaves, and pressure washes the emptied pool. Leaves aren’t the only items found when cleaning out the pool – zoo staff collected toys, sunglasses, conservation bracelets, and more! (Psst, let’s try to keep those things out of the pool when it reopens.)

*Anyone missing a lizard stuffed animal, sunglasses or a toy car?*

Then, they inspect the area for any repairs needed, remove all the current sculptures and prepare the pool for a brand-new sculpture which will be installed in May. Lastly, zoo horticulture staff will update plants along the pool, water gets poured back in, and fish are returned to their pool.

Ideally this routine maintenance takes place once every year; though, if water chemistry and conditions are A-Okay, the process takes place every other year.

Be sure to check back on more updates of the Reflection Pool construction. And don’t miss the unveiling of the newly-donated sculpture next month!