skip to main content

Cleaning Tips Bathrooms Pools & Spas

Musty Pool Bathroom

last year

We just purchased a house that has a small bathroom out by the pool. We are battling a musty smell and some light mold on the walls. There is a vent fan in the bathroom, but otherwise no other system to keep things from getting musty and humid. We put Damp Rid in the room and it helps a little, but I’m looking for any ideas/tips/tricks to keep the room fresh and not musty.

Comments (3)

chispa
last year
Check that the vent fan is actually connected to something and goes out through the roof. Make sure the flap is working too. How often is the fan run? Maybe get a timer or humidistat. If there is no HVAC, it is impossible to keep the outside weather from getting into the bathroom.

We have restrooms on the golf course in FL and even with AC they still smell damp and musty. I'm sure no special steps were taken when they built them to make them more insulated or weather proof!
morz8 - Washington Coast
last year
A desk top fan on a timer would do it. Just have it run a little a couple of times a day, anything to move the air a bit.

Or -

We always kept an appliance like this one on the boat when locked up and tied to the dock. They don't get hot, just gently warm (you could lay your hand on it and hold it there) and cost about the same as running a light bulb. It was enough to keep the bathroom, kitchenette, bunks nice and dry. No condensing windows.
Related Discussions
Travertine for pool/spa bathroom floor?
Q
Comments (0)
We're considering honed and filled travertine for our master bathroom floor. Just outside of the master bathroom there will be a spa/hot tub, and my husband and I will use this bathroom to dry off after getting out. Will the spa water, which will contain chlorine or bromine, damage the travertine?
...See More
Opinion about location of pool bathroom
Q
Comments (1)
I prefer the deep end.... :)
...See More
Bathroom sink pools water. Should I return it?
Q
Comments (14)
I have a copper sink in my powder room. The drain is from Premiere Copper. Most of the copper drains sold are just coated copper and not pure copper. Since the sink in my powder room gets only minimal use, that was fine but for the copper sink in my kitchen, I got a drain that is 100% copper so I don't have to worry about the plating wearing off. I was told that since the sink in the powder room doesn't have an overflow hole, I should NOT get the kind of drain that allows the sink to be filled. My master bathroom sink has an overflow hole and so does have the kind of drain apparatus that can be used to plug and fill the sink. When it was installed, I asked why the drain in the powder room didn't really "do" anything and was told that this was deliberately done because of the lack of the overflow hole.
...See More
Is there a product to stop water pooling around a bathroom sink?
Q
Comments (2)
My daughter's rental apartment has the same problem. I think it's because the faucet is so short. She can't even wash her hands without rubbing the backs of her hands on the sink. Maybe you need to replace your faucet with one that extends all the way to the middle of the sink, over the drain.
...See More
Lindsay L
Original Author
last year
Thank you both for these great ideas!!

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Bathroom Workbook: How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

By Mitchell Parker

Learn what features to expect for $3,000 to $100,000-plus, to help you plan your bathroom remodel

BATHROOM DESIGN Sand, Shells and Saunas Inspire a High-Traffic Bathroom

By Becky Harris

This Toronto room does double duty as a family’s first-floor powder room and a swimming pool bath for kids and guests

MIDCENTURY HOMES Houzz Tour: Pools and Martinis Inspire a Palm Springs Remodel

By Mitchell Parker

Weighed down by black-heavy ’80s style, a California desert home gets a fun and lighthearted look just right for its midcentury roots

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Dive Into a Cajun Country Home With an Indoor Pool

Drenched in sunshine from a massive glass atrium roof, this newly redesigned Louisiana home works swimmingly

BATHROOM DESIGN Which Bathroom Vanity Will Work for You?

By Lara Sargent

Vanities can be smart centerpieces and offer tons of storage. See which design would best suit your bathroom

BATHROOM DESIGN Bathroom of the Week: Pamper-Me Features and Marble-Like Tile

By James Weske / JW Design, LLC

An Orlando, Florida, couple’s former cramped, dated master bathroom gets an elegant, contemporary update

BEFORE AND AFTERS Before and After: 6 Bathrooms That Said Goodbye to the Tub

Sleek showers replaced tub-shower combos in these bathroom remodels. Could this be an option for you?

REMODELING GUIDES Bathroom Remodel Insight: A Houzz Survey Reveals Homeowners’ Plans

By Mitchell Parker

Tub or shower? What finish for your fixtures? Find out what bathroom features are popular — and the differences by age group

BATHROOM DESIGN 2012 Appliance Trends: Bathrooms

By Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC

Bathroom renovations to include more towel-warming drawers, TVs, tablets, pre-set showers and more

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Room of the Day: Pool House Welcomes Guests in Style

By Joanna Tovia

Its great room with sofa bed, outdoor kitchen and bath accommodate parties, barbecues and overnight guests

Sponsored

More Discussions

GLI Sandstone Tan Vinyl Pool Liner

1

Flip turn markers for pool

2

Waterfall/prayer for pool recommendations

2

Pool design help

3

Pool orientation - perpendicular VS parallel

2