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Cleaning Tips Bathrooms Pools & Spas

Musty Pool Bathroom

2 months ago

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.

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Comments (3)

chispa
2 months ago
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
2 months ago
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.
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For a pool bath I like a floating vanity that doesn’t touch the floor with a continuous floor beneath, easy to clean & no hidden places for cobwebs etc. Wall to wall vanity is good for support, but 6’–4” a non-standard size so would be custom or not a true vanity cabinet but a countertop on cleats. One sink is fine IMHO. The 36” diameter mirror is large enough. (since you are still in framing stage some nice detail things to have in a pool bath = thumb-turn mortised privacy lock separate from door passage handle, a hardwired wall mounted towel warmer for drying bathing suits & towels, a recessed first aid cabinet).
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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.
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Lindsay L
Original Author
2 months ago
Thank you both for these great ideas!!

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