Setting Up Your Birth Pool

1. Choose the Right Location

• Space: Ensure the room has enough space for the pool, birthing person, support people, and any medical equipment (e.g. gas and air bottles).
• Access: Place the pool near a water source and a sturdy electrical outlet for pumps (if needed).
• Flooring: Protect the floor with a waterproof tarp or plastic sheeting. Avoid placing the pool on carpet unless adequately protected.

2. Pick the Right Pool

• Size: Ensure the pool is large enough to allow free movement but not so large that the water depth is insufficient.
• Comfort: Most of the home birthing pools are inflatable and provide soft, cushioned sides for support, and ensure that it has a wide enough rim for leaning on.
• Accessories: Some birth pools come with handles, built-in seats, or cup holders for extra convenience.

3. Test the Equipment

• Inflate the pool and check for leaks well before the due date.
• Practice using the inflation pump to test to see how long it takes to inflate the pool, This will avoid last-minute stress.
• If you are uncertain of using the submersible pump for removing the water after the birth is over, do so carefully in the bathroom and ensure that the pump is totally immersed in the water prior to testing. It is recommended that the pump is laid on its side if you wish to test it as this will avoid a jet of water erupting upwards from the bath.
• If you decide to do a full "wet run" whereby you put the liner on the pool and fill it with water to relax in before the actual day, we strongly recommend that you buy a new, unused hose and liner for the actual birth as you cannot guarantee that either will be clean enough for reuse in during the birth

4. Gather Supplies

• Hose: Use a new, food-grade hose to fill the pool (avoid garden hoses, which may leach chemicals).
• Liner: Always use a new liner for your birth as this will ensure that the pool is easy to clean afterwards and you are providing another waterproof barrier between you and the pool.
• Inflate Pump: Ensure that you have a working inflation pump so that the pool can be inflated quickly and efficiently when it is needed.
• Pump: Use a submersible pump for quick emptying after birth.
• Thermometer: Monitor water temperature to keep it at 36–37.5°C (96.8–99.5°F).
• Towels and Linens: Keep plenty of clean, absorbent towels nearby.
• Mirror and Flashlight: Useful for midwives to monitor progress.
• Floor Sheet: Always good to have a leak proof floor sheet to protect your flooring from the water when you are moving in and out of the birthing pool.

5. Plan for Filling the Pool

• Filling a pool can take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on water pressure and pool size.
• Heat the room to a comfortable temperature.
• Avoid overfilling; leave space for displacement when the birthing person enters.

6. Maintain Water Quality

• Sanitation: Clean the pool thoroughly before use. Follow manufacturer guidelines for disinfecting.
• Keep Clean: Change the water if labour is prolonged or if the water becomes contaminated.

7. Ensure Safety

• Stability: Place the pool on a flat, sturdy surface. Avoid elevated surfaces.
• Support: Have a non-slip mat nearby for safe entry and exit.
• Hydration: Keep water and snacks within reach for the birthing person.

8. Set Up a Backup Plan

• Be prepared with a plan for delivering on land in case the pool becomes unusable or labour progresses too quickly.