How big is an Aquabirths pool?

The pool is circular, 1.5m (5 feet) in diameter and 0.73 m (2' 6") high. It comes in four sturdy, insulated fibreglass arcs, which can be quickly and easily bolted together and stored out of the way until you need it (behind the sofa or in the garage – you decide!) Two liners (a thick one and a sanitised one) are stretched over the frame to hold the water. The size of the pool gives plenty of space for a large pregnant body to move about in or for a partner or midwife to get in.

Is it easy to assemble?

The assembly of the pool is simple, taking about 10 minutes once you know what you're doing (but even if you’re one of those people who likes to “wing it”, we reckon you could manage it without instructions in 20 minutes!) For practical reasons it is easier if there are two people stretching the liners over the frame.

When we deliver a pool, we can show you how to set it up. We also give full written instructions. We are also available by e-mail or telephone to talk you through the pool assembly if you need that.

How do I fill and empty my Aquabirths Pool? 

The pool is filled with a hosepipe fitted to your tap (we cater for nearly every shape and size of tap). When you book your pool we’ll ask you to tell us how far your taps will be from the pool so that we can supply the right length of hosing. It is important to keep this pipe clean, and we will show you how to do this with the sanitiser we provide. It is easiest to fill a pool if you have continuous hot water via a combi boiler and takes around 1½ hours (depending on water pressure and how full you want the pool to be).

Emptying the pool takes only a few minutes with the electric pump we supply. The reinforced pipe is attached to the pump and can be put down the U-bend of the loo, out into the back garden, down an outside drain or into a bath (but keep an eye on it as it can pump it into the bath quicker than it can go down the plug-hole).

It is perfectly possible to fill a pool via an immersion heater, though it will take longer to fill. Please talk to us about this there are some useful tactics and tips. All pools can be supplied with extra insulating covers. In an insulated pool with such a large body of water, heat loss is so slow it won't lose much heat whilst you wait for the immersion heater to warm another tank of water. The water needs to be around body temperature and comfortable for the mother - usually 34-38 degreesC, which isn't that hot. We can hire you a heater if you need one.

Can I only use my Aquabirths pool once?

Absolutely not. Our Pools’ therapeutic benefits are not limited to labour itself - many women find it very helpful for pelvic and lower back pain in late pregnancy. And it is a great pleasure to luxuriate in a large padded pool. We have one Mum who told us she spent the last week before the birth, sitting in the pool watching videos and eating Pizza because it was where she was most comfortable! So bathe on your own, with your partner or all the family at once. Invite friends and neighbours and have a pool party if you like! Other siblings will love the pool and no doubt wish to have a turn (in shallower water). However - for safety's sake - never leave children in the pool alone or alone in a room with a full pool.

If I use the pool before the birth, how do I clean it?

After each use we recommend the liner is sprayed with a sanitizing detergent, which we supply, rinsed down with cold water and then bailed out using a jug, or roughly mopped with a clean towel. If you have filled (or part-filled) a pool in readiness for the birth, after more than 24 hours it will need emptying, sanitizing and rinsing before being refilled.

Have a practise run. At the very least use it once, as a practise for the big day because labour is not the time to be trying to follow instructions for the first time. And using the pool will give you the opportunity to arrange it to your liking for when the big day comes.

How does the water stay warm?

Aquabirths pools are designed not to need water heaters in most household settings. The sides of the pool are insulated and the pool is supplied with an insulating cover. This insulation is very effective in keeping the water warm. The pools have enough depth to allow them to be topped up with hot water as needed. However if you find you need a heater, we can hire these as well.

Won't it be too heavy for the floor?

Whilst the pool contains under a ton of water, it is well spread out. Leeds University Maths Dept calculated that the floor pressure is minimal - 1.09 psi. We've used a pool on the second floors of an old terraced house and a modern house, both with wooden floors, and had not the slightest problem. Our experience over the last 15 or so years is that weight is rarely a problem. On one occasion, a woman living in a timber home asked the advice of a surveyor. The surveyor suggested using the ground floor - which she did, and it was fine. If you are concerned, get a local builder to check it out, and position the pool in a corner or close to a wall.

Do you hire inflatable pools?

No we don’t. Reason being that the cut-price inflatables currently in vogue are not as sturdy as our hard-sided pools. Our pools will not tip, spill or collapse when someone leans on the side and we believe that an Aquabirths rigid pool provides the best option for birthing mums.

 “I was at a birth as a doula, and my client was in an inflatable pool. She used the larger pool and was quite tall. She found it hard to grip the pool, and was splashing water when she rocked from front to back whilst on her knees as she wanted to do instinctively. She was also unable to give birth on her knees as her bum was too high and the baby would have been born half in and half out of the water, so just before the 2nd stage we had to get her to flip round. It was her only experience of water birth, and I would say she thought it was fine, but I could really see the difference between this and the traditional, rigid oval pool, which is the only other one I've seen in use.” (Sallyann Beresford, Professional Doula)

How much does it cost? How long do I hire it for?

It costs £195 to hire an Aquabirths Pool. This includes hire of the pool for FIVE WEEKS and ALL equipment. The only additional cost is delivery, which we work out based on the distance to your home from our office. You can save on delivery by collecting the pool from us in Bradford (it will pack into the back of a family saloon) or from one of our Agents. For a full breakdown of prices, click HERE

We have discounts for midwives and subsequent second time hirers.

If you live in Bradford you can hire a Pool through BRI’s Community Pool Scheme for as little as £50.

We do not want cost to be an impediment to you having the birth you want so do talk to us if this is an issue - if you wish you can spread the cost of the hire by Monthly Standing Order.

What do I get for my money?

Our price is inclusive of ALL the equipment you will need (pump, hoses, pool cover etc). Unlike some of our competitors we don’t have any “hidden extras”. 

As part of our service we can show you how to assemble the pool and we are on hand during the hire period to answer any questions you have. We pride ourselves on our personal service because we believe so strongly that EVERY woman should have the right to have the birth she wants.

Can I have an Aquabirths pool in hospital?

You can have your pool at home or hospital, Aquabirths commonly hire and supply pools to women and NHS Trusts. Some maternity units allow you to take your pool into hospital - you need to negotiate this with your Trust. You can elect to have your baby at ANY hospital, so you may wish to ring round and pick a favourite based on the kind of birth you want. Give us a call and we can give you some advice on which units are in - our experience - the most accommodating.

There are staffing issues at my hospital and I’ve been told there might not be a midwife available for my home birth. What can I do?

Maternity Matters and World Class Commissioning make it absolutely clear that women should be able to choose where and how they have their baby. You have the right to request a home birth and your local NHS Trust have an obligation to ensure there are staff to enable you to do so. If you are told that you "have" to have your baby in hospital, you may need to stamp your feet a bit. We don't suggest for one second that you put either yourself or your baby at risk but we have seen instances in the past of women being told that there isn't a midwife available, then refusing to go to hospital and - low and behold - a midwife appearing on their doorstep.

Also, the Association of Independent Midwives have a very simple but effective letter you can use and some advice on what to do in this situation. Click HEREto go to their information page.

If you are still worried, perhaps think about employing the services of a Doula who can offer physical and emotional support before, during and after birth and can - if necessary - negotiate on your behalf should you have difficulties. You can find links for some independent Doulas on our Useful Links page. 

How soon before the birth do I need to book?

It’s best to call us as early in your pregnancy as you can manage – our busiest times are September (Christmas Conceptions!) and Spring (Summer Holiday conceptions!). If you are booking a Pool through our Community Pool Scheme please be aware these subsidised pools are allocated on a first come; first served basis. That said, so far we have managed to get a pool to everyone who has booked with us - including a few who booked with the words 'my waters have just gone'!

How long can I have the pool for?

We deliver the pool to you in your 37th week of pregnancy and you can keep the pool for up to five weeks or until your baby arrives, whichever is sooner. If - for whatever reason - you need to pool for longer than five weeks, just give us a call and we will extend your hire period free of charge. Once your baby had been born, drop us a line and we'll arrange collection of your pool. 

What if I can't use the pool? Do I get a refund?

If you cancel before we deliver the pool then all the hire fee but the deposit is returned. Once the pool is delivered, however, hiring a pool is like hiring a car and you pay for the hire whether you use it or leave it parked on the drive. So, the best thing to do is use the pool as much as possible so there is no disappointment if your plans have to change. The pool is not just for the labour and birth. It can be used repeatedly in the weeks up to the birth to help relaxation.

How do I book my pool?

You can book online HERE through our online shop with Paypal, by phone on 0845 230 1381 or you can e-mail us at office@aquabirths.co.uk