Filling the birthing pool – a step-by-step guide
Christine Clausen
Filling the birthing pool – a step-by-step guide
A home birth is an event where feeling safe in your surroundings plays a very important role. A birth pool can help relieve pain and create a relaxing atmosphere. Here is a detailed guide on how to set up, fill and take good care of your birth pool – with time estimates and extra tips that make the experience even better. And don’t worry – everything you need is included in the package!
Equipment and preparation
Time: 15-30 minutes
If you rent a birthing pool from Homeborn, all necessary equipment is included, including liner, hoses, and pumps. If you have rented additional equipment such as a lid, thermometer, and waterproof underlay, you are even better prepared.
Preparation tips:
- Keep everything together so you can easily find what you need. Test the entire setup, including hot water in the pool, well before you expect labour to start. That way you have full control of the timing and every detail. Should you unexpectedly find defects in the pool or equipment, there’s time to react and replace the faulty item.
- Place the tub on a stable, even surface, and make sure there are no sharp objects that could puncture the tub. Feel free to use a soft blanket along with a waterproof underlay to protect the floor.
- If the pool has been stored somewhere cold, make sure it has been at room temperature for at least 24 hours before you inflate it.
Tip: For home births, midwives recommend a room temperature of 22-24 degrees, so feel free to turn up the heat at home as the due date approaches.
Set up the pool well in advance
Many have the tub inflated in the living room well before the birth. This way, you avoid the hassle of inflating the tub when it matters. If you inflate the tub and leave it in the living room, a good tip is to use a lid to keep dust out of the tub.
If space is tight, it’s wise to start setting up as soon as you feel the first contractions. That way the pool is ready when you need it, and you avoid last-minute stress.
Setting up the birth pool
Time: 10–15 minutes
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Placement: Make sure the pool is close enough to a tap and a drain, and that the area is free of obstacles and sharp edges. Make sure you have an extension cord for power to the pumps and possibly a string of lights. The hose for filling is 15 metres long and the hose for emptying is 20 metres. Place a waterproof underlay and possibly a blanket underneath to create a comfortable base.
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Inflation:
- The base: Use the air pump with the pointed nozzle to inflate the base and any seat (2–5 minutes).
- The sides: Switch to the large or medium nozzle and inflate the sides (approx. 3–5 min).
- The pool should feel stable, but avoid over-pumping it.
- If you want a string of lights between the pool and the liner, now is the time to put it in.
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Putting on the liner: Place the liner correctly over the pool (3–5 minutes). Remember that the pool is oval, so turn it half a turn if it doesn’t fit. Pay attention to any holes for cup holders and cut-outs for handles. For some liners that fit tightly, it’s easiest to fill the pool 90% with air and then put the liner on – after that you can add the remaining air.
You can find liners for La Bassine here, and liners for Saga Birth Pools here. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution, we also offer non-original liners for La Bassine.
Tip: Take a picture of the pool before you inflate it, while it’s still folded, so it’s easier to pack it away correctly again.
Filling with water
Time: 30–45 minutes (depending on water pressure)
- Connecting the hose: Use the transparent hose without harmful substances and attach it to the tap with the adapter (5 minutes).
- Filling: Turn on the water and fill the pool to the recommended height. Leave some space for topping up with hot water (25-40 minutes depending on water pressure and the size of your hot water tank). Check the temperature regularly with a floating thermometer (36-38°C recommended). Never use boiling water to top up, as it can damage the pool and pose a safety risk. Tip: If the hose moves when filling the pool, you can secure it to the floor with painter's tape. Tip: If you have a small hot water tank, you can turn up the heat in it well in advance of the birth - so the hot water lasts longer when it's time to fill the pool.
Keep warm:
- The greatest heat loss from a birth pool happens through the surface. A lid for the birth pool can reduce heat loss and keep the pool and water clean along the way.
- Top up with warm water as needed, but check the temperature first with a thermometer to avoid large fluctuations.
Use the waiting time to create a relaxing atmosphere
While the pool is filling, you can set up the surroundings to create a calm atmosphere:
- Use dimmed lighting, candles or LED lights, or light a lavender scented candle to promote relaxation. An aroma diffuser with your favourite essential oil can also help create just the right atmosphere.
- A beautiful string of lights placed between the liner and the pool creates a magical atmosphere. Make sure it’s a type of string light that can handle moisture.
- Have a neck pillow or similar ready for support between contractions.
- Keep snacks and drinks with straws within the birthing person’s reach. A cup holder for the pool is wonderful to have here.
- Put on relaxing music with soothing sounds or your favourite playlist.
- Our innovative hedgehog balls can be used for gentle massage and for effective pain relief once labour is underway.
Have a really good birth!
Cleaning and packing away
Time: 60–90 minutes
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Emptying the pool (Approx. 30–45 minutes depending on the pump and size of the pool):
- Use the extra fine‑mesh skimming net to remove impurities before you start the pump.
- Connect the drainage hose to the water pump and lead the hose to a drain (5 min). Secure it with painter’s tape if needed so it doesn’t move.
- Place the water pump down into the water (it’s designed for that) and let it do the work.
- Pump out as much water as possible (about 40 min). It "gurgles" when the pool is almost empty of water.
- Tip the pool to get the last of the water out.
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Cleaning (15–20 minutes):
- Remove the liner and wipe the pool with a damp cloth.
- Rinse hoses and pumps with clean water, empty them thoroughly, remove any tape residue and let them dry overnight.
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Packing down (10–15 minutes):
- Use the air pump’s deflate function to suck the air out. First deflate the sides to about 80% (so they can still bend easily – vinyl becomes stiff when it’s completely vacuum-packed), then the bottom and any seat. When the bottom is emptied of air, you can suck the remaining air out of the sides. Fold the pool and pack it into the storage bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a birth pool from you?
Yes, you can. We have high-quality birth pools from both La Bassine and Saga Birth Pools. You can check availability and book directly on the site. You have the pool for a full 6 weeks, and everything you need to set it up is included. You can also rent extra equipment that makes everything a bit easier.
You can see our birth pools for rent here
Should I fill the pool well in advance?
Yes, and it’s a really good idea to get started as soon as you feel contractions. 20 cm of water in the pool isn’t much help when baby suddenly wants out. Use a lid for the pool or top up with hot water to keep the temperature stable.
Can I test the pool with the liner in?
Yes, and we recommend it. A liner is a single-use product due to the risk of contamination with foreign bacteria – but your own skin bacteria are the same ones baby will be exposed to during birth. So you can easily both test your liner and use it for the birth.
Can I test the pool without water in it?
We advise against it. The pool is designed to distribute your weight when it is filled with water. The bottom will feel hard and the pool will be more prone to damage if you sit in it without water.
What do I do if the hose moves during filling? Secure the hose with painter's tape to prevent it from coming off.
How quickly is the birth pool emptied?
Emptying takes 30–45 minutes with the water pump. Fortunately, you just need to plug it in and lead the hose to a drain – the pump does the rest.
Can my floor handle the weight of a birth pool?
Most likely it’s no problem – read the article here for a thorough guide.
With all the practical details under control, you can calmly prepare for a home birth. Visit homeborn.dk for products that support you all the way through the birth and in the time before and after. If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We wish you a wonderful birth!
