How to prepare your birth pool
Christine Clausen
A simple guide to setting up your birthing pool
As birth approaches, it’s a great relief to know that everything is ready. Here we guide you through preparing your birth pool – step by step. That way you can lean back with peace of mind and focus on what matters most: welcoming your baby.
Check that you have all the equipment you need to set up the tub:
- Birth pool (plus possibly a repair kit in case of accidents)
- Electric air pump
- Liner (Can be omitted, but the pool must then be thoroughly disinfected after use if it is to be reused)
- Food-grade hose for filling
- Connector for the tap (an extra connector may be needed, so test in good time)
- Water pump for emptying the tub
- Separate water hose for emptying, if the hose used for filling is to be reused
- Waterproof underlay under the birthing pool. It can be a tarpaulin or a special underlay with fabric surface.
- Possibly extension cord for pumps
In addition, it can be nice to have:
- It’s a good idea to fill the pool well in advance. With a lid for the birth pool, heat loss is significantly reduced and you avoid having to top up.
- Thermometer so the water doesn't get too hot (it can be hard to feel when you're in labor)
- Fine-mesh skimming net for quickly removing impurities
- Natural pain relief, e.g. a pregnancy ball, heat pads and the popular contraction balls that are squeezed in the hands and thereby disrupt the brain’s perception of pain. Buy them as a complete set here.
- Soft towels, preferably tumble-dried so they’re extra soft
- Scented candles or aromatherapy
- LED candles with warm light (safe to forget, and can even be taken to the hospital if you need to be transferred)
See our selection of birth pool equipment here, and our selection of pain relief and items for your birth nest here.
🧼 1. Find the right spot
Choose a room where you feel safe and have space around you. It should be close to a water tap (the hoses are 15 meters long) and with the option to protect the floor (e.g. with a waterproof underlay). Make sure the surface under the pool is even and soft so the pool doesn’t get damaged. You can place a rug under the waterproof underlay. Ensure good lighting – dim, soft light creates calm. The room should be nicely warm.
💧 2. Filling the birth pool
You will need:
- Birth pools
- Optional liner that fits the birth pool
- A food-grade water hose
- A suitable adapter for your tap
How to do it:
- If you’re using a liner, put the liner in so it fits snugly.
- Attach the connector to your tap and connect the hose for filling.
- Fill the tub with water at about 36–37°C. The water should feel warm, but not scalding.
- You can use a lid to keep the heat in until you get in.
💡 After the birth you simply throw the liner away, and the pool requires minimal cleaning.
🔹 TIP: It often takes 30–45 minutes to fill the pool, depending on water pressure, the hot water tank and the size of the pool. So start filling in good time.
🧺 3. Prepare for the birth
Create a safe and supportive atmosphere:
- Turn on LED candles or dimmed lighting
- Have towels and a soft bathrobe nearby
- Have pain-relieving items (pregnancy ball, heating pad, birthing balls) within reach.
- Optionally use massage oil for relaxation
- Play calm music if it helps you
- Have snacks and drinks (with a straw!) close by for the birthing person
- Make sure that your partner, midwife and any doula can easily get to you
🤱 4. After birth
You will need:
- A water pump
- A hose for emptying (not the same one you used for filling)
- A poo net (or alternatively a sieve)
- A air pump
When you’re ready to leave the water, your partner/midwife helps you out. The skimming net is used to remove impurities from the water and is then thrown away. The pool is emptied with the water pump and the drainage hose. Any liner is removed and thrown away. The pool is wiped down with a damp cloth and the air is removed with the air pump. The pool is folded up and can now easily be put away.
Any questions?
We have helped hundreds of birthing women create safe environments at home. Feel free to write if you are unsure about anything – we are always happy to respond.
