1. How long does it take to fill the pool?

Depending on your hot water supply, it can take from 30 minutes up to three hours. A powerful, on-demand water heater will fill the pool in about 40 minutes. You can always do a trial run to ensure things go smoothly on your big day.

2. How is the pool cleaned between each use?

After the use of a pool, all debris is filtered, the water is drained, and the liner is removed from the pool. The pool is then sanitized with a sterilizing solution and completely dried prior to deflating and packaging for the next use. Our pools are sanitized as per recommendations of Alberta Health Services.

3. What temperature should I set the pool at?

The recommended temperature for a water birth is body temperature (37.5○C), although whatever is most comfortable for the birthing mother during labour is best to help her relax. If the water is too warm it may lead to exhaustion, slowed contractions, elevated blood pressure and potential issues for baby such as in increased heart rate. A thermometer may
be used to help your care provider monitor the pool temperature.

If the water gets cool while in use, your care provider can remove some of the cool water with a bucket, and replace it with fresh, hot water.

4. When should I enter the water?

You can get in and out of the water as often as you need to. Because of the relaxing effects of water, it is optimal to enter the pool when contractions are approximately 5 minutes apart. You will feel a great sense of relief from the pool, your muscles will relax and your fears will fade away. This often results in a quicker moving labour and birth.

5. When does the baby take its first breath?

A baby born without distress into the water will not receive the stimulus to breathe until brought to the water’s surface. Your baby is still connected to the umbilical cord and receiving an oxygenated blood supply from the placenta. In the water, the cord remains soft and continues to pulse after baby is born, so does not need to breathe until the cord has been cut.

6. Where should I put the birthing pool?

Place the pool in a warm, comfortable environment where you will feel secure for your birth. The filled Regular size pool weighs approximately 650 kg (1,430 lbs), which is equivalent to 10 people at 65 kg (143 lbs) each in the same area.

7. How do I set up and fill the pool?

Instructions will be provided that clearly define all the steps required to set up and fill the birthing pool. If you don’t understand a particular point or want some clarification, please contact us. Or, if you choose to have us set up the pool for you, you can sit back and relax while we do the work!

8. Why is the Birth Pool in a Box recommended over a child-sized pool?

The smaller children’s pools are often not large enough to allow you to move into preferred labouring positions easily. If you choose to have your birth partner in the water with you for support, they will fit much better and be better able to support you in the Birth Pool in a Box. The strength of the child-sized pool walls may also not be enough. But if you decide that’s the better option, then go for it! The choice that makes you most comfortable and relaxed will ultimately be the best choice for you and your baby.