FAQ

General points for all hirers and specific points relating to Birth Pool Hires

General:

Do you have any simple precautions re using the pool?

Sure - here are some suggestions which might help you for both birth or baptistry hire:

1.   Pools must be assembled on a structurally sound floor. When full the pool weighs nearly one ton so please consult us if you are unsure about the loading which your floor will take.

2.   The floor surface must be level to allow the sides to slot together without strain - avoid the pool being partially on and off a carpet.

3.   For safety reasons the pool must not be within reach of an electric socket unless the socket is fully blanked off.

4.   Before starting assembly make sure that you are happy with the position and orientation of the pool. Even when empty you should not try to slide an assembled pool around.

5.   Always follow the cleaning procedures outlined in your instructions very carefully before use, between every use and after use before the pool is either collected by us or returned by you. We realise they may seem over fussy but we can only assure you that it is in your own best interest to ensure an adequate level of hygiene as per these instructions.

6. Remember to check that the tap adaptor fits (and the hose length is sufficient) as soon as possible once you have your pool, in case you need to try and obtain an alternative tap adaptor or extra hosepipe from a DIY store. If you tell us beforehand, or email us a picture of the taps you intend using, we can usually provide a suitable adaptor but it is not 100% certain due to the innovative designs on the market these days. Sometimes simply choosing alternative taps to source your water supply can work plus a longer length of hosepipe.

What is the best way to get in and out of the pool:

Before getting in, we suggest that first you make sure you have rinsed your feet. One suggestion for this is to place a small washing up bowl safely near the pool.

Those who have used the pool seem to find the easiest and safest way to get into the pool is to sit on the edge supported by someone suitable. Carefully swing one leg over and then the other, turn to face outwards, holding the rim and then settle down gently into the water. Getting out, you can try this in reverse.

Choose one of the hexagonal sides as the main entry point and have extra bathmats there to absorb drips of water.

Are your pools strong enough to sit on the edge?

Yes, a Blue Lagoon pool offers an attractive rigid outer construction providing a strong structure. You may sit on the wooden rim as you get in and out of the pool (whilst supported by someone suitable).

Is it a good idea to put a sheet of plastic under the pool?

No, this is not a good idea as if it gets wet, people may slip on it. A better idea is to place some rolled up towels or sheets aroung the edge of the pool on the floor which will absorb any drips from fingers or when getting in and out.

How do I know what length of hosepipe will be right?

Using the correct tap adaptor for your taps and ensuring the length of hose is optimum for the job is very important. The hose should be able to go down to the ground from the taps and up the side of the pool and in far enough for it not to jump out. The input hose should be monitored both ends and care taken so it is not a trip hazard. Once you have decided where you will position your pool then it is important to measure the length of hose which will do the job. (We provide 10 metres as standard for birth hires but you can order more if you require it (see the booking form). Those hiring a Baptistry will supply their own fill hosepipe).

Is filling easy?

Filling our pools is straightforward (with care taken to monitor this at all times).
To avoid compromising the liner, never start the process of filling with hot water; always begin with cold and top up with hot.

Remember that when someone gets in the pool they will displace a lot of water, so do not be tempted to fill the pool too full to start with. This is why a trial run can be of great help to gauge how deep to fill the pool. If this is not possible then leave more space e.g. approximately 6 inches below the rim - it can always be topped up.

What about the temperature - I guess nice and warm is best?

No for both types of pool it is important not to go for a warm bath like experience.

For a birth hire, the medical advice is for the water to be at body temperature when the pool is in use. The pool should never be filled with hot water - it is not a bath - but should provide the correct temperature for the labouring mother and the baby. Always take the advice of your Midwives. Filling time will depend on your supply of hot water. Most people find a domestic system is adequate to fill a pool in reasonable time, however, it could take up to two hours to fill the pool.

For a baptismal hire the temperature should be lukewarm - just warm enough not to shock the person being baptised.

How do we go about emptying?

Emptying the pools is done with a submersible pump which can get rid of almost all of the water down to the last couple of centimetres. The pump comes with output hose-pipe, in its own plastic box, and is fitted with a safety plug.

Can we use the submersible pump whilst someone is in the pool?

No - the pump should only be used when no one is in the pool. The pool liner needs to be cleaned after the pump has been used before re-filling or returning the equipment. The pumps should be considered as a means to empty ‘used’, or ‘dirty’ water only.

If the pool needs topping up during use to adjust the temperature, you will find that this is quite straightforward - you just need to use a clean bucket to remove some of the water, perhaps two bucketfuls will be sufficient, and then replace this with the same number of buckets of hot water, taking care that there is no one in the pool when doing this.

What is your shipping policy?

Equipment can be collected and returned by the hirer or delivered and collected by ourselves. The equipment fits in to most average sized cars making use of the boot and backseat. If you choose to have Blue Lagoon deliver and/or collect the equipment, please see the booking form or the costs section for prices.

INTERNATIONAL

Blue Lagoon restrict their equipment hire to England, Wales and Scotland only

Do you use a courier or carrier?

We do not currently use an independent courier or carrier. This may change in the future. We prefer to offer a ‘gold star’ personal service. We enjoy meeting you or your representatives so we can demonstrate the assembly and offer tips, if requested. This applies to whether you collect or we deliver the equipment. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Over the years, this has been particularly appreciated by those hiring a pool for birth - as water birth parents we can draw on our own experience to offer reassurance especially to those expecting their first baby. Many are already confident in this birth option - so we only offer tips when asked. None of this replaces the advice you should seek and receive from your Midwife.

Do you provide instructions with the pool?

Yes - once you receive or collect the equipment please familiarise yourself with the contents before you assemble the pool as there are many useful tips contained therein. In addition you can ask us questions and we enjoy showing you how the equipment goes together.

Birth Pool Hire specific points:

Once you have discussed your birth options with your Midwife/Midwives and have opted for a home birth with their support, it is good to be as fully informed as possible.

How does the design of one of your Blue Lagoon birth pools make it so suitable for labour and birth at home?

• The rigid vertical sides allow you to face outwards (leaning on your arms) if you wish, without having to lean uncomfortably over your bump

• The hexagonal shape allows you to sit in one of the angles of the pool and rest both arms on the rim without having to stretch them too far back

• The thick PVC shaped liner which holds the water in our pools is protected by the wooden shell of the pool, minimising the possibility of puncturing

•  The robust sides of the birth pool provide something solid to push against during the birth process, if you wish. You can brace yourself in any position that feels right at any time during the labour, and yet at the next moment be floating free, cushioned by the buoyancy of the warm water

• At least two people can sit on the edge of the pool if necessary. The rim of each pool is made of smoothly planed wood which is wide enough to allow you to sit comfortably on the edge as you get in and out and is pleasant to lean on when you are in the pool. We provide a padded cushion to clip to the rim for extra comfort

• Midwives have commented on how secure they feel with a pool with solid sides. Should they need to lean in to you while you are in the pool, there is no danger of the sides dipping under their weight, which could lead to the possibility of flooding the floor with a wave of water!

Do you recommend trying it out before I go into labour?

Once you receive your pool, it is always worth while having a trial run, as amongst other benefits it also gives you a chance to see how long it will take to fill. You can use this opportunity to relax in the birth pool and practise positions suitable for an active labour and/or birth. Once you go into labour it is nice to have prevously familiarised yourself with being in the pool - but it is only a suggestion

Can I put a duvet or similar under the liner before filling to give added comfort?

Simply, the pressure of the water does not allow for any soft underliner to make any significant difference. The buoyancy of the water ensures great comfort as you relax between contractions.

Can I put the small stool supplied in the pool?

No, we advise not to do this as it might compromise the liner. It will also float about and get in the way and you might knock into it - you need the pool to be clear so you can move effortlessly from one position to another as it seems comfortable. However, if you are thinking you want to create some kind of seat in the pool then some people have inserted a new small bean bag cushion in one of the hexagonal corners of the pool before placing the blue pvc pool liner in place. This can create a small seat once the pool is filled, due to the pressure of the water. Although this might sound like a good idea the majority of users report that it is absolutely not necessary and even if they placed it there they chose not to use it.

Where should I put my pool and is there anything else to consider when I make that choice?

Firstly go with your intuition but then be practical - think of the distance to the taps - best not to put it in a tight corner which would restrict access for your midwife - best on the ground floor (or a strong floor). The best thing is be guided by your midwife to ensure you choose the optimum spot.

Also, remember the pool is for you to support your birth experience - it is not a play area for the family, so choose a location that can be secured against small children and pets getting into the pool. A filled pool should always be attended. Cats in particular could get into an empty pool and scratch the liner!

You say the pools are sturdy and you can sit on the edge, but what else is useful when using it for labour and/or birth?

Users have said the rigid construction made them ‘feel protected and safe’ in the ‘private’ space. You can also brace yourself against the walls in a variety of creative positions during labour and birth which is very useful. This ability to reach the opposite side of the pool if you want to is a key feature of a Blue Lagoon pool - yet you can float free when you wish.

COVID-19 AWARE

Unblemished infection control record since 1992. All our equipment is cleaned before it goes out and when it comes back and the hirer is expected to do the same before it is returned to us (as stated in the contract).

As an additional precaution all equipment is given a final wipe over with anti-bacterial cleaner just before it leaves us. We wear masks and offer handgel if you are collecting the equipment personally and observe social distancing.