Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fill my birth pool?

When you hire a pool from Aquabub you will receive a kit which includes 2 different tap adapters; a bung adapter that goes over your tap, and a screw on adapter that can be screwed onto your tap. These tap adapters can be altered so they can be used with one tap (a mixer), or two taps (a hot tap and a cold tap). See below. Usually, these adapters are all that is needed.

Please also see: 'Filling and emptying your birth pool'.

If the supplied tap adapters don't fit your taps please contact Aquabub to discuss your options.

How do I maintain the temperature of my birth pool?

Some ways to maintain the heat of your birth pool are:

Set up your pool on a carpeted area (rather than tiles, lino, wood), or on top of several woolen blankets or similar.
Fill the pool when it is needed rather than in advance (keeping in mind that it may take some time to fill).
Use a heat retention blanket or pool cover (Regular or Mini)
Use the pool as close as possible to your water source so the water doesn't loose too much heat as it travels through the hose.
Keep the air temperature warm.
If you have gas / continuous hot water you can top up your birth pool using the filling hose supplied in your kit.
If you do not have gas / continuous hot water. You can have several large pots of water heating on the stove so you can top up your pool with hot water as needed. Just be VERY careful not to touch the pot onto the edge of the pool!
You can also monitor the temperature of your birth pool with a birth pool thermometer or digital thermometer if you wish.
Do not use a heating element in your pool.

Please also see: 'How to maintain the heat of your birth pool'.

How do I empty my birth pool?

There are several ways to empty your birth pool after use.

Notes:

Do not use the hose in your birth pool kit to empty your birth pool.
Measure your length of drainage hose before you start to empty your birth pool, to make sure your hose is long enough.
Use a debris net to empty the pool of anything that may block your hose or pump.
Most people will drain their birth pool water into their bath / shower drain.
If you are draining your birth pool water into your garden please make sure there is no chance that the water will run onto your neighbor's property.
If you are using an emptying kit it is safer to drain the pool onto your garden or into your bath drain. The water pump empties the pool quickly and your shower tray may not keep up with the volume of water without overflowing.

1 - Emptying kit

The quickest, easiest, and most hygienic way to empty your birth pool after use it to use a submersible Emptying kit from Aquabub. There is no electricity needed and no need to siphon.

2 - Siphoning with submersion.

To siphon with submersion you will need to put the entire length of your siphon hose into the birth pool. When the hose is full of water block one end of the hose with your thumb and keep the other end of the hose under water. Keeping your thumb over one end of the hose (and the other end under water) take your end of the hose to where your pool water will be drained (for example: your bath or shower drain). Take your thumb off your end of the hose and water will flow. Keep the other end submerged. Repeat this process if the flow of water stops.

3 - Siphon.

Take one end of your hose to where your pool water will be drained (for example: your bath or shower drain), and keep the other end submerged in the birth pool. Suck your end of the hose until the hose is filled with water. Quickly take the end of the hose away from your mouth and let the water flow into the bath / shower drain. Repeat this process if the flow of water stops. Note: you can make a fist around your end of the hose and create suction at your hand if you would like to avoid putting the end of the hose in your mouth.

How to I return my birth pool / TENS?

Once you have cleaned, dried, and packed away your pool according to the instructions sheet provided in your pool kit please contact me to let me know that your pool is ready to be returned. Then I will make up a return post label for you and email you with the label number. All you need to do is attach the return address sheet (provided in the pool kit) and label number to the top of the box, then you can leave your pool on your front porch or similar, if it is safe and dry.

When returning your TENS please put it in a box / bag, or wrap it, and follow the above procedure.

To return pools or TENS from rural addresses please see below.

Does Aquabub ship to rural addresses?

Yes. If you live at a rural address there will be no trouble getting your birth pool / TENS to your address, but the return process is different for rural customers.

When you have finished with your birth pool / TENS machine please contact me to arrange a return postage label for you. If you live rurally the courier will not pick up from your house. You will need to take the pool / TENS to your nearest Aramex / Fastway depot, your nearest rural drop off point, or the home of a friend or family member who does not live rurally. I will make up the label for you according to where the pool / TENS will be picked up from.

How do I track my order?

When your order is shipped you will receive a tracking number. To track your pool / TENS / order you can copy and paste your tracking number into the Aramex parcel tracker here.

Can I get a refund if I don't use my pool / TENS?

If you cancel your order before it is shipped you will receive a full refund, minus the booking fee. However, once the pool / TENS is shipped no refunds apply (because the pool is unavailable for other customers while the pool is with you, and because shipping costs need to be covered).

How do I choose which pool to order?

Choosing the best pool for your needs will depend on:

The space you have available for your pool.
Whether your partner plans to join you in the pool with you.
Hot water supply.
Water pressure / filling time

The Birth Pool in a Box Regular Personal and Professional pools are the biggest pools. They are the same size and shape as each other, and have all the same features. The only difference is the Regular Professional is made of a thicker plastic, which makes it sturdier. Both pools are specifically designed for birthing in.

These larger pools are a good choice if your partner plans to join you in the pool, and if you have no concerns with hot water supply, water pressure / filling time, and if you have plenty of space available for your pool.

The Birth Pool in a Box Mini Personal and Professional pools are smaller pools. They are the same size and shape as each other, and have all the same features. The only difference is the Mini Professional is made of a thicker plastic, which makes it sturdier. Both pools are specifically designed for birthing in.

These smaller pools are a good choice if your partner isn't planning on joining you in the pool, if you are concerned about running out of hot water, if your water pressure is low (filling the pool will take longer if you have low water pressure), if you have limited space available for your pool or if you have a history of, or are expecting, a quick labour. These Mini pools hold about 35% less water than the Regular sized pools.

The La Bassine pool is the smallest. These pools hold about 45% less water than the Birth Pool in a Box Regular.