Technical specification

Packaged in two 51cm x 61cm x 63cm transport boxes (additional small box)
Assembled pool Depth 61 cm
Assembled pool Diameter 162 cm
Empty weight 39Kg
Full weight 669Kg
Floor load 572 kg/sq m
Capacity 636 litres
Operating temp range 27-40 degrees
Seating capacity 3-4 adults

 

Where can we put the pool?

We suggest that you put the pool where you feel safest and most comfortable. The pool comes in sections and can be carried and assembled almost anywhere. A flat floor is preferable, with access to a power point nearby (not an extension lead). Midwives like to have access to at least two thirds of the pool.

First and second floors are fine if you are happy about the weight load; full weight is about 650kg. If you are living in a conventionally built house, that has been well maintained and is not more than 150 years old, then problems with floor loading stress are likely to be minimal. If you do have concerns, then I would suggest that you seek further advice from a qualified structural surveyor.

Is a circulating water heater safe?

Yes. There has never been any instance of infection to either mother or baby that has been attributed to our pools. We take hygiene very seriously and the Heath and Safety Executive have devised our cleaning protocol. All equipment is flushed through using chlorine solution (which is the most effective disinfectant), drained and then stored dry.

How long are the hoses?

Each pool comes with two hoses that are each about 6 meters long. If you think that may not be sufficient, please measure the distance from taps to pool location adding at least 2 metres, for the drop and rise, and let me know. It is always possible to have more hose at no extra cost.

Will they connect to my taps?

Two types of tap connector come with the pool, they are Hozelock Universal (designed to fit mixer taps) and the Original funnel shaped, with jubilee clip to connect to single taps with smaller spouts.

You may have special taps which will not fit to the connectors, in this case, you may need to think of other taps in the house that could be used, or investigate other systems of connecting hoses to them.

Is it easy to assemble?

Yes, it is very easy to assemble. There are step by step instructions to help you assemble the pool, and telephone support is provided if required.

How long does it take to fill?

It takes 10 -15 minutes to assemble, and filling depends on water pressure, the pool is usually ready within an hour.

What if my domestic hot water is not adequate to fill the pool?

The heater can heat water to the required temperature from cold. However, it may take over 12 hours to do this. If you can use some hot water, then the time required will be reduced. Obviously using a pool with integral heater in this situation is the only way a pool could be available. It is advantageous that the pool can be kept heated, filtered and conditioned for up to 7 days.

How does the temperature control work?

When the pool is first filled, there is a period of adjustment before the water reaches a constant temperature. This is what happens; when the thermostat registers the water temperature at its pre-set level, the heater element switches off. The element is still hot and the pump is still pumping water over it, so that the temperature continues to rise. It is important in labour to control the temperature and not to get overheated, so I would suggest that you set the required temperature slightly lower, maybe 35/36 degrees. You can do this by pressing the temperature switch on the control panel. Continual taps will move the thermostat control one degree at a time (you may have to go up the scale -as far as 40 degrees, before coming back down).

Alternatively if you leave the pool to settle for a day or two, (by this, I mean, keep the heater and pump on) it should maintain its temperature at the regulated setting.

How much electricity does it use?

To maintain the pool warm and filtered at maximum economy, it needs to be on all the time. It will use as much electricity as a light bulb. This is because the thermostat will switch off the heater when it reaches the pre-set temperature. The walls of the pool are made of high-density polystyrene, covered in a protective membrane. This is very good insulating material. In addition, the close fitting cover is lined with insulating material. Heat loss from the pool is minimal. The cover also keeps steam from escaping and causing condensation problems.

What else might I want or need?

You will also need a plastic sheet to protect the floor from drips and soft cushioning to go under the liner to give added softness and comfort. Your midwife will probably suggest a cheap strainer to remove detritus from the pool; a small mirror may be used to confirm arrival of the baby's head and an underwater torch! Essential oils should NOT be added to the pools. You might like to light a candle, play relaxing music or burn essential oils in the rooms. Please remember that any electrical item must be placed well way from the pool, and not to touch switches with wet hands.

Does the room fill with steam?

There will be some steam when the pool is in use, however the fitted cover means that no steam escapes when the pool is not being used, and that also reduces heat loss of the water temperature.

How do I empty the pool?

A pump is provided to empty the pool quickly and efficiently using the hoses.

Is it safe to keep the water in the pool for up to seven days?

Yes, it is, provided you use the filter and the conditioning chemicals according to instructions. If your children are enjoying the pool and are jumping in and out a lot, bringing debris in, then it may be wise to empty the pool more frequently.

Will the chemicals affect the baby if I deliver in water?

No instances of sensitivity to the chemical have been noticed or recorded.

What if my baby comes before the pool?

The window of either two or three weeks before and two weeks after the due date means that most babies will come during that time. However, sometimes they do come early. For a baby that is very premature it is not advisable to have a home birth or to use the pool. In this instance the Conditions of Hire state that if a pool is cancelled with less than 2 weeks notice from the beginning of the Hire Period, we reserve the right to charge the full fee, as we are a small company, flexibility is possible; if there is any chance of getting the pool to you before baby comes, then we will look into it.

What if the baby hasn't arrived by the end of the hire period?

Again, everything possible will be done to ensure that you keep the pool for as long as you need it. We do not generally charge for this but please remember someone else may be waiting for the pool.

What if I can't use the pool for labour?

Unless the reason is through the fault of Aquabirth, then no refund can be offered. It makes sense to get plenty of use out of the pool in the preceding days for relaxation and pain relief.

Can I get a refund if I send the pool back before the end of the hire period?

No, the way to look at it is that the 5-week window is the time frame within which you guess that your baby will be born. (This is correct for most people). If baby is born on day one, then you have achieved your expectation. If you no longer wish to use the pool after the delivery, it can be returned earlier but no refund is made. The pool is superb for bonding with the baby after the birth for the whole family.

Can I get a concession for being unwaged?

No, but it is possible to spread the cost over a longer time, please contact AquaBirth to discuss scheduling payments.