How to prepare your birth pool

April 8, 2025 Christine Clausen

A simple guide to setting up your birth pool

As birth approaches, it is a great relief to know that everything is ready. Here we guide you through preparing your birth pool – step by step. Then you can calmly lean back and focus on what matters most: welcoming your baby.

Check that you have all the equipment you need to set up the pool:

Birth pool (and possibly a patch kit in case an accident happens)
Electric air pump
Liner (Can be omitted, but the pool must be thoroughly disinfected after use if it is to be reused)
Food-grade water hose for filling
Connector for the tap (extra connector may be necessary, so test well in advance)
Water pump for emptying the pool
Separate water hose for emptying, if the filling hose needs to be reused
Waterproof underlay under the birth pool. It can be a tarpaulin or a special underlay with fabric surface.
Possibly an extension cord for pumps

In addition, it can be nice to have:

It is a good idea to fill the pool well in advance. With a lid for the birth pool heat loss is reduced significantly and you avoid having to top it up
Thermometer so the water does not get too hot (it can be hard to feel when you are having contractions)
Fine-mesh debris net to remove impurities quickly
Natural pain relief, e.g. pregnancy ball, heat pads and the popular contraction balls, which are squeezed in the hands and thereby disrupt the brain’s perception of pain. Buy it as a complete set here.
Soft towels, preferably tumble-dried so they are extra soft
Scented candles or aromatherapy
LED candles with warm light (safe if forgotten, and they can even be taken to hospital if you need to transfer)

See our selection of birth pool equipment here, and our selection of pain relief and things for your birth space here.

🧼 1. Find the right place

Choose a room where you feel safe and have space around you. It should be close to a tap (the water hoses are 15 metres long) and have a way to protect the floor (for example with a waterproof underlay). Make sure the underlay beneath the pool is even and soft, so the pool does not get damaged. Feel free to place a blanket under the waterproof underlay. Make sure there is good lighting – dim, soft light creates calm. The room should have a good warm temperature.

💧 2. Filling the birth pool

You will need:

Birth pool
Possibly a liner that fits the birth pool
A food-grade water hose
A suitable connector for your tap

How to do it:

If you use a liner, place the liner in so it fits snugly.
Attach the connector to your tap and connect the filling hose.
Fill the pool with water at about 36–37°C. The water may feel warm, but not burning hot.
Use a lid if needed to keep the heat in until you get in.

💡 After 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 fill it well in advance.

🧺 3. Get ready for birth

Create a safe and supportive atmosphere:

Light LED candles or dimmed lighting
Have towels and a soft bathrobe nearby
Have possible pain-relief items (pregnancy ball, heat pad, contraction balls) within reach.
Use massage oil for relaxation if you like
Play calm music if it helps you
Have snacks and drinks (with straws!) near the birthing person
Make sure the partner, midwife and any doula can easily get close

🤱 4. After birth

You will need:

A water pump
A water hose for emptying (not the same one you used for filling)
A debris net (or possibly a sieve)
An air pump

When you are ready to leave the water, your partner/midwife helps you up. The debris net is used to remove impurities from the water and is then thrown away. The pool is emptied of water with the water pump and the emptying hose. Any liner is removed and thrown away. The pool is wiped with a damp cloth and the air is removed with the air pump. The pool is folded and can now easily be packed away.

Do you have questions?

We have helped hundreds of birthing people create safe surroundings at home. Please write if you are unsure about anything – we are always happy to answer.

👉 See everything for the birth pool here

👉 See everything for pain relief and a safe birth space here

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