VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast by Ashley Winning

July 01, 2025 EP167 | How To Set Up A Birth Pool

In this episode I give you a step-by-step run through of what you need to think about, where to get a birth pool and how to make it run as smoothly as possible.

First Things First: Choose the Right Pool

Not all birth pools are created equal. Ideally, you want one that’s:

Sturdy enough to lean on without collapsing.
Deep enough so you can fully submerge your belly (think: shoulders and chest in too, if possible).
Quick to inflate (preferably with an electric pump).
Comfortable (some have cushioned floors and sides).

You can either hire a birth pool kit (which often comes with all the bits and bobs you’ll need), or buy one if you think you’ll want it for future births. Just check if your midwife or doula has recommendations, they’ve usually seen it all.

What You’ll Need (Besides the Pool)

Here’s the full kit:

Electric air pump (don’t waste your breath—literally)
Tap hose (long enough to reach the pool from your nearest tap)
Tap connector (you might need an adapter depending on your taps)
Submersible pump (to empty the pool after the birth—trust me, you’ll want this)
Tarp or waterproof sheet (under the pool to protect your floors)
New hose (use a fresh, drinking-safe one to fill the pool—bacteria is a no thanks)
Thermometer (to check the water temp)
Sieve or small net (for scooping out anything floating around—yes, it’s normal)

Optional but nice to have:

Extra towels and mats (for getting in and out)
Fairy lights or candles (set the vibe)
A comfy chair or birth ball nearby (if you want a change of position)

How to Fill the Pool

Simple steps:

Lay down your tarp.
Inflate the pool using the electric pump (this should take 10–15 minutes).
Attach the hose to your tap. (Use the hot and cold taps to get the right mix.)
Start filling! It can take 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on your water pressure, so plan accordingly.

Keep checking the water temp and top up with warm water if needed.

Emptying the Pool (aka, the Last Thing You’ll Feel Like Doing)

Post-birth, you’ll be blissed out with your baby, and the pool will be the last thing on your mind.

Hopefully you have an amazing team who will be doing all of this for you (make sure you check with them and ask them what they usually do).

That’s where the submersible pump comes in. Attach a hose, plug in the pump, and direct the water outside or down a drain.

Pro tip: Delegate this. Seriously. You’ve just given birth. Let someone else deal with the logistics.

Birth Pool Mindset:

Just remember, like all things in birth, the pool is a tool, not a plan. Maybe you’ll love it and want to stay in it the whole time. Maybe you’ll hop in for an hour and then move somewhere else. Maybe you’ll birth your baby into the water, or maybe not.

None of it means you’ve “failed”.Water is there to serve you, not the other way around.

If you would like support during your VBAC Homebirth, reach out to chat about the many ways I can support you to feel calm, confident and connected.

Ashley x

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Disclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

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