Birth pools-when to order etc?

[sammysam]

I'm hoping for a water birth at home and looking into which pool at the moment. I'm just about 33wks. When should I order the pool? Also if for some reason I can't/don't use it can they be returned (obv. if we don't unpack it or anything)?
Just after other peoples ideas/experiences

Hey there
I got my pool at about 37 weeks. You can return them if you don't open the box, but they suggest you have a test run if you plan to use it, which we did because we didn't know how big it was or how long it takes to blow up and fill.... it is a 'birth pool in a box', looks fine, its up in the kitchen/diner awaiting use (we had a false alarm a few days ago). Even if we don't use it this time we will keep it for the next one! and it looks like a brill paddling pool for when they are a bit older.

Thank you! Did you order at 37wks? How long did it take to come? And where did you order it? If I was going to have a 3rd it wouldn't be a problem-i'd keep for the next one but this is our last.......

I've got a La Bassine inflatable one. They do recommend inflating it to check there's no punctures (and to allow time to send a replacement in case there is). I've had mine for ages now but mainly cos we had the money handy and I didn't want to accidentally spend it.

If you go for an inflatable one and don't use it, they often sell on ebay for very close to full price tbh so I figured I could just do that.

If you go for a static one you pay whather you use it or not but obviously it's a lot easier to use one of those just for relaxing in during the latter weeks.

Would definitely recommend having a test run though whichever you get. We found the hose will only attach to the bathroom taps and stuff like that which was useful to know in advance!

Meant to say, I got mine from here www.birthsupport.org.uk/ourshop/prod_316014-La-Bassine-Pool-and-Accessories.html and it had next day delivery.

I have a second hand la bassine for sale if you're interested

Yes I ordered at 37 weeks it took about 2 days if I remember rightly

oh sorry ordered online at the birth pool in a box website

I bought mine at 36 weeks from Boots (birth pool in a box), got triple points and 20%off so was a bargain. You do need to do a test run so won't be able to send it back, but can sell on ebay afterwards.

I got free delivery and it took a couple of days, but I could have paid extra to have it delivered next day.