birthing pools - thermostatic or not??

[MissChief]

hi - hearing conflicting advice about whether to get thermostatic pool & fill up ready in advance
(mw advising this) or as we did with ds1 on advice from active birth centre to fill up only when needed using new liner etc in order to avoid infection. Any advice appreciated as need to book pool soon & don't know which type to go for !

sorry- realise my message unclear - in 2nd option meant using non-thermostatic pool so we;d fill it up with warm water then use heat retention cover & thermometer to maintain heat.

I had one which we filled in advance (3 weeks in advance, the water had to be changed every week and it had a cover for when it wasn't in use) and at the same temp, it was wonderful as I could use it beforehand - ds and I used to get in it when he came home from school - and it stayed at the same temp. I'd recommend it, no faffing about once you're in labour.

that's reassuring but no worries about infection etc going in before? active birth centre seem really big on using new water, new liner etc for when you're in labour - maybe this is just sales speel, not sure. No problems for you then?

www - also meant to ask where did you get yr pool from? been recommended baby bliss.

My midwives weren't in the least concerned about it and the people who provided it weren't either, as long as the water was changed every week and the cover was kept on when no-one was in it. It wasn't even a new liner I was provided with and I decided to scrub it myself just so I knew it was clean before I put it in. I don't think you can ensure water is sterile anyway can you? Anyway, it was fine for me.

I got mine from a Bristol co but I don't think they've got a website, I know they in turn got it from somewhere else, Devon I think. Hang on, I'll see if I can find it.

great thanks!

it was like this one, they seem to be saying ok to get in it beforehand and you don't have to change the water too

some good FAQs here, inc infection stuff

rather tempting - thanks again for all the info,www!