Homebirth - birthing pool comparisons

[milkyjo]

I am planning a homebirth. I have been offered to borrow an inflatable La Bassine (sp.) pool, however I have found a fibre glass sided pool to hire. To hire is £100+ whereas to borrow would be free but I need to buy a liner for £15ish. However, I would like to hear experiences of using an inflatable pool. I don't want it collapsing (even a fraction) and stressing me out and also slipping off the sides, the fibre glass one is remarkably slimmer and looks easier to grip. But money is really tight at the moment and I keep thinking how much we'd save by using the borrowed pool. If anyone can tell me their experience it would be great - and also how easy it is to fill and empty, thanks.

I had 2 babies in inflatable pools (and my first in a fibreglass one) and they are great. Very solid and substantial (not like a paddling pool!) and really comfy.
Filling took an hour or so I think? Bit hard to say because if labour and all. Very easy to empty.

There's a comparison of a couple of pools, including an inflatable one, here: www.homebirth.org.uk/water.htm#reviews

There's a comparison of a couple of pools, including an inflatable one, here: www.homebirth.org.uk/water.htm#reviews

I had an inflatable pool which was very sturdy. The material it is made of is much thicker than other inflatable items (like paddling pools etc). I never ended up using it (as I needed to be induced in hospital) but I was quite sad about it as it looked very comfy!