After use water is removed using a pump. The difference between using a birth pool and a normal bath are enormous. The depth of water is much greater and gives the mother more buoyancy and space. There is room for the partner to join the labouring woman and there is better visibility and access for a birth attendant. Some can be set up some time before the birth and used for relaxation and family use.
Suppliers can usually deliver and collect the pool.
Recommended rental period is for four weeks - two weeks before and after estimated date of arrival. Do remember to talk to your midwife about your plans to use a birth pool. Below is some statistical information given to us by an Irish supplier of birth pools. 7 N.B. 4 cancelled before date of collection. Three of the hospital bookings were not used because of intervention eg. monitoring, drip, etc.