How to patch your birth pool

Fortunately, a small hole in your birth pool does not have to mean that it needs to be discarded. Most minor punctures can be repaired effectively with the patches that come with the birth pool, so it becomes airtight and ready for use again.

The most important thing is not the patch itself – it is the preparation. If the hole has not been found precisely, or the area has not been cleaned properly, the repair may not hold.

In this guide, we show you how to find a leak and repair your birth pool correctly.

How to find the leak

If your birth pool seems to be losing air, it does not necessarily mean that the pool has been punctured.

Start by inflating the pool so it is firm, but not pumped completely hard.

Before you start looking for a puncture, check that all valves are closed correctly and tightened fully.

This is actually one of the most common reasons why a birth pool seems to be leaking. A valve that has not been screwed in fully or closed correctly can slowly release air and make it look as if there is a hole in the pool.

If your birth pool is still losing air after all valves have been checked, the first step is to find out exactly where the air is escaping.

Listen for air

In a quiet room, you can often hear a faint hissing sound from the hole.

Feel with your hand

Move your hand slowly across the surface of the pool. Even small leaks can often be felt as a faint stream of air.

Use soapy water

We recommend the following method:

1. Mix water with a few drops of dish soap.
2. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
3. Spray it onto the areas where you suspect a leak.
4. Watch for small bubbles. Where bubbles form, air is escaping.

Once you have found the hole, it can be a good idea to mark it with a marker or a small piece of tape.

Which patches come with the birth pool?

La Bassine birth pools come with two types of repair patches - Saga Birth Pools come with self-adhesive patches.

Round blue vinyl patches

The blue vinyl patches are included with La Bassine and are intended for a permanent repair, normally providing a strong solution.

To use them, you need to buy glue separately. We recommend glue for bicycle tires or air mattresses.

Square self-adhesive patches

The self-adhesive patches require no glue and are quick and easy to use.

They are especially practical for minor repairs or situations where you want a quick solution.

Preparation before repair

Before applying a patch:

1. Completely deflate the birth pool.
2. Clean the area around the hole with mild soap and water.
3. Dry the area thoroughly.
4. If needed, wipe with isopropanol/isopropyl alcohol
5. Make sure the surface is completely dry before continuing.

A clean and dry surface gives the best adhesion.

How to use the self-adhesive patches

The self-adhesive patches are the quickest solution.

1. Trim the patch if needed.
2. Remove the protective film.
3. Place the patch directly over the hole.
4. Press the patch down from the center out toward the edges.
5. Make sure no air bubbles form under the patch.

Press the patch firmly in place for a minute or two.

Even though the patch sticks immediately, we recommend leaving it undisturbed for at least 12-24 hours before the pool is fully inflated or filled with water.

How to use the blue vinyl patches with glue

The blue vinyl patches normally provide the most durable repair.

1. Make sure the area around the hole is clean and dry.
2. Apply a thin layer of glue according to the glue manufacturer's instructions.
3. Place the vinyl patch over the hole.
4. Press the patch firmly with even pressure.

Do not use more glue than necessary. A thin layer usually gives the strongest bond.

Then leave the pool undisturbed throughout the full curing time. Many types of glue require at least 12 hours, but 24 hours is often even better.

Test the repair

Once the patch has cured:

1. Inflate the pool again.
2. Check the area around the repair.
3. If needed, use the soapy water method again to make sure air is no longer escaping.

If no bubbles form, the repair is most likely airtight.

Temporary repair with gaffer tape

If you discover a leak shortly before or during birth and cannot carry out a permanent repair right away, strong gaffer tape can be used as a temporary emergency solution.

Make sure the area is clean and dry, and press the tape firmly over the hole.

Gaffer tape should only be considered a temporary solution, though. For a durable repair, we always recommend using the patches supplied with the pool.

A liner provides extra protection

Using a liner is not only about hygiene.

The liner also acts as an extra protective layer between the water and the birth pool. It reduces the strain on the PVC material itself and protects against minor scratches and wear during use.

That is why using a liner - especially the heavy-duty type - can help extend the life of the birth pool and increase the likelihood that it can be used many times.

When should a birth pool be replaced?

Most small holes can be repaired without problems.

If the damage, however:

• Is located in a seam
• Is a larger tear
• Is close to the valves
• Includes several areas of damage together

it can be harder to achieve a durable repair.

Prevent damage to your birth pool

You can reduce the risk of punctures by:

• Setting up the pool on a soft underlay.
• Not exposing the pool to cold temperatures.
• Keeping pets with sharp claws away from the pool.
• Storing the pool clean and dry after use.
• Never testing the pool without water.
• Using a liner both during testing and during birth.

When is it time to retire the birth pool?

La Bassine birth pools are made from strong PVC and designed to be used many times. Small holes and minor leaks can often be repaired effectively with the patches supplied, which can extend the pool's lifespan.

However, it is important to remember that an inflatable birth pool is a consumable product that is put under strain every time it is inflated, emptied, folded up, and stored. The material therefore naturally wears over time.

If you have tried to repair a leak without success, or if new leaks keep appearing in different places on the pool, it is often a sign that the material has reached the end of its life.

In such cases, we do not recommend further troubleshooting or repeated repair attempts. Instead, we recommend taking the birth pool to the recycling center for recycling.