Conditions of hire

• We take great care in looking after our birthing pools and are confident that they leave our premises in good condition and perfect working order. Please follow our assembly, filling and operating instructions carefully. It is your responsibility to ensure the safety of all those involved in the use of the pool and to make sure the building in which it is placed is suitable for the purpose, e.g. is weatherproof and can take the weight of the pool. Except in respect of death or personal injury caused by our negligence, we do not accept any liability for any consequential loss or damage, costs, expenses or other claims for compensation whatsoever which may arise out of or in connection with the hiring and use of one of our pools.
• Please be aware that the pool has a capital value. If for any reason you cannot return it at the end of the hire period we reserve the right to charge you for the cost of a replacement pool. The hire period will also extend until we have a replacement ready to hire out or the pool is returned. If you damage the pool we will charge you for the cost of repairs and if the pool is put out of action because of the damage the hire period will continue until the repairs are complete. It is therefore advisable for you to have insurance cover for the pool.
• We make no claim as to the individual medical or other benefits that you will personally derive from the use of our pools.
• Please note that any thermometers or water temperature gauges supplied are approximate only. If you wish to have a completely accurate temperature reading then please supply your own bath thermometer or consult your midwife.
• If you choose to have your pool sent by national carrier, we will aim to have it collected from ourselves on the day before the hire period commences and will send it to you on an overnight service. We cannot, however, take responsibility for the pool arriving to suit your arrangements and accept no liability for problems or costs incurred as a result of delay in delivery. When you sign for receipt of the pool, you are stating that it is all present and undamaged. We therefore advise you to unpack it and check it all before signing, as it can be very difficult to correct omissions or breakage later.
• The pool must remain at the address overleaf and in your possession unless otherwise agreed with us.
• You are responsible for the pool for the duration of the hire period unless otherwise agreed with us.
• Any fault or failure of the pool must be reported to us immediately and no attempt made to repair it without our authorisation. Any use of the pool other than those stated in the contract will invalidate the guarantee.
• The guarantee as stated overleaf covers repairs or replacement of any faulty part. When a pool has been collected from us the faulty item must be returned to us for attention, the guarantee does not cover transport costs other than when carrier has sent a pool. If the pool is rendered unusable for more than 24hrs as a result of a failure then a refund of the hire charge for the days it is out of use will be made. If the fault causes the pool to be unusable for the birth itself then a full refund will be made.
• Please clean and dry the liner before returning the pool and ensure that the hoses and heater unit are fully drained otherwise a cleaning charge may be deducted from the damage retainer. We will inspect the pool on return and if all is well we will return the retainer immediately.
• Throughout these conditions, the term pool means the Birthing Pool with all its subcomponents and all accessories.
• It is very important to be aware of electrical appliances whilst preparing and using the pool.
• Never touch an electrical switch or appliance with wet hands.
• Always site the pool away from sockets or cover them with a splash proof cover.
• Do not use the heater unit on an extension lead.
• We do not accept liability for any damage or injury caused by misuse or carelessness.