GB2432116A

GB2432116A - Birthing pool

Info

Publication number: GB2432116A
Application number: GB0521141A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adam Maclean
Original assignee: Good Birth Co Ltd
Current assignee: Good Birth Co Ltd
Priority date: 2005-10-18
Filing date: 2005-10-18
Publication date: 2007-05-16
Anticipated expiration: 2025-10-18
Also published as: GB0521141D0; WO2007045856A2; WO2007045856A3; EP1948887A2; GB2432116B; US20090178191A1; CN101389820A

Abstract

A pool for holding water comprises a floor 2 having at least one inflatable chamber 20 and a perimeter wall 3 having at least one inflatable chamber (30a, b, c), wherein there is further provided a removable liner 5 arranged, in use, to line, or at least lie adjacent at least some of the internal surfaces of the pool 1. The pool 1 may be ovoid in shape, it may have handles 4 for ease of use.

Description

POOL

The present invention relates to a pool, specifically to an inflatable pool, and more specifically but not exclusively, to an inflatable birthing pool.

Water birthing has grown in popularity in recent years as the benefits of the practice have become better understood. As the child is born, the transition from the womb into * a pool of warm water, which is a similar environment to the amniotic sac, is thought to:. ..:, be both gentler for the child and less stressful for the woman thereby helping to reduce complications. Other perceived advantages include an increase in the buoyancy of the body, which allows free movement and improves blood circulation, and improved relaxation and elasticity of the perineum which eases the birthing process. : :; : Water birthing is generally conducted in hospitals, birth centres or midwifery units, although home births are also growing in popularity. Hospitals and birth centres often have their own birthing pools, which may be rigid tubs or inflatable pools. Birthing pools may also be purchased or hired for home births. The choice of rigid or inflatable pools is a matter of preference, since there are separate advantages with each design approach.

Rigid tubs are often provided with heating units for maintaining water temperature and/or pumping units for filling and emptying the tubs as well. Some women prefer rigid tubs as they give the impression of being more secure and reliable than inflatable pools as they are sturdy and there is little risk of puncturing the wall.

Inflatable birthing pools are often preferred over rigid tubs as they are more comfortable, easier to set up and more effective for maintaining water temperature as a result of the insulation properties of the air. The first inflatable pools used for water birthing were standard round inflatable paddling pools.

However, one concern with inflatable pools is the difficulty involved with cleaning areas which are difficult to access, such as between air chambers. Cleaning and/or disinfecting is essential to limit the risk of infection. * I S * S.

Today, there are a number of inflatable pools specifically designed for water birthing:...:.

such as that disclosed in UK Registered Design No 3019551. The design comprises *.*...

an oval shaped perimeter and handles on the inner surface for additional support. .5 S... S...

It is an object of the invention to provide a pool having improved performance especially, although not exclusively, when used as a birthing pool.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an inflatable birthing pool which provides improved balance between privacy and convenience.

It is a yet further object of the current invention to provide a new and improved birthing pool, taking into account the issues and concerns with the prior art.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides an inflatable pool for holding water comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable floor chamber, said perimeter wall comprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the perimeter of the pool has only one line of symmetry. Preferably, the perimeter describes an ovoid shape.

A second aspect of the invention provides an inflatable pool for holding water comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable floor chamber, said perimeter wall comprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the perimeter of the pool does not comprise two lines of symmetry.

A third aspect of the invention provides an inflatable pool for holding water comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable chamber, said perimeter wall comprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the pool further comprises a removable liner arranged, in use, to line or at least lie adjacent the internal surfaces of the pool.

S.....

S * * * S

* S. * A fourth aspect of the invention provides an inflatable birthing pool comprising a floor S...

and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable floor chamber and said perimeter wall comprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the floor is a colour that allows one to readily identify a solution of blood in water located in the pool.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides an inflatable pool for holding water comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable floor chamber and said perimeter wall comprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the pool further comprises at least one handle on an outer surface of the perimeter wall.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides an inflatable birthing pool comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable floor chamber and said perimeter wall comprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein at least some of the inner wall of the perimeter wall is substantially transparent and at least some of the outer wall of the perimeter wall is opaque.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides an inflatable pool for holding water comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable floor chamber and said perimeter wall comprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the pool further comprises an integral step on the inside of the pool.

An eighth aspect of the invention provides an inflatable pool for holding water comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable floor chamber and said perimeter wall comprising a plurality of inflatable wall *.....

chambers, wherein the floor chamber and the perimeter wall chambers are all S...

individually and separately inflatable. S.. e a S... * .*. * * S

An ninth aspect of the invention provides a removable liner for an inflatable birthing pool arranged, in use, to line or at least lie adjacent the internal surfaces of the pool.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of the pool of the invention in inflated condition Figure 2A is a perspective view of the pool of Figure 1 with the liner installed Figure 2B is a perspective view of the pool of Figure 1 without the liner Figure 2C is a perspective view of the liner with a faded outline of the pool Figure 3 is a side view of the pool of Figures 1 and 2 in collapsed condition in its carrier bag Referring to Figures 1, 2A and 2B there is shown an inflatable pool 1 comprising a floor 2, a perimeter wall 3, two pairs of handles 4 and a removable liner 5. The floor 2 and perimeter wall 3 are made of welded polyvinyichloride (PVC) sheet material made to EN7I standard up to 0.5mm, for example of 0.4mm thickness. The removable liner 5 is made of substantially transparent PVC sheet material to EN71 standard up to 0.3mm, for example of 0.20mm thickness.

The floor 2 of the pool 1 is in the shape of an ovoid or egg in plan, wherein the radius of curvature at a first part 6 is larger than the radius of curvature at a facing or opposing.: part 7. The floor 2 comprises two opposed sheets of PVC material joined to provide a series of linear chambers 20 and provided with a self-closing air valve 21. The linear *1**** chambers 20 extend longitudinally along the major axis of the ovoid and are defined by I...

seams or weld lines 22 between the two opposed sheets. Interruptions (not shown) in I.. S the weld lines 22 provide fluid connections between adjacent linear chambers 20, the purpose of which is explained below. A marginal seam 23 is provided proximate the perimeter of the ovoid to isolate the linear chambers 20.

The construction of the perimeter wall 3 can be seen in Figures 2A and 2B, wherein there comprises three wall chambers 30a, 30b and 30c, three respective self-closing valves 31a, 31b and 31c and three respective screw valves 32a, 32b and 32c. The wall chambers 30a, 30b and 30c are continuous rings which extend around the perimeter wall 3 and succeeding chambers 30a, 30b and 30c are located on top of one another. Each wall chamber 30a, 30b and 30c has a substantially oblate cross section and adjacent chambers 30a and 30b or 30b and 30c comprise a common wall made from a single sheet of material.

The self-closing valves 31a, 31b and 31c are of the standard type known in the art for controlled inflation or deflation of air chambers. The screw valves 32a, 32b and 32c are also of the standard type known in the art for expeditious inflation or deflation.

Each wall chamber 30a, 30b or 30c is in fluid isolation from adjacent wall chamber or chambers 30a, 30b or 30c and is in fluid communication with one self-closing valve 31a, 31b or 31c and one screw valve 32a, 32b or 32c. One of each of the self-closing 31a, 31b or 31c and screw valves 32a, 32b or 32c are positioned at equivalent locations on the side of their respective wall chamber 30a, 30b and 30c. a. * * S S a..

The floor 2 is integral with the inside of the perimeter wall 3, wherein a single continuous sheet is used for the bottom sheet of the bottom wall chamber 30c and the a.....

bottom sheet of the floor 2. Consequently, the perimeter wall 3 and the floor 2 are e integrally formed and define a sealed enclosure or pool 1. a... * a 4*** * 4S* * *

The floor 2 as seen from the inside of the pool 1 is of an opaque white colour, the purpose of which is described below. The remaining internal surfaces are transparent colourless, while the external surfaces of the pool 1 are opaque, the purpose of which is also described below. As shown in Figure 2, the external surface of the perimeter wall 3 also comprises an image which extends around the entire perimeter.

The handles 4 are C-shaped with a straight cylindrical main portion for gripping, cylindrical extensions extending perpendicularly therefrom and a flat fixing portion for fixing the handle to the pool 1. The handles 4 are made of semi-rigid moulded plastics material.

The handles 4 are fixed to the uppermost wall chamber 30a on the surface external to the pool 1 using adhesives, and preferably reinforced bonding techniques known to the skilled addressee. Two handles 4 are located at each end or part 6 and 7 of the ovoid shape, spaced apart by a requisite distance and orientated at opposing 30 degree angles from the horizontal.

The removable liner 5 shown in Figure 2C comprises a sheet of PVC material which is shaped to extend over and/or next to the internal surfaces of the pool 1. The liner 5 comprises a base, a perimeter wall and an extending portion. The base of the liner 5 correlates substantially to the ovoid shaped floor 2 of the pool 1. The perimeter wall of the liner 5 extends upward from the base around its perimeter. The extending portion of the liner 5 comprises handle slots 50 formed proximate to the edge of the liner 5.

The handle slots 50 are rectangular in shape and are formed with their longitudinal edge at an angle of approximately 30 degrees the adjacent outer edge of the liner 5. * .* I... * *

The removable liner 5 is located inside the pool 1 with a portion that extends over the * : : uppermost wall chamber 30a when the pool 1 is in inflated condition. The handles 4 protrude through the handle slots 50 in the liner 5 such that they may be gripped by the user. The extending portion of the removable liner 5 is shaped and sized such that the edge of the liner is smaller than the outermost surface of the uppermost wall chamber 30a and the rest of the extending portion provides a taut fit with the rest of the chamber. This undersized edge and taut fit, together with the interface between the handles 4 and the handle slots 50, provides means for preventing relative movement between the removable liner 5 and the pool 1.

The inflatable birthing pool 1 of the present invention is shown in Figure 3 in fully collapsed condition, folded and packed into a carrier bag 8. The carrier bag 8 is made of colourless transparent PVC sheet material up to 0.5mm, for example of 0.38mm thickness. The carrier bag 8 is shaped and sized such that the collapsed birthing pool I may be easily inserted.

In order to erect the pool 1, it is first removed from the carrier bag 8 and unfolded. The floor 2 and the two lowermost wall chambers 30b and 30c are first inflated. The floor 2 is inflated by introducing compressed air into the linear chambers 20 through the self-closing air valve 21. The air passing through the self-closing air valve 21 passes into a first linear chamber 20 and into adjacent chambers through the aforementioned interruptions in the weld lines 22. This process continues such that the pressure is equalised in all the linear chambers 20, thereby effecting inflation of the entire floor 2. :...:.

The two lowermost wall chambers 30b and 30c are inflated by introducing compressed I.,...

air therein through either their respective self-closing valves 31b and 31c or their S..

respective screw valves 32a, 32b and 32c. The choice of valve is a matter of preference and is dependant on the compressed air source available. : The removable liner 5 is then inserted into the pool 1 and orientated such that the handle slots 50 are aligned with the handles 5 and the extending portion of the liner 5 is placed over the deflated uppermost wall chamber 30a. Excess air between the removable liner 5 and the pool I can be removed by smoothing the liner 5 against the pool 1. The handle slots 50 are then passed over the handles 5 such that the handles protrude from the removable liner 5.

Finally, inflation of the uppermost wall chamber 30a is effected in the same way as previously described for the two lowermost wall chambers 30b and 30c. It may be advantageous to use the self-closing valve 31a rather than the screw valve 32a in order to ensure that inflation of the uppermost wall chamber 30a is properly controlled.

During inflation of the uppermost wall chamber 30a, the edge of the liner 5 remains adjacent the join between wall chambers 30a and 30b as wall chamber 30a bulges outward from the air pressure within. When the wall chamber 30a is fully inflated, the undersized edge of the liner 5 secures the liner 5 in place.

In order to dismantle pool 1, the process is performed in reverse. The removable liner is then disposed of or cleaned thoroughly for further use. It is envisaged that the removable liner 5 may be sold separately in order that the inflatable pool 1 may be used a plurality of times and by a plurality of users if required.

Prior to use, the pool 1 is filled with warm water (not shown), whereby the liner 5 isolates the water from the floor 2 and perimeter wall 3.

In use, the woman enters the pool 1, preferably with the help of a step (not shown) and assumes a comfortable position within the pool 1. As mentioned above, the position that the woman finds comfortable will be dependent on the individual.

Specifically, some women may prefer the support and privacy of being more confined, which can be achieved in the pool 1 of the present invention at or near the second part 7 of the ovoid. The smaller radius of curvature gives the impression of a more confined space which provides greater support and more privacy.

In addition or contradistinctively, some women may prefer more freedom for manoeuvring themselves into various requisite positions throughout the labouring process. This may be achieved in the pool I of the present invention at or near the first part 6 of the ovoid. The larger radius of curvature is less confined than the opposing side, providing ample space and consequently more manoeuvrability.

In both of the situations mentioned above, the geometry of the pool 1 is such that there is provided plenty of access for the midwife, birth partner or other helper on the opposing side of the pool 1.

Additional support is provided by the pairs of handles 5 described above and located on the outside surface of the perimeter wall adjacent each part 6 and 7 of the ovoid.

The handles 5 are angled to facilitate gripping by the woman when positioned at the relevant end of the pool 1. The fixing of the handles 5 is well reinforced but provides * some flexibility for comfort using materials and bonding means which are known in the art.

The use of opaque external surfaces of the perimeter wall 3 of the pool I provides a visual separation from the surroundings of pool. This is particularly helpful when the pool is placed in an open area, for example in a hospital, in that it provides the woman with a more private environment. The use of transparent internal surfaces in conjunction with the opaque surfaces provides an enhanced sense of spaciousness whilst privacy is maintained.

Furthermore, the use of a white interior floor may be particularly helpful in a birthing pool. It is known that some maternal blood loss can occur during birth. A solution of blood in water absorbs light at certain frequencies. By providing a white, or other light coloured background, it is possible to observe the colouration of the water and thereby qualify and/or quantify the blood loss Consequently, a white floor enables a midwife or other trained individual to determine empirically the extent of that blood loss.

It is hereby stated that, for the avoidance of doubt, the pool of the present invention is intended for various uses. For example, the pool may be used at any point during labour, for example before, during or after the birth or for recreational use.

Further embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Namely, the pool may comprise an integral step on the inside and/or the outside of the perimeter wall 3. An inside step may be sized and shaped to provide a seat on which either the woman or birth partner can sit. Preferably, the step is collapsible by using, for example, hinged plates or inflatable chambers or a combination thereof. The plates may be made from rigid plastics material and fixed to the perimeter wall 3 and/or the floor 2. It is envisaged that the rigid plates, if used, are adapted to unfold into alignment to provide a step and/or seat which is structurally sound. Alternatively, the step may comprise a removable step, wherein the pool I is adapted to locate the step * I,..

and maintain it in place, for example with flexible or rigid loops welded to, or integrally formed, with the perimeter wall 3 and/or floor 2.

Furthermore, the shape of the pool may comprise variations to the ovoid which provide a plurality of variations in radii of curvature without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the perimeter of the pool may comprise a clover leaf shape with each leaf being of a different shape to provide intermediate degrees of confinement for the woman.

The linear chambers 20 need not extend parallel to the principal axis of the ovoid and they may be inclined, they may be linear or non-linear. The walt chambers 30a, 30b and 30c may be vertical, non-vertical, linear or non-linear. The chambers 20, 30a, 30b and 30c may be individually formed using individual sheets which are then welded or bonded together. Alternatively, they may be formed in any other way which provides inflatable chambers such as blow moulding.

Variations to presence and/or the design of valves and/or handles are also envisaged.

For example, the pool may comprise only a self-closing or screw valves or any other means of inflating and deflating the pool. Valve handles may be formed from PVC sheet material, either rolled into a cylindrical shape and welded for gripping or simply as flat members. S. * * S S * **

Moreover, the pool need not comprise a removable liner or the liner may be of a....

different design to that disclosed above. In particular, it is envisaged that the edge of *SSSSS

S

the liner is elasticated in some embodiments rather than, or in addition to, the edge ** * *SS* being undersized. The liner may be integrally formed with the perimeter wall 3 and/or S...

thefloor2. *:.: The pool may have various designs and/or patterns on the outside perimeter wall.

Any or all of the above features or any features found in the drawings and not specifically described above may be present in isolation or in any or all combinations thereof in a pool of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. An inflatable pool for holding water comprising a floor and a

perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable floor chamber, said perimeter wall comprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the perimeter of the pool has only one line of symmetry.

2. An inflatable pool for holding water comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable floor chamber, said perimeter wall comprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the perimeter of the pool does not comprise two lines of symmetry.

3. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein the radius of curvature at a first part is larger than the radius of curvature at a facing or opposing part.

4. An inflatable pool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the perimeter describes an ovoid shape.

5. An inflatable pool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the perimeter wall comprises at least two independently inflatable wall chambers.

6. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least two independently inflatable wall chambers comprise rings of ovoid perimeter located on top of one another and joined together.

7. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim any preceding claim, wherein the pool further comprises a removable liner arranged, in use, to line or at least lie adjacent the internal surfaces of the pool.

8. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 7, wherein the removable liner is secured to the pool by an interference fit.

9. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 8, wherein the interference fit is provided by an undersized and/or elasticated edge of the removable liner.

I t'T*1 a

10. An inflatable pool as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the removable liner is sized and shaped to provide a taut fit with at least a portion of the or an uppermost inflatable wall chamber. s * ha * a I a, S 11. An inflatable pool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pool further comprises at least one handle.

12. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one handle is fixed to an outer surface of the perimeter wall.

13. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the at least one handle is fixed to an outer surface of the or an uppermost inflatable wall chamber.

14. An inflatable pool as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 when dependent on any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the liner comprises at least one handle slot and, in use, the at least one handle is arranged to protrude through the at least one handle slot.

15. An inflatable pool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the floor is a colour that allows one to readily identify a solution of blood in water located in the pool.

16. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 15, wherein the floor colour is substantially white.

17. An inflatable pool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least some of the inner wall of the perimeter wall is substantially transparent and at least some of the outer wall of the perimeter wall is opaque. * * * UI. S

S

18. An inflatable pool as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising an integral step. --.. * S S *

19. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 18, wherein the step is on the inside of the pool.

20. An inflatable pool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pool is for water labour.

21. An inflatable pool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pool is a birthing pool.

22. An inflatable pool for holding water comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable chamber, said perimeter wall comprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the pool further comprises a removable liner arranged, in use, to line or at least lie adjacent the internal surfaces of the pool.

23. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 22, wherein the removable liner is secured relative to the pool by an interference fit.

24. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 23, wherein the interference fit is provided by an undersized and/or elasticated edge of the removable liner.

25. An inflatable pool as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the perimeter:. . wall comprises at least two independently inflatable chambers located on top of:

S

one another and joined together which extend around the perimeter wall, wherein the removable liner is sized and shaped to provide a taut fit with at least a portion:..... S...

of the uppermost wall chamber. S... * S S... * IS.

26. An inflatable pool as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the pool ** further comprises at least one handle, wherein the liner comprises at least one handle slot and the at least one handle protrudes through the at least one handle slot.

27. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 26, wherein the at least one handle is fixed to an outer surface of the perimeter wall.

28. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 27, wherein the at least one handle is fixed to or proximate the top of the perimeter wall.

29. An inflatable pool as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein the pool is a birthing pool.

30. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 29, wherein the floor is a colour that allows one to readily identify a solution of blood in water located in the pool.

31. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 30, wherein the floor colour is substantially white.

32. An inflatable birthing pool comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable floor chamber and said perimeter wall 55....

comprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the floor is a colour that S.....

allows one to readily identify a solution of blood in water located in the pool. S... *5S*

33. An inflatable birthing pool as claimed in claim 32, wherein the floor colour is substantially white.

34. An inflatable birthing pool as claimed in claim 32 or claim 33, wherein at least some of the inner wall of the perimeter wall is substantially transparent and at least some of the outer wall of the perimeter wall is opaque.

35. An inflatable pool for holding water comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable floor chamber and said perimeter wall comprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the pool further comprises at least one handle on an outer surface of the perimeter wall.

36. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 35, wherein the at least one handle is fixed to or proximate the top of the perimeter wall.

37. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the pool further comprises a removable liner arranged, in use, to line or at least lie adjacent the internal surfaces of the pool, wherein the liner comprises at least one handle slot and, in use, the at least one handle protrudes through the at least one handle slot.

38. An inflatable pool as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the pool is a birthing pool. : : S..... * *

39. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 38, wherein the floor is a colour that allows I... * S S...

one to readily identify a solution of blood in water located in the pool. S... * * S... * *..

40. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 39, wherein the floor colour is substantially.

white.

41. An inflatable birthing pool comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable floor chamber and said perimeter wall comprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein at least some of the inner wall of the perimeter wall is substantially transparent and at least some of the outer wall of the perimeter wall is opaque.

42. An inflatable birthing pool as claimed in claim 41, wherein the floor is a colour that allows one to readily identify a solution of blood in water located in the pool.

43. An inflatable birthing pool as claimed in claim 42, wherein the floor colour is substantially white.

44. An inflatable pool for holding water comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable floor chamber and said perimeter wall comprising at least one inflatable wall chamber, wherein the pool further comprises an integral step on the inside of the pool.

45. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 44, wherein the pool further comprises at least one handle.

I

46. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 45, wherein the at least one handle is fixed * * S.....

to an outer surface of the perimeter wall. *I.. * * I... *...

47. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 46, wherein the at least one handle is fixed. * S..

to or proximate the top of the perimeter wall. . . : 48. An inflatable pool as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the pool is a birthing pool.

49. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 48, wherein the floor is a colour that allows one to readily identify a solution of blood in water located in the pool.

50. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 49, wherein the floor colour is substantially white.

51. An inflatable pool for holding water comprising a floor and a perimeter wall, said floor comprising at least one inflatable floor chamber and said perimeter wall comprising a plurality of inflatable wall chambers, wherein the floor chamber and the perimeter wall chambers are all individually and separately inflatable.

52. An inflatable pool as claimed in claims 51, wherein the pool is a birthing pool.

53. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 52, wherein the floor is a colour that allows one to readily identify a solution of blood in water located in the pool. S. S * S S

54. An inflatable pool as claimed in claim 53, wherein the floor colour is substantially: 5 S.....

white. * S

S.....

S *S** * * S...

55. A removable liner for an inflatable pool as described in any preceding claim, S...

arranged, in use, to line or at least lie adjacent the internal surfaces of a pool.

56. An inflatable pool liner arranged, in use, to line or at least lie adjacent the internal surfaces of an inflatable pool.

57. A removable liner as claimed in claim 55 or claim 56, wherein the liner comprises a substantially ovoid base, a perimeter wall upstanding from the base around its perimeter, and a portion which is arranged to extend over an edge of the pool.

58. A removable liner as claimed in claim 57, wherein the extending portion comprises an undersized and/or elasticated edge for securing, in use, the liner to the pool.

59. A removable liner as claimed in any one of claims 55 to 58, wherein the liner further comprises handle slots.

60. A removable liner as claimed in claim 59, wherein the handle slots are formed proximate to the or an edge of the liner.

61. A removable liner as claimed in any one of claims 55 to 60, wherein the pool is a birthing pool.

62. An inflatable pool as substantially described herein with reference to the attached:. . drawings: :

S * S

*5*SSS S... * S *... *..* * S S... * S.. * . . *. .