Our Terms and Conditions
1. Hire Period
Birth pools are hired for a 7-week hire window, beginning 3 weeks before your estimated due date (EDD) and ending 4 weeks after your EDD.
This hire window reserves the pool exclusively for you, regardless of whether labour occurs earlier or later than expected.
The hire period cannot be shortened or transferred to another client.
2. Booking & Payment
Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your hire.
A non-refundable booking fee of $50 is included within the total payment and will be retained in the event of cancellation.
Your booking is not confirmed until full payment has been received.
Bookings are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.
3. Availability
We have a limited number of birth pools available.
Availability is based on EDD windows, not individual dates.
Submitting an enquiry does not guarantee availability until confirmed in writing by Waiwhenua Birth Pools.
4. Cancellation Policy
We understand that birth plans can change.
More than 28 days before the start of your hire window:
Your hire fee may be refunded, minus any non refundable fees.
Within 28 days of the hire window starting:
The hire fee is non-refundable, as the pool has been reserved exclusively for your EDD period.
If the pool is not used:
No refund is provided, as the hire covers reservation, preparation, cleaning, and availability.
Cancellations must be made in writing.
5. Changes to Due Date
If your estimated due date changes, please notify us as soon as possible.
We will do our best to accommodate changes; however, adjustments are subject to availability.
We cannot guarantee availability if the revised EDD overlaps with another booking.
6. Delivery & Collection
Collection/Return from Wai Whenua Birth Pools - FREE
Local delivery and/or collection is available for $25.
For non-local hires, delivery fees are calculated based on location and confirmed prior to booking.
The hirer is responsible for ensuring safe access for delivery and collection.
7. Use of the Birth Pool
The birth pool is to be used only for labour and/or birth.
The hirer agrees to:
Follow all setup, use, and safety instructions provided
Use a liner at all times
Ensure the pool is used in a safe, stable environment. Must not be used on rough surfaces that may cause damage.
The pool must not be used for purposes other than intended.
8. Cleaning After Use
The hirer is not required to clean the pool professionally.
After use, the pool should be drained, the liner disposed of as instructed and the pool cleaned of any bodily fluids.
Please make sure the pool is completely dry before packing away in storage container.
Wai Whenua Birth Pools will manage all professional cleaning and sanitation.
9. Damage, Loss, or Misuse
The hirer is responsible for the birth pool and all equipment during the hire period.
You may be charged for:
Damage beyond normal wear and tear
Punctures, tears, or heat damage
Missing equipment (pump, hose, thermometer, etc.)
Damage caused by misuse or failure to follow instructions
Repair or replacement costs will be assessed and invoiced accordingly.
10. Health & Clinical Responsibility
It is the hirer’s responsibility to discuss water birth with their midwife or care provider.
Waiwhenua Birth Pools is not responsible for clinical decisions or outcomes.
Use of the birth pool is at the hirer’s own discretion and risk.
11. Liability
Wai Whenua Birth Pools is not liable for:
Personal injury
Birth outcomes
Damage to property during pool use
Liability is limited to the hire cost paid.
12. Acceptance of Terms
By submitting a booking enquiry, paying a deposit, or accepting delivery of the pool, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions.
