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Ordering and Prices

Things to Know & Useful Information for Birth Pool Customers
Below is some useful information and it isn't just small print!

What needs to be in place prior to manufacture / delivery

• We need a written order either on our order sheet, which is part of the quote letter, or on headed paper and giving the same information as our order sheet.  The order should give a contact name and telephone number for technical queries relating to the bath or pool and any installation.  Any modifications need to be stipulated.  Colour will be porcelain white unless stated otherwise.   Baths and pools will be supplied with or without a standard waste or valve but without taps. 
• No manufacture will begin until we have all agreed the model and any features or modifications in writing and accompanied by a drawing and the order is confirmed. All orders are only confirmed by written order AND a 10% non-returnable deposit.
• If there are any changes to agreed specifications, there will need to be a new estimate of costs.
• Be mindful that the installer will need access sufficient to get a bath in, a clear installation area, a waste pipe to connect the bath to at or very close to floor level, and (depending on the bath model) a wall or IPS panel (that extends down to the floor) to butt the bath against and fix the bath to. 
• A word about the hatch.  To keep the price you pay for the birth pool to a minimum, we use one mould.  The hatchway is there to enable the plumbing to be connected (and lights if chosen), the bath to be fixed down in installation, and the valve to be opened and shut during routine operation, and for maintenance.  The door is hand-cut and then smoothed off; we advise that the hatch be situated on the side of the bath that will not be seen as readily.  For example, have it on the side that does not face the door into the birthing room.  There is a choice of hinges and of fasteners but the default is a stainless steel handle and embedded magnetic catches. 
• Lights. We use clear GRP to make the ‘glass’ in the bath side for the LED lights to shine through.  This clear GRP bonds with the opaque white GRP of the surrounding bath.  In effect, therefore, the bath surface is continuous – it is just the colour that changes.  The LED light unit is a separate sealed unit.  This is affixed to the rear of the bath and any silicone is used as additional , adhesive and not as sealant.  If lights are put in the ‘seat end’ i.e. the foot of the bath, then an additional maintenance hatch will be needed to service the lights.  This hatch will be a screw-shut hatch and will be covered by the steps which will have to be fixed in place and sealed all round.
• Be sure that Estates / Works Department, Infection Control and the Midwifery Staff have seen the photographs of the bath, the technical drawing and this information sheet (or the relevant parts).  This is especially important if you are the main contractor: of the few issues that have arisen, all have been due to incomplete communication and understanding between the various stake-holders at the hospital. 

Collection / Delivery

• Upon completion of the manufacture the customer will be informed that the pool is ready for collection.  Full payment is required prior to release. 
• Customers should allow at least 6-8 weeks (30-40 working days) between the confirmation of order and the pool being ready for collection.  Confirmation occurs once we have received the full written order details, a 10% deposit and when any outstanding design requirements have been agreed in writing. 
• Additional and unavoidable delays will also occur in August as this is the holiday period for many businesses and suppliers.
• We will inform you when the pool is ready for delivery.  If the customer would like Aquabirths Ltd to arrange delivery, then let us know and we will obtain quotes from two carriers we have used and found to be reliable. Costs will be calculated at the time of delivery but please remember that carrier costs are beyond the control of Aquabirths Ltd. 
• It is up to the customer to ensure any insurance in addition to the standard insurance (if present) offered by the carrier. 

Upon Delivery

• Please check all goods on delivery.  We check the birth pools before they go out and then wrap them to avoid scratching in transit. 

• A few tips ~ Do not inspect a bath on a pallet in a van.  The bath will not sit properly and hatchways may not appear to close properly.   All white baths look odd in daylight too.
• Ideally, the bath should be put in position in the birthing room.
• If there is anything that concerns you about the bath, please ring us.  Don’t send the bath back for the sake of a misunderstanding.

•  The birth pools are hand made and we will not send them out if we can find any defect, even at the risk of delaying the despatch.  If you find damage and the wrapping is damaged or torn, inform us immediately. We need to be told of any faults (in workmanship or materials) upon delivery or the next day of the delivery was too late to do more than get the bath indoors.
•  In the unlikely event that the bath is shown to be defective, the bath will be repaired or replaced at Aquabirths Ltd' option.  PLEASE NOTE! IT MAY BE MORE COST-EFFECTIVE & APPROPRIATE TO UNDERTAKE MINOR OR COSMETIC REPAIRS IN SITU. 
• If a bath is returned without a proper inspection (i.e. the bath is not taken off the van and put in situ and looked at by the stakeholders), or for a fault that proves incorrect, or for a misunderstanding about a previously confirmed specification, the Buyer will still be liable for the purchase of that birth pool. 
• Most important of all! Aquabirths Ltd always works in partnership with those whose interest is to make waterbirth more widely available.  We work on the basis of respect between professionals.  This partnership extends beyond the point of delivery and we are happy to help how we can. We will behave in a courteous and constructive manner and expect this to be reciprocated. A constructive and honest approach will get things sorted: a negative and rude approach will not. Sadly, we have come across construction company staff and NHS post-holders who see their principal function as 'covering their own behind' and 'justifying their job' to the detriment of mothers, midwives and other contractors. We do not, nor will we enter into power-politics and should this be attempted, we will withdraw from any discussions.

For site managers, Estates, Main Contractors.
If installation is also required:

•   We do offer to visit site prior to ordering or installation.  This will be charged according to time and mileage only.  This can be invaluable in avoiding problems later.
• The main thing to know is that the waste to which will connect the bath (preferably a 40mm solvent weld pipe) should be at or very close to floor level.
• We will all need to agree (in writing and with drawings) the place of installation and the wastes to be connected to. We need to be informed in writing before installation of any specific requirements, issues or warnings so that delays or the expense of return trips can be avoided
• The baths are usually a 3-man lift. We can send drawings with dimensions so you can check access doors, lifts, stairs, etc.
• To isnatll, we need access throughout the period of installation so pleaselet is know the site opening hours and if there is a site induction course, our time in a course will be charged for.
• We will need the site to be clear of obstruction and for a smooth and level surface on which to mount the bath.  The bath will be fixed to the wall / IPS and to the floor. We usually seal the bath to the floor,
• Usually the waste trap is in the pipe run beneath the bath but it can sometimes be preferable to situate it in the ceiling void of the room immediately below the pool.  This is to ensure maximum head of water to clear the water quickly and to take any ‘birth products’ to the soil stack and minimise the risk of blockage.  You may wish to consider this option.
• We do not, except in exceptional circumstances fit taps or the water supply pipework. Nor would we undertake any work to surrounding fittings such as floor coverings, supporting joinery, any electrical work, or any other plumbing not directly related to the bath. 
• Aquabirths Ltd will not check the structural strength of the floor.  It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the floor is strong enough to take the bath in use. 

Manufacturer’s warranty.  The bath (excluding taps and fittings, which will have separate warranties via their manufacturer) is guaranteed for workmanship and materials for a period of 24 months when used correctly. 

All orders are accepted and goods sold subject to our terms and conditions. These can be found by clicking here.   Placing an order assumes that you have read, understood and accepted them . 

All baths are supplied as 'one-piece' with integral side panels.

Choice of basic colour has no impact on price, excepting issues of availability.
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Antibacterial coating can be incorporated, please add 5%.

Delivery is charged in addition to the above prices.

Orders should be placed in writing and are to be accompanied by a 10% deposit.

Prices and details of specification may vary without notice.  Full terms and conditions on application. 

Please read these terms and conditions as it is assumed that in placing an order that you have read, understood and consented to these Terms.

E. & o. e.

www.aquabirths.co.uk

0845 230 1381

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Aquabirths - the water birth specialists.