sterilizing pool instead of liners?

[Adasmommy]

Considering getting a used La Bassine for my waterbirth.

Is there any reason why it couldn't be sterilized in some way instead of purchasing a liner?

What about just cleaning it with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide or alcohol?

Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[Adasmommy]

(My dd wanted me to add the broken heart smilie.)

[nashvillemidwife]

Of course you can sterilize it, and you should do it anyway even if you're using a liner. The liner is to keep your blood and gunk from contaminating the pool in the first place, not to protect you from prior contamination. It's so much easier to clean up when you just have to throw away a liner and wipe down the sides instead of scooping out poop, vernix, and clumps of blood.

[ShwarmaQueen]

Realistically, could pathogens survive on the plastic if it were dried thoroughly in between uses?

I've also read that you can use a couple cups of salt in the water if you're really worried about the bacteria.

[nashvillemidwife]

Originally Posted by ShwarmaQueen

Realistically, could pathogens survive on the plastic if it were dried thoroughly in between uses?

Yes. Hepatitis A, for one.