Weird question-Are the vinyl "fishy pools" really "stinky"?

[MayLibertySprout]

Weird question- Are the vinyl "fishy pools" really "stinky"?
You know that "new vinyl" shower curtain smell?

I imagine they are to some degree...just wanted to know if its REALLY bad. I have some mild chemical sensitivity, but my Doula has it really bad, and can't be around anything like that.

My midwife can't get me the birth pool like we thought and I'm three weeks from my due date. I'm wondering if we would have time to let it air out??

[thefreckledmama]

I was wondering the same thing earlier today.

[nikirj]

They are less stinky than a cheap new shower liner. I'd still air it out in advance though, and expect it to give off a smell when the hot water hits it. There are some non-offgassing liners you can buy (they are made for other types of tubs but you could make any large liner work) that really do eliminate the smell almost 100% if it is going to bother you.

[Mi_LuBelle]

Ours smelled a bit the first day, but we blew it up and then let it sit out and no smell at all now... unless you actually smell the pool itself that is.

[MayLibertySprout]

Thanks for the info ladies!

I'm still debating on what to get. I talked with the lady at "Birthwithlove.com"

http://www.birthwithlove.com/waterbi...s_and_tubs.asp

and asked if the cheaper ones seemed to have a strong odor, and she says they don't. But if it may still be an issue she said the "Eco" and the La Bassine pools are made out of a chemical that doesn't off-gas. They are a lot more expensive of course. I'm not sure we can afford those!

I thought I would share what I found out, hopefully it will help someong else too!

[MammaG]

I got a kiddie pool and it did smell like plastic when we first blew it up for a test-run. We've left it inflated in the guest room and I open the windows in there every day for a little while and the smell went away after a couple of days.

[beebalmmama]

I have the fishy pool and it smelled for the first few days. But we've had it blown up in the extra bedroom for a while now (weeks) and it doesn't smell to me at all. Maybe unless you put your nose up to it.

[Peony]

After you let them air out then they don't. I was biting the side of mine while in labor with DS and didn't notice a chemical smell.

[hac1224]

Just blew mine up ahead of time this monring, and I don't think it has an extremely strong smell. It will be stored in a well-ventilated storage room until I need it, so I think the smell that is there will fade quickly.

[perditafoster]

If you have older children, let them swim/play in it for a few days. Children are so smelly that they'll get rid of that vinyl stink real quick!

[MayLibertySprout]

Originally Posted by perditafoster

If you have older children, let them swim/play in it for a few days. Children are so smelly that they'll get rid of that vinyl stink real quick!

thats hilarious!!

[MayLibertySprout]

Thanks for everyone's input. I lucked out and found a tub to barrow! It's actually a "stock tank". Another MW has it, and a friend birthed her last babe in it and loved it.
So no cost, and no waiting on the mail! This babe seems like he may be here any day (now watch, I'll go over my due date!) So, besides the "smell" issue, I was really worried that if I order something the baby would beat it here!

Good luck to everyone getting ready to use their Fishy pools!

[Natsuki]

The 'smell' is pthalates and other toxins off-gassing (same smell as with anything vinyl - shower curtain liners, blow-up pools, some toys, etc...).

I wouldn't use it for a birth, I'd go with a non-pvc option instead.

[MayLibertySprout]

Originally Posted by Natsuki

The 'smell' is pthalates and other toxins off-gassing (same smell as with anything vinyl - shower curtain liners, blow-up pools, some toys, etc...).

I wouldn't use it for a birth, I'd go with a non-pvc option instead.

ya, I know. I guess the La BAssine and Eco pools dont contain pthalates, but I believe they ARE still PVC. That's another reason I'm happy to go with the "stock tank".

[SwanMom]

Originally Posted by MammaG

I got a kiddie pool and it did smell like plastic when we first blew it up for a test-run. We've left it inflated in the guest room and I open the windows in there every day for a little while and the smell went away after a couple of days.

me too.