I didn't do anything fancy for my birthspace, knowing that I am a very internally focused birther and didn't need any affirmations etc hanging around me.

I think I set up around 36-37 weeks when the midwife delivered the pool. I had it in the spare room so it was able to sit there undisturbed which was quite fortunate.

As far as practical tips, the best I ever got for labour was just to go with it. As soon as you anticipate/tense up during a contraction it hurts more. If you relax your body and don't fight it then it doesn't have to hurt badly.