they also told us to buy bubble wrap so that when it is full and steamy you can cover it and it retains heat (apparently) for some time.
What worked really well for us was putting a space blanket over the top of the birth pool until I was ready (I spent a lot of time in the shower). I thought I'd try it out because it was less bulky than bubble wrap, and cheaper.... and it worked really well.

As for freebirthing just because bubs comes so fast, I think that homebirth is more than just giving birth at home. It is all the antenatal care and education that you get in your home, and the postnatal visits. I wouldn't be worried if my middy wasn't actually there for the birth, it is all the before and after stuff. If bubs comes so fast that MW doesn't make it, then everything is probably going to be fine. It is if the labour drags on that having that support and professional eye there is important. I don't have a huge issue with freebirth as long as you've educated yourself really well, but are you willing to go without antenatal and postnatal care?