I think hot water was added to the pool from memory and I stayed in for over half an hour. DD1 cut the cord while we were in there. I had to get out in the end to deliver the placenta because I was so relaxed all cx stopped completely! But we had a blow up pool so no wooden sides. Although it was a bit slippery climbing out. I was somewhat awkwardly waddling to the toilet, but not too badly after 50 mins of pushing!