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It is recommended by some to purchase two hoses, each in a different color, one for filling and one for emptying the tub. One new hot water hose will be sufficient if you are not going to be filling and draining the tub throughout the labor. If you need to take some water out, get a clean bucket or two and manually remove the water and replace through the hose. Buckets are also great for the caregivers to sit on outside the tub.
Everyone must drink fluids consistently throughout the labor and birth, especially the mother. Make sure there are sugars or glucose in theespecially the mother. Make sure there are sugars or glucose in the fluids. Dilute juice with water. Make a "labor tea" with red raspberry leaf, blessed thistle, nettles, dandelion, fennel and add honey or rice syrup. Dilute with water. Even though the room has a tub full of water, it will also dehydrate those in the room, so it is important for all to drink.
Preparing the Tub
It is always a good idea to do a test-run. Shortly after you get the tub; see how long it takes to fill it to the desired capacity. This will help you gauge at what point during labor to start filling the tub. Remember to prepare accordingly, the water will go up about 1" to 2" for every person who gets in the tub. 
If you are planning on having your partner and/or support person in the tub with you, fill the tub accordingly. Ideally you'll want the water to reach the shoulders. The temperature should not exceed body temperature, which is approximately 98 degrees F and 37 degrees C (maternal temperature). Just as the test-run is important for filling the tub, it is also important for emptying the tub as there will be a lot of water.
If you are going to be bringing the tub to a hospital or birth center environment, perform a "test set up" in your home. Don't fill the tub with water because the water pressure will be different in the medical facility. If the tub is inflatable, clean the tub yourself so you know everything has been as sterilized as possible. Clean the tub with a quaternary ammonium solution. If you are at home with jets, after you clean the tub with the solution, refill the tub with water and add some brominating agent to circulate through the jet system for a minimum of ten minutes. (Hospitals report that a half-cup of powdered dishwashing crystals such as Cascade works fine.)
When cleaning the tub and storing it, make sure the tub pieces have been cleaned and wiped thoroughly dry before packing into the boxes.
Finally, remember that women have successfully given birth for centuries -- women's bodies have built-in mechanisms that enable them to give birth. Always trust your body, trust your baby and surrender yourself to flowing in the moment.
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