FAQs

That tank looks scary…what if I’m claustrophobic / afraid?

It’s not as bad as it looks. The space inside the flotation tank is approximately 4 feet wide by 8.5 feet long. You are in complete control and can open the door and go in/out as you’d like. You can even float with the door open. Since there is an absence of space, time and sensation it is difficult to feel claustrophobic within the tank. You will most likely be pleasantly surprised.

What will it be like for me?

We don’t know what it will be like for you since it is such an individual experience. Nearly every floater reports having profound peace and relaxation, deep concentration and creativity. We like to avoid saying too much before people use the tank, so that they aren’t influenced by what someone else says. Not only will it be different for you than it is for anyone else, it will be different each time.

Do I need to bring anything?

If you wear contacts, it’s good to bring a case, your solution, and your glasses. You also do need to shower before and after getting in the tank, so if you have special toiletries you want, you should bring those, too. If you have long hair, you might want to bring a brush. (We do provide soap, shampoo, towels, combs, and a blow dryer.)

How often should I float?

While you can float every day without harm, we find that the relaxing effects of a one-hour float typically last beyond that day. For best results, we recommend regular sessions, and many clients find that floating once or twice a week provides the most benefits.

Is there a cumulative effect of using the tank on a regular basis?

Yes. There seems to be a cumulative effect with consistent use of the tank. This is not documented by research, it is the tank users who know it is true. Relaxation is a learned art that needs practice.

I’m a bigger guy / gal, can I still float in your pod?

Unless you’re over 7 feet tall or over 400 pounds, you’re good to go.
Note: larger bathrobes are available. If you’d like one, please let us know. We’ll make a note to set one out in your room whenever you visit.

How long do people usually stay in the tank?

We recommend 60 or 90 minutes for first time floaters. As you become more experienced and aware of the effects, you may find that 60 or 90 minutes are effective. Others may want to float for 2, 3, or more hours.

Can I float for longer than 90 minutes?

Sure! Just book two (or more) floats back to back. We’ll leave you undisturbed to float right through. You’ll get the extra half hour of what’s normally cleaning time between sessions as a bonus, so a double float is 3½ hours, and a triple is 5½ hours.

What’s the best time of day to float?

It depends! People find that different times of the day produce different floats. You might go deeper later in the evening, or during mid-afternoon (“nap o’clock”), or if you want to stay a little more alert, you might avoid those times. It’s good to explore different times to see what works best for you.

What if I do it wrong?

There is no wrong. You’re alone in a private room and no one can judge you. Just do what’s comfortable and let your body relax.

Can I drive home?

Generally this is no problem. Some people, though, do come out of the tank in a very trance-y, sleepy altered state, and need some time to come back to normal before being ready to drive. We encourage you not to be in a hurry to get out the door after your float. We have tea and comfortable chairs you’re welcome to occupy for as long as you like.

Do you wear anything in the tank?

Since it is a private experience, most people don’t wear a bathing suit. Anything you wear will press against your body, becoming a distraction. In this regard imagine it as similar to getting into your bathtub. If, of course, you are more comfortable bringing your bathing suit, so be it.

Would I drown in the flotation tank if I fell asleep?

No. The water is only about 10″ deep and has a very very high density of salt. This water is buoyant and will support you regardless of your size or weight. If you were to turn over the salt in the water would sting your eyes and wake you. Since you are floating you do not need to know how to swim. Additionally it’s not dangerous to fall asleep in the tank. We actually encourage it! One hour of sleep in the tank is roughly equivalent to 4 hours of regular sleep.

Is the water clean?

Absolutely. Float tank water is generally cleaner, in fact, than most swimming pools or hot tubs because only one person uses them at a time, and they aren’t sweating or wearing sunblock. And we take keeping our water clean very seriously.

The main factor keeping the float tank water clean is the high salt concentration itself. Nothing pathogenic can grow in such salty water. Then we sanitize by treating with germ-killing UV light between every client, and back that up by maintaining an active dose of hydrogen peroxide in the tank at all times. Filtering to remove oils and particulates is taken care of by a swimming-pool-sized filter unit. We filter aggressively between every client, turning the whole contents of the tank over three to four times, to keep our water sparkling.

Will I float? I sink in the ocean.

Our tanks contain over 800 lbs of epsom salt, so the water is denser than the Dead Sea. Don’t worry, you’ll definitely float. (Unless your bones have been replaced with adamantium – sorry, Wolverine.)

Is the water hot?

The water is warm but not hot. We keep it as close as we can to skin temperature, 93.5°F. That allows you to float as long as you like without getting chilled or overheated, and it’s neutral for your skin temperature receptors so you won’t even really feel it’s there. Some people come expecting the water to be hot like a bath or a jacuzzi, and it’s not. If you take a very hot shower before entering the tank, it can even feel cool. To ease your transition into the tank we suggest you try showering a little cooler than usual.

If you do get chilled in the tank, or you’re worried you might, let us know in advance. Not everyone runs at exactly the same body temperature, and there are adjustments we can make to let your float be a little warmer if you like.

What happens if I get salt water in my eyes?

It’s going to sting like hell. But no worries…we provide a wash cloth and spray bottle of clean water on the side of the tank for you to dab your eyes dry or rinse your face then get back to relaxing.

Are there situations in which I will not be permitted to use the float pod?

We will not allow you to float if you have any of the following conditions:

• Infectious skin or respiratory disorders
• Open wounds
• Incontinence
• Epilepsy or serious mental conditions
• A high-risk pregnancy
• Have colored or permed your hair within 7 days
• Under the influence of any drug or alcohol
• Under 18 without parental or guardian consent.

We expect you to inform us of any conditions for your own safety and the safety of other floaters! We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at any time.

Will my skin get wrinkly?

No. The high Epsom salt content of the water means that the water will not draw the salt from your skin and cause wrinkles like a long bath does. Epsom salt has been used for centuries as a medicinal treatment for various skin conditions. Epsom salt is actually quite nourishing for the skin, which may feel silky smooth after your float session.

Can I float if I’m sick or suffering allergies?

If you’re coughing, sneezing, or your nose is running, floating is not a great idea – it will be almost impossible for you to avoid getting the saltwater in your face and that will sting a lot. We want you to enjoy your float, and you won’t if your nose is burning. Also, if you are contagious, it is kindest to others to stay home. We will be glad to help you reschedule your appointment.

What about asthma or other respiratory problems?

The air inside the tank is warm and quite humid. Some people’s lungs may not be comfortable with that, while others find it actually beneficial to their breathing. You may know what your lungs prefer – please try if you like. If you’re unsure, let us know, and if it doesn’t work out we’ll be glad to reschedule or refund you.

Can I float if I’m menstruating?

Yes. Just use the same precautions you’d use for a swimming pool or hot tub, e.g. a menstrual cup or tampon. If you use tampons, we recommend a fresh one before you float, and a change after you get out. If you’re caught without your supplies, there are regular tampons and pads available upon request at.

Can I float if I’m pregnant?

As always, it is important that you check with your health care provider first, for any conditions that might be specific to you. We are not qualified to give medical advice.
Many women have no problem with floating through their pregnancy, and report that they find powerful relief in a tank, and also a wonderfully enhanced connection with their baby.

I’m pregnant. Can floating harm my baby?

Absolutely not. In fact, pregnant women probably get more relief from the float tank than anyone else. Just lying on a bed can be extremely uncomfortable for a woman in the later stages of pregnancy due to the massive gravitational strain placed on the body. The float tank is a wonderful haven for pregnant women. We do, however, recommend that pregnant women avoid floating during the first trimester. If you have any concerns about the effects of floating on your pregnancy, we ask you to consult and get permission from your physician before you float.

What if I’m diabetic?

There is some indication that magnesium can affect your blood glucose, but this is not well studied. It is also possible that soaking in epsom salt can dry your skin, increasing your risk of cracking. If you are diabetic, please consult your doctor before floating.

Are there any other contraindications?

Generally, contraindications include powerful sedatives, being prone to seizures (e.g. epilepsy), or schizophrenia. Magnesium from the epsom salt can have interactions with certain antibiotics and muscle relaxants, and may be an issue if you have kidney problems. People with low blood pressure should take extra care, especially when standing up after floating. If any of these conditions apply to you, please consult your doctor before getting in a tank.

If you cannot raise your arms over your head or if you have significant mobility difficulties, please bring a helper with you. Our float pod requires you to push open an angled overhead door to get out, and we don’t want you getting stuck.

Can children float?

In many cases, yes, it’s fine for children to float. The most important thing is to make sure that they personally really want to, and that they understand that they are allowed to get out of their float whenever they like. We do not encourage reluctant kids to float.

Children aged 7-12 are allowed to float if a guardian is present in the center and prepared to attend to the child if they come out of their session early. Minors 13 and up must have a guardian present for their first visit in case they need assistance. Recurrent sessions just require a guardian contact number.

Anything else I should know before coming in?

• You may not want to drink coffee for several hours beforehand as it makes it harder to relax.
• Don’t shave or wax too soon before getting in as the salt water may sting irritated skin. The same for fresh tattoos, and more serious cuts or scrapes. If you want to check your skin integrity, apply some hand sanitizer: stinging tells you the float pod wouldn’t be comfortable for the first few minutes.
• Fresh tattoos will sting, but also the design is more susceptible to blowout if you are in still water for any amount of time. Please follow the care instructions your tattoo artist gave to you.
• If you have recently had your hair dyed, it’s important to make sure the dye has had time to set completely or there is a chance the float water could bleach it. Our guideline is that you should wait until the dye is set enough that it doesn’t come off when you dry with a towel. We’d hate for you to damage expensive work, and we’d prefer you don’t dye our tanks. We’ll be happy to help you reschedule if necessary, no problem.
• Anyone getting keratin treatments to their hair should avoid saltwater, and that includes float tanks.
• If you have very thick or curly hair, it may be difficult to rinse all of the salt out of your hair. If it’s okay for your hair, a white vinegar rinse will get rid of any salt residue.
• If you cannot wash your hair, you may bring a waterproof (e.g. silicone) swim cap. (We also have one to borrow.) Please be aware that no swim cap is perfect, and leaking is common around the ears and jaw. Even small amounts of float tank water contain amazing amounts of salt. If you have dreadlocks, we require that you wear a swim cap and sign an additional waiver. The high oil content in “locs” can harm the integrity of the water balance and may require us to drain and deep clean the tank which will incur a fee.
• Eating a small meal about one hour prior to your float is ideal. It’s best if you’re not distracted by hunger, or overfull digesting a heavy meal.
• You may bring your own shower shoes IF they have never been worn outside. We will provide flip flops upon request.

Are there any other rules?

It goes without saying, but no bodily fluids in the tanks – no spitting, no mucus, please help us keep it all clean. (It’s $500 of epsom salt alone if we have to drain a tank, and more than a day of cancelled appointments to dissolve and warm up new solution.)