Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to float?
Modern life is stressful for nearly everyone. Traffic, deadlines, constant connection to technology, not enough sleep…we could all use a break. Floating reduces stress, promotes relaxation, improves sleep and gives us all a chance to unplug. Need more reasons? See benefits here.
Why do I need to arrive early?
First-time floaters with us need to read and sign a waiver and watch a brief introductory video. Our staff would like to have time to answer your questions and concerns, and most people like to visit the restroom before heading into the tank. We want you to enjoy your full hour of floating!
Is floating just a trend?
Though it’s definitely on the rise, it’s far from new. Floating has been around for over 40 years and has been the focus of a lot of research. Check out our research page for links to many studies if you’re in the mood.
How’s the parking situation?
We have a large free parking lot for your convenience.
What if I’m running late?
Please call us (262) 317-9100 as we may be able to adjust your appointment time. If not, your time in the float room will be reduced as we still need to end your float at your appointed time to ready the room for the next client.
How do gift certificates work? Can I purchase them online?
Purchase gift certificates here or call us at (262) 317-9100. You’ll receive an email confirmation with a code to be used at checkout, or if you call and ask, our staff will mail you a gift card (note: all mailed gift cards go through regular USPS mail, and we are not liable for anything mailed once it is received by USPS).
can I float if I’m pregnant?
Absolutely! In fact, pregnant women probably get more relief from floatation therapy than anyone else. Just laying in bed can be extremely uncomfortable for a woman in the later stages of pregnancy, due to the massive gravitational strain placed on the body. Floatation therapy is a wonderful haven for pregnant women. There is often comment about the ‘mirror effect’ of the baby floating in the womb of the mother, and the mother floating in the womb of the tank and the spiritual/communal pleasure for the mother, therefore deepening her connection with her baby. However, we do recommend that pregnant women avoid floatation therapy during the first trimester. If you have any concerns about the effects of floatation therapy on your pregnancy, consult with and get permission from your physician before you try floatation therapy.
What is the temperature of the salt water?
It’s 95 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the same temperature as the surface of your skin. It’s neither warm nor cold, but rather very neutral.
What’s the Epsom salt for?
The 1,323 pounds of Epsom salt dissolved in the 250 gallons of water in a float tank creates the effortless part of floating. No matter your size, when you recline into the warm water, your body will float like a cork. EVERYONE floats.
How is the water purified?
There are 1,323 pounds of medical grade Epsom salt dissolved in each of our luxury pools. The high salinity of Epsom salt kills 99.9% of bacteria in the water, and no living microorganisms can survive in there. Even so, we continuously monitor the water and add the specific amount of salt to maintain a constant water hygiene. After each session, the entire volume of the solution is pumped out and filtered through a 1-micron carbon filer and sterilization system utilizing Ultra Violet (UV) light and Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2). UV is the safest most effective system available. It maintains the water’s soft, clean and crystal clear appearance. In addition, all clients are required to shower prior to entering the floatation pools, as well as after. The water in our floatation pools is hundreds of times more sanitary than the normal swimming pool or hot tub.
Should I bring a bathing suit?
Each room is private, and the vast majority of people float nude. You are welcome to bring one if it is more comfortable for you.
What else should I bring?
All amenities, including basic hair products, body wash, towels, robes, and hair dryers, are provided. We also provide Aveda styling products, combs, wet brushes, hair spray, hair gel, Q-tips, cotton balls, body lotion, flat iron, deodorant, contact lens solution, and ear drying drops in our vanity room for you to use after your float.
Why do I shower twice?
Before you float, you take a quick shower to remove body oils and products (please do not use hair conditioner before your float). After, you shower to remove the salty residue from your skin and hair.
If I float for an hour, won’t my skin get all wrinkled?
No, the high salt concentration prevents this from happening. It leaves your skin quite soft and smooth.
What if I have cuts or scrapes?
The salt water can sting wounds, so we provide packets of petroleum jelly in each suite to cover any problem areas.
What about shaving?
Ideally, don’t shave at least 8 hours before your float. The salty water can be irritating or itchy if you do.
What if I am claustrophobic?
It’s not as bad as it looks. The space inside our luxurious, round pools is 8 feet in diameter. And one of our four round pools is completely open. No matter which float pool you float in, you are always in complete control and can open the door and go in and out as you’d like. Since there is an absence of space, time and sensation, it is difficult to feel claustrophobic within the pools. Other float spas offer a pod-like device that you are enclosed inside, but we have chosen float pools specially designed to feel open and spacious.
Can two people float in one tank?
Our FloatAround luxury pools are large enough for couples to float together. We often have a parent and child floating together or an adult with an aged parent.
How big is the float pool?
The enclosed float pools are 8 feet wide and with 7'6" ceilings. The open float pool is 8 feet wide with no walls or ceiling.
I just colored my hair. Is it OK?
We recommend waiting at least one week to let the color fully set. We don’t want the salt affecting the color, or your color bleeding into the water. If the color is not rinsing out when you shower, and if you can dry your wet hair with a light-colored towel without any staining to the towel, it’s usually fine to float.
What if I wear contacts?
You can leave them in, but some people prefer to take them off before floating to remove any source of potential discomfort.
Should I bring a change of clothes?
You can, but most people change back into what they were wearing.
What if I’m menstruating?
Take the same precautions as if you were going in a swimming pool or hot tub - we do provide feminine hygiene products.
What if I fall asleep?
Some people do fall asleep safely in the relaxing world of a float tank. Because of the high salt content, you will float whether you’re awake or asleep. You float on your back, and your nose and mouth are always well above the water line. The “tossing and turning” of a restless sleep is a reaction to temperature and pressure, so the body-temperature, zero-gravity environment of the float tanks prevents any need to move!
Is it private?
Yes. Each float room contains a chair, shower, and float pool. Everything you need is there, including towel, robe and basic amenities. The suite is your own private oasis while you’re here.
Should I eat first?
Don’t show up with a tummy full of pasta! We suggest a light meal 90 minutes prior so you’re neither full nor hungry. If you forget to eat before you arrive, feel free to stop in our lounge and have some complimentary snacks.
What about caffeine or alcohol?
Avoid both for at least several hours prior to your float.
What about tattoos and piercings?
If they’re new additions, just make sure they’re fully healed. Otherwise, the saltwater will sting.
I can’t swim. Will I float?
Ability to swim is not necessary as absolutely everyone floats without effort!
Should I drink a bunch of fluid first?
No; needing a restroom break mid-float is not fun. Just hydrate normally. If you do need to use the restroom during your float, we provide robes for you to wear so you can step out.
What about my jewelry?
You may wish to leave it at home. Certainly remove all jewelry prior to floating, as the high concentration of salt in the water will dry onto the jewelry, making it hard to clean and potentially damaging the quality of any metal. Facial and other regularly-worn piercing jewelry should not be affected - simply pay extra attention to cleaning them in the shower once you are done.
What if I don’t enjoy it? Is the door locked, or can I get out?
Each float room is private with a door that can be opened any time. You can also turn the light off and on as you wish. Last, you can also get out of the room whenever you like.
How will I know my float is over?
There will be three chimes to alert you that the float is over.
What should I do after I float?
Once you’ve showered and dressed, we invite you to spend a little time in our post-float lounge. Have some tea, read or write in our journal, chat with fellow floaters or stay quiet… just take a little time for yourself before returning to normal life. Also, remember to hydrate well and smile.
How is floatation therapy different than sensory deprivation or isolation tanks?
These all refer to the same thing - float therapy is simply more modern and inviting language.
What about cannabis or altering substances?
We have a zero-tolerance policy against any illegal substances at our spa. We also do not recommend any type of altered state, as floating is profound and meant to be done with a clear state of mind.
What is “R.E.S.T.”?
REST is an acronym that stands for “Reduced Environment Stimulation Therapy”. It simply means float therapy.
How often should I float?
Single and first floats can often be profound. However, there can be a bit of learning curve requiring a few floats to feel totally comfortable. Also, floating has cumulative effects and is something that should be part of everyone’s ongoing wellness practice. Translation: Floating 1 to 2 times per week will change your life. Floating 1 or 2 times a month can also have a noticeable effect.
Why not get a massage instead of floating?
We’re advocates of massage for muscle recovery, but floating will soften your muscles, improve circulation, and - perhaps most importantly - give your busy brain some real downtime. Why not do both? We also offer massage therapy at our float center, and guests can easily transition from a float session to a massage within the same space.
Why can’t I just float for free in the bathtub/pool/ocean?
Most people can’t really float in even a generously-sized bathtub. You can prop feet and head up on either end of the tub, but it’s hardly effortless or relaxing. In our float cabins, there are no hard surfaces pressing against your skin, no chill from water or wind, no need to move a muscle to maintain your position. Also, no waves or seagulls, barking dogs or bright sun.