Float Tank FAQ
How do I prepare myself for floating?
Come to Salt Spa Saint Augustine with an open and positive state-of-mind. Most importantly…relax. When you arrive relaxed, the experience will be more beneficial to you. A few additional things to consider: Try not to shave right before arriving. You will still be permitted to float, but salt water on freshly shaven skin isn’t the most pleasant feeling. Skin that is burned, cut, scraped or infected will also contribute to stinging sensation that may distract you from achieving deep relaxation. Do not apply any products/treatment to your hair/body on the day of your appointment. If you wear contacts, it would be in your best interest to remove them before floating (bring the container in which to store them). If you have caffeine before you float, it may also interfere with your ability to relax. Eating a light meal about 90 minutes to an hour ahead of time will keep your stomach from being a distraction.
What is floating?
Floating is an experience of ultimate peace and relaxation in which you spend an hour in a private, specialized pod, filled with twelve inches of highly-saturated salt water. This causes you to float completely and effortlessly atop the water, experiencing near zero-gravity.
Who can float?
Floating is enjoyed by a wide range of people. It functions as an escape from the pressures and stresses of everyday life: a way to experience a state of complete physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. Children under the age of 13 are not permitted to float. For guests from ages 13-18, we require parental presence or written permission. To ensure the comfort of all our guests, we ask you to turn your electronic devices off during your session.
What if I am claustrophobic?
Our float pods are spacious (8ft long and 6ft wide), allowing a person to put his/her arms over their head, out to the sides, and sit up in the pod if necessary. Although many choose to float in complete darkness, inside lighting is available and at the control of the floater. You may also use float with the tank door open if you wish. You are in control of the situation, and can get in and out whenever you want. Use the floating experience in a way that is comfortable for you.
Can pregnant women float?
Yes. 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, consult your physician and get permission from them before you float. The extra weight carried by the mother-to-be can be very stressful, due to the forces of gravity. Floating eliminates the negative effects of gravity, which can cause joint pain, inflammation, and stress on the organs as well as on the unborn baby.
How do you clean the tanks?
The water in the float tank contains 900 lb of epsom salt and is completely filtered 5 times through a high-tech filtration system after each float session. The cleaning process includes 1-micron filtration, Germicidal UV lamps, and an Advanced Oxidation Process (chlorine, bromine, and peroxide solutions), making the water more sanitary than a swimming pool or hot tub. This protocol was developed by the manufacturer and is in compliance with the Florida Health Department rules for public pool safety.
How long do people usually stay in the tank?
The flotation tank sessions typically last 60 minutes. You will have a few extra minutes to take a quick shower before and after your session.
Are there situations and conditions in which I will not be permitted or should refrain from using the flotation tank?
Infectious skin or respiratory disorders
Psoriasis flare up
Open wounds
Incontinence
Epilepsy
First trimester and/or high-risk pregnancy
Menstruation
Colored or permed your hair within the past 7 days
Have a spray tan
Under the influence of any drug or alcohol
Children under age 13 are not permitted to float (13-18 without parental presence or written permission)
We expect you to inform us of any conditions for your own safety and the safety of other float guests.
Do I need to bring anything?
If you have long hair, you may want to bring a comb. Also, if you wear them, a container in which to put your contact lenses while you are in the tank. Other than that, we provide everything you need (towels, earplugs, body wash/shampoo).
Can we bring our own robes?
We offer robe rentals for $10.00. You may also bring your own clean WHITE robe instead of renting one of ours.
Will I float even if I can’t float anywhere else?
Yes. It is impossible not to float in the tank. The water has nine hundred pounds of salt dissolved in it, making the solution so dense, your body is pushed to the surface like a cork. Your face is out of the solution and your ears are underwater. No matter your weight or height, you are guaranteed to float on your back. For some guests, it may be more comfortable to use one of our head supports. We have several to choose from.
Is there a right way to do it?
There is no wrong way to float. Each person should find whatever position is comfortable for them. Some people float with their hands at their sides; some with their hands folded across their chest or abdomen; or some even have their hands behind their heads. You can keep your head at either end, or sit up if you would like. You may float with the door open or closed. Float the way that is comfortable for you and explore this unique experience. Many people (especially during their first experience) like to use a little extra support on their neck by using a floating halo or a neck noodle (provided in each room).
What should I expect?
Floating is a distinctly individual experience. Your session will vary not only from that of other people, but also each time you float. People most commonly report experiencing profound peace and relaxation, deep concentration, and renewed creativity.
Is it dangerous to sleep in the tank?
No. It is safe to sleep in the tank. In fact, many people safely fall asleep in the tank as a result of being so relaxed. Even those who say they never sleep on their backs in bed do so very easily in the tank. Because of the solution’s density, there is very little chance of rolling over. If this were ever to happen, the salinity of the water would irritate the eyes and nose, immediately waking the float guest.
Is there enough air in the tank?
Yes. The tank is designed with an air vent and is not airtight, with a plentiful supply of air. The tank can also be left open during a session at the choice of the guest.
Is there a best time to use the tank?
No. This is a matter of individual preference. Some people prefer morning, some prefer evening. The best way to find out is to experiment by using the tank at different times of the day.
What if I cannot swim?
The flotation pod is only filled with 11 to 12 inches of water, and has such a high-density of salt that any individual, big or small, will float on the water’s surface. Many people are able to experience restful sleep while in the flotation pod.
Will I be able to resume my daily activities afterward?
Yes. Many people enjoy savoring peace and relaxation before having to do something hectic or tedious. However, some first-time floaters may experience a “detox effect” as a result of the detoxification power of the salts. Take note: the detox effect can leave one feeling fatigued, so first-time floaters should plan their day accordingly.
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 lasts 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.
Will I get hot or cold in the water?
You will feel neither hot nor cold. The self-monitoring, homeostatic tank continuously regulates the temperature of the water to 95˚Fahrenheit, which is the temperature of the surface of the skin, creating a feeling of truly floating in the air.
How long have float tanks been around?
Floating has been practiced for over 40 years and has countless published research to back it up. The first float tank was developed in 1954. The first tanks involved full submersion in water and a breathing device which completely covered the face. The first “lay down” commercial tanks were invented in the early 70s. Read our article about History and scientific research.
Can two people float together?
No, they can’t. Floating in the tank is intended to be a private, individual experience. We have two tanks, so you may reserve the session at the same time with your companion, but you will be in different rooms.
Do I wear anything in the tank?
Since it is a private experience, most people don’t wear anything. Anything you wear will press against your body, becoming a distraction. In this regard, imagine it to be similar to getting into your bathtub. We recommend you wear your birthday suit!
Do I need to shower?
Yes, you need to shower before and after you float. We have a private shower in each tank room for your comfort and convenience. Shampoo, conditioner and soap are also provided.
Do I float in private?
Yes. The flotation tanks are in private rooms equipped with shower.
Can I wear a bathing cap?
Yes, if you choose, but it won’t keep your hair dry. The compression required to successfully do so would be uncomfortable and distract you during your float.
What effect does salt water have on my skin?
The salt solution is beneficial to the skin. The solution will leave your skin silky smooth and full of moisture. The high 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. Salt has been used for centuries as a medicinal treatment for various skin conditions, including in the ancient Roman Empire. It is non-toxic and is not harmful if swallowed.
Can I float if I just dyed my hair?
While there is no guarantee that the salt won’t strip color from your hair, we recommend that you check if the water running through your hair in the shower at home is fully clear. If there is still some color coming out, you should wait a couple more days/showers. We provide swimmer caps if necessary to help keeping your hair dye from leaking into the water tank water.
If I have a cut or scratch, how can I float without irritating it?
While a Band-Aid will come off in the water, a liquid bandage would be acceptable. However, it is not recommended that you float if you have an open, bleeding wound that is in the process of healing.
Can I use the tank when menstruating?
Please follow swimming pool guidelines.
Can I float with contact lenses?
For your safety, please remove your contact lenses before floating.
Is the salt dangerous to my eyes?
No, but it can be a little uncomfortable. It is best to use a shower cap, and keep your hair pushed back and your hands away from your eyes to avoid it. We provide a spray bottle with clean water on the side of the tanks, so you can always clean your eyes during your float session if necessary. If you have to remove any ingested fluid from the tank please use the provided container to do so.
What if I have special needs?
The tank is 26” high. The client must be able to get in and out on their own. In case a client has impaired mobility, please bring someone that will be able to assist in that process. Our staff is not licensed to lift or handle our guests in the float rooms.
Is there a weight limit in the float tank?
Yes. For your comfort and safety, we recommend a maximum weight limit of 300lbs. If you have any concerns, please give us a call at (904) 814-8641.
What if I'm unable to exit the tank on my own?
Salt Spa St Augustine does not assist in physically removing a guest from the Float Pod. Guests with mobility issues, and able to exit a tank om their own must bring an assistant that is capable of helping them. No minors will be allowed to assist in this process. Salt Spa St Augustine will not assume any costs associated with any professional help needed in removal of the client from the float pod.
Guests that may experience dizziness should not exit a tank on their own and are advised to seat down on the bottom of the tank, open the pod lid and call for assistance using two way intercom and our staff will guide them how to exit the tank safely.