All you need to know before your first float

if you have any questions not answered here please feel free to contact us any time

Common floating questions

What should I do to prepare for my float?

​Don’t drink coffee or caffeinated beverages for several hours beforehand (it can make your system jittery). Also, don’t shave or wax since the salt water can irritate your skin. Eating a light meal about 60 to 90 minutes ahead of time stops your stomach from sounding like an angry monster while you float. Other than that, there’s no specific preparation needed.

What if I’m not comfortable in small spaces?

​Being in the tanks is more like floating in outer space than being shut in a box. You are always in control of your environment and you have the ability to open the door to the float pod at any time and you can also leave the light on inside the pod.

While it may seem a bit outside of your comfort zone at first, we find that if you give yourself a little time to relax and get used to it, you’ll feel very safe and comfortable. Many people with extreme claustrophobia have reported having no problems with their time in the pod and it even helped ease with their anxiety in tight spaces outside of the pod.  Once floaters realize that you can get out at any time, leave the light on or even leave the lid open a few inches most people’s anxiety about tight spaces disappears instantly.

How do you clean the pods?

​The water is fully filtered 3 times with an industrial strength magnetic pump between each float at a rate of 48 gallons per minute, passing through a 1 micron filter (class 1 filtration) and are FDA compliant with drinking water. In addition there are 2 UV bulbs that alter the DNA of any bacteria inside the pod and 6 ozone generators that sterilizes the air inside the pod.

If that wasn’t enough all floaters shower before entering the pods removing any outside bacteria from even entering the environment and the natural bacterial killing qualities of the 1000 pounds of Epson salt means that the water in the pods is the cleanest water you can imagine.

Can I drown if I fall asleep in there?

​There is zero chance of drowning as there is only 8-10 inches of water. Some people fall asleep, but the water is so buoyant that you stay afloat no matter what.

Can I listen to music?

You can choose to float in silence, or choose from a selection of audio, from weather, to guided meditation.

Don’t forget, you can also control the audio from within the pod. Should you want to reduce the volume or shut the music off entirely.

Browse our in-pod audio samples here

I felt cold during my float what is that about?

If you felt cold during your float it oftentimes has to do with the temperature of the shower you took beforehand.  When you take a nice hot shower before your float your body will naturally start to cool itself down (because our bodies are super intelligent) causing you to be cold over the next hour of your float.  If you take a luke warm or a cold shower (even better) then your body will naturally start to warm up over the next hour allowing you to be super comfortable during your float.  We can also raise your pod temperature slightly before your float if this problem persists.  Just let the front desk know you are sometimes cold and we can make a note on your file to increase the temp.  Happy warm floats from here on out!

Can floating assist with pain relief or pain management?

It is one of the most effective and natural ways to work with your body towards pain relief.  While floating, the body enters a restful state and the nerves that sense pain are calmed. This equals 60 minutes without any pain and effects can last upwards of days afterwards with floating as an integrated part of your weekly routine.

Can I wear a bathing suit?

​Each room is completely private so you can go into the pods nude.  There is no need to bring a bathing suit but if you would rather wear a bathing suit then you are more than welcome to.

Do I get dehydrated from soaking for so long?

Absolutely not, your fingers won’t even prune up and you will come out of the pod with silky soft skin.

Do I have to stay in the whole time?

​You are in control of your own experience at all times. There aren’t any latches on the pods and you can get out any time. That said, the 60-minutes usually goes by incredibly fast as you lose perception of time while inside the pod.

What is a theta brainwave state?

After just a few sessions most floaters naturally enter a theta brainwave state that has benefits such as creativity, enhanced energy, profound insights and even life changing experiences.

Types of brainwaves: (Floating promotes both Alpha and Theta brainwaves)

  • Beta waves (12-30 Hz): This is your conscious awake state and is focused on the outside world.  The higher spectrum of 18-30 Hz is associated with busy or anxious thinking.
  • Alpha waves (8-12 Hz): You are alert but unfocused.  One’s eyes are usually closed, feeling relaxed.  When athletes are in the “zone” they are in an alpha state. Muscle memory takes over and peak performance is achieved. Alpha is the bridge between high arousal and low arousal states.
  • Theta waves (4-7 Hz): The theta state is a state of calmness and relax deepening into drowsiness and the brain shifts to more powerful, slower rhythmic waves.  This happens twice a day with falling into sleep and coming out of sleep. It is the state the can be accompanied by dreamlike but vivid mental images usually from memories.  Offers a free association state, quieting the mind and body and promotes creativity.  These waves are predominating in young children.  It is a meditative state, one that skilled monks can do at will after twenty years of discipline and practice
  • Delta waves (.5-4 Hz): Deeply asleep or unconscious state

Do I need to bring anything?

We have almost everything that you would require. If you wanted you could bring something to put your contact lenses into while you’re in the pod if you wanted to take them out.  A brush or comb would also be a good idea for afterwards (hair dryers provided). We do offer guided meditation and music inside your pod if you want to check out our music options.

Other than that, we provide everything you need (towels, earplugs, body wash/shampoo, gel, hair spray, post float tea and the friendliest staff you will ever meet).

Is magnesium important for the body?

Absolutely.  Magnesium plays a key role in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium is required for energy production, the structural development of bones and also plays a role in the transportation of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes, a process that is important to nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction, and normal heart rhythm.

Key benefits include:

  1. Better sleep
  2. Relaxes the nervous system
  3. Bigger, stronger and relaxed muscles
  4. Better flexibility
  5. Bone integrity and strength
  6. Balances Hormones
  7. Alkalizes the body
  8. Hydrates
  9. Aids in digestion & Enzyme function
  10. Detoxification

Can more than one person float in a tank at a time?

​Only one person per pod. We have 4 float pods (1 more on the way), so you can invite two friends to float at the same time and then meet in the reflection room to share your experiences over tea. Double floats do exist, but we feel that they can take away from the self-exploration and relaxation experience.

How do I relax while in the float pod?

​Please see our list of floating tips under the about floating drop-down menu to help you enhance your experience in the pod.

Can I float if I just dyed my hair?

​While there is no guarantee that the salt won’t strip some colour 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 colour coming out you should wait a couple of more days/showers.

How long has floating been around?

​The first float tank was developed in 1954 so there is decades of research to support the benefits of floating. Floating has evolved a lot over the past 60 years into sophisticated pods that create a clean, comfortable and fully customizable experience.

 

What if I just got a tattoo?

We suggest waiting a couple of weeks to ensure it is fully healed and also so the water doesn’t soak the scab and pull out any of the colour.

Can I float if it’s that time of the month?

​Absolutely, just follow the same steps as going for a swim.

What’s the longest someone has floated?

​The longest we have heard of is 12 hours but the longest we have had at the spa is a full 8 hour session.

Can I float with my contacts in?

A lot of people actually float with their contacts in but we suggest having a contact case on hand and taking them out if at all possible.  If you do accidentally splash water in your eyes you could lose your contact in the float pod and it would make for a less than ideal experience.

What happens if I get salt in my ear?

Do not worry at all if you get salt in your ear.  If your ear well after your float you shouldn’t have any issues at all.  If you find after a day that some salt was left behind you can mix 1/4 vinegar with 3/4 warm water and pour it into your ear and all will be solved.  Some floaters don’t even use earplugs and just rinse really well after a float and they don’t see any after effects.

Can I float while pregnant?

Absolutely, a floating session during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of your pregnancy offers immense immediate and long-term benefits to both you and your baby.  A floating session is actually a great way to begin former a deeper connection with your unborn child as the sensation of weightlessness you’ll experience is very close to the feeling of being inside a womb (which is why we find the pods so rejuvenating and familiar). Some mothers also report being able to hear their baby’s heartbeat and movements.

We always suggest speaking with your doctor prior to floating and you can float all the way up until a few weeks of of your pregnancy.  We do not suggest floating before your second trimester however.

Click here for testimonial.

How old do you have to be to float?

We allow all ages to float but anyone under the age of 18 must have their parent or guardian call the spa to book a float at 403-454-4502 and then show up on the first appointment to sign our underage floater waiver in person.  If the young floater is under the age of 14 then the guardian will have to remain at the spa for the duration of the float (the guardian can float at the same time).  Once the waiver is signed for those between the ages of 14-17 then the guardian no longer has to be at the spa for the start of their float.

I am a lady and I have a few additional questions…

Some women report a stinging sensation down there (very very rare cases) and this isn’t anything to be overly concerned about.  There are a few things that can cause stinging which are covered in this article.  If your questions were not answered in that article we have another link that may add some additional insight here.

Common floating questions – Some people get overwhelmed by the thought of floating but the truth is it is a very simple practice.  Once you read a little more about floating and watch a few of our videos about floating you are basically a pro. There really is nothing to be worried about, this is a practice of letting go and facing your fears (which it turns out most of our fears are illusions created by ourselves).

After facilitating over 10,000 floats we have had a handful of people ever leave the pod early and most of them loved the experience but they just didn’t feel they could complete the full hour.  It is an experience unlike any other and even if you don’t feel that you will make floating a part of your consistent practice is absolutely something that you must try at least once.

All you have to is take action and book a float… we take care of the rest.