FLOATING 101
Frequently Asked Questions
Please see our Floating Procedures page for a full rundown of what to expect.
If your question is not answered below please contact us.
What if I’m claustrophobic?
This is the No.1 unfounded concern that people have when they first encounter the concept of floating. First off, float tanks are HUGE. Our i-Sopods are 8.5 ft long and 5.5 ft wide. They are literally the size of a small car. Plus, you are always in control of your environment. You have the ability to leave the light on or get out at any time. If you prefer, you can leave the float pod door cracked slightly open if it makes you more comfortable. While it may seem a bit strange 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 often exclaiming when they get out that “I don’t know what I was afraid of”. Besides, some of the most amazing things happen just on the other side of our comfort zone.
How do you clean the water and pods?
With 1200lbs of Epsom Salt dissolved, it’s not water anymore! This Solution is part of the experience and is the medium in which we float so we take it very seriously. The solution is passed through a commercial grade filtration system a minimum of 4 times between each person. This system uses a combination of hydrogen peroxide and high intensity UV light to create a super potent oxidizer which disrupts and kills most pathogens naturally. No off gassing, just water and oxygen are the byproducts. All of this, along with the natural pathogen killing qualities of the hundreds of pounds of Epson salt, means that the solution in the pods is cleaner than most tap water. We follow safe operating practices recommended by Manitoba Public Health and test our solution multiple times a day to ensure perfection. Each week the pods and float rooms undergo a “deep clean” where they are fully sanitized both inside and out to ensure your safety and comfort every session. PLUS, you must shower before entering the float pod, most poeple float in the nude so no outside clothing with bacteria on it is brought in, you typically wear our provided moldable silicone earplugs so the salt solution doesn’t even get into your ears and you will do everything you can to avoid the solution getting into your mouth and eyes. All of these things combined makes floating the safest of water based activities.
Do I need to bring anything?
Come as you are. Other than a hair brush/comb for after we provide everything that you need – towels, earplugs, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and hair dryers are all provided. If you wear heavy makeup or your hair bleeds when drying we recommend bringing your own facecloth / towel and makeup remover.
Is there anything I should do to prepare?
In the 24 hours before your float, don’t shave or wax as the Epsom salt solution may sting if you have an abrasion (we’ll provide single use packets of petroleum jelly to cover any small abrasions). Don’t drink caffeinated beverages for several hours before you float, as it may interfere with your ability to relax. Eating a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes prior to your float should alleviate any hunger pains.
What do I wear and is the room private?
Your room is completely private so most people choose to float in the nude. Most people don’t realize but bathing suits are some of the things that bring bacteria into public swimming pools so it’s also more sanitary to leave them out. Plus, you’re showing before and after your float. However it’s your float, so you can certainly wear a swimsuit if you’re more comfortable. Your room also has its own shower and is for your exclusive use for the duration of your session.
About our name: Why float-dot-calm?
Why 90 minutes?
Do I have to stay in for the whole time?
Can I float if I have my period?
Can I float if I’m pregnant?
Absolutely, pregnant women love floating!!! It‘s a wonderful way to alleviate the strain of carrying all that extra weight. If you are more than 37 weeks pregnant the baby could come at any time so we do not recommend floating at this late stage. If you have any concerns, or you are in your first or third trimester, please consult with your physician before coming in.
Will I get cold, like staying in a bath too long?
No, the pod is heated all the time to the perfect temperature of 94.0 F (34.4 C) known as skin receptor neutral to heighten your floating experience and reduce tactile sensation. We recommend a luke warm shower before your float and to save your hot shower for after. This way the temperature of the solution feels warm when you first get in. You’ll always be comfortably warm. Note that if you do like it a little warmer or cooler let us know at the time of booking so we can accommodate.
What is Epsom salt & what are its benefits?
Will my skin wrinkle during my time in the water?
What if I fall asleep?
Is there anyone who should avoid floating?
We don’t recommend floating if:
– You have freshly dyed hair that has not been washed a minimum of 2x. The dye must no longer be bleeding.
– You are under the influence of any drugs or alcohol
– You are more than 37 weeks pregnant
– You have received chemotherapy in the past week.
– You have kidney disease or are on dialysis as the large amount of magnesium in the solution may be absorbed through the skin and must be processed by the kidneys
– You have epilepsy that is not under medical control.
– You have received a tattoo within the last 4-6 weeks.
– You have a large open skin wound. (There’s a lot of salt. It’ll hurt.)
– You are using Keratin hair smoothing treatment and are not using a swimmers cap
– You are under the age of 18 and not accompanied by a parent or guardian
What if I can’t swim or float?
Can I do a couples / tandem float?
This may seem like a good idea at first if you or someone is nervous their first time however those nerves do not last long.
We do have five rooms, so you can book rooms at the same time and still make it a great group activity.
Floating is very much an individual experience and much better solo. Although our i-sopods (rm 1,2,3) are wide enough for two people we do not not offer couples/tandem floats as it will only take away from the experience and benefits.
How many times do I need to float to feel results?
Many people experience significant benefits on their first float, however like any form of active wellness, consistency and repeated usage yields the best results. We find that after your second or third float, you’ll be able to more easily relax both physically and mentally and you’ll really start to feel how awesome floating can be. …
What’s the longest someone has been in the pod?
Can children float? What is the minimum age?
Although almost any age can enjoy floating; 12 is the youngest we have had in floating with us. We do require anyone under the age of 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian and be aware of all the risks prior to visiting. Any group bookings of underage people must have a parent/guardian present the entire visit.
When it comes to young kids, we usually leave it up to the parent’s discretion as they know best their kids’ ability to be mature in unsupervised situations. Important things to keep in mind is that they need to be mature enough to be responsible with the environment and the equipment. So they need to be ok spending 90 minutes alone meaning they’re not going to cry or call out for their parents disrupting other guests. They need to be ok with the dark and quiet. They need to understand not to touch their face with their salt water hands and they also need to be mature enough to know not to leave ANY bodily fluids in the tank (in this event we do have a cleaning/damages fee).
Is there enough air circulation in the pod?
Is it boring?
During the day we are constantly bombarded by sensory input and mental activity. So it makes sense that in your first float your mind will be adjusting to the lack of stimulation and your brain may demand to be entertained. Take some deep breaths and relax into the experience, pretty soon you’ll float away.
What if nothing happens?
Will I be spacey afterward?
Is this new-agey mumbo jumbo stuff?
What about my hair?
Yes, your hair will get wet, though the water is neutral and the Epsom Salt is not at all harsh. If you do have freshly dyed hair though, we ask that you wash it at least two full times before coming in to float as any colour leaching out would not be good for the water.
Special Note: If you use a Keratin hair smoothing treatment they recommend staying out of salt water and this includes Epsom Salt. So if you use this product we recommend taking precautions against getting your hair fully wet by using a high quality swimmer’s cap to keep as much water out as possible.
What are you waiting for?
Have other questions?
Blog Roll
Theta State_ How the Brain Signals Relaxation
What’s happening to your brain when you float? How do you go from being awake, conscious, and stressed to relaxed and dreamy? While we still have a lot to discover when it comes to different states of consciousness, one key element is the “Theta State,” when our brain waves operate at a certain frequency most often linked to the moments between sleep and wakefulness.
Improving Athletic Performance with Floating
Here’s a sports trivia question for all our athletically-inclined readers:
What do the Dallas Cowboys, the Golden State Warriors, the Chicago Cubs, The Manchester United Football Club, and Michael Phelps all have in common?
About Us
Our goal was to create an affordable, easily accessible environment that helped enrich people’s lives by providing an opportunity for them to DISCONNECT from everyday life. This experience of “exploring the private sea” allows people to RECONNECT with themselves to find a deeper sense of consciousness and compassion.
Read more about us.
