FAQs
Floating is a unique experience in a specialized Float Pod filled with a 1000 pounds of epsom salt and 150 gallons of water. The buoyancy created by the salt content allows the body to float weightlessly on top of the water.
This is our favorite question. When you’re floating in water with 1000lbs of salt, it’s the closest thing you will ever experience to being weightless. When you’re weightless, joints and muscles cease to be stressed. That’s the point of floating, really – to help you lose the stress. The water is the same temperature as your skin, so the water becomes undetectable to touch.
Think about that for a minute.
You are floating without any effort whatsoever.
You can’t feel the water.
We kind of think that’s what flying in your dreams feels like.
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is a chemical compound containing magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Combined with water, it raises the water’s specific gravity, resulting in a dense solution in which a body can float effortlessly. Epsom salt has been proven to be highly absorbable by the skin resulting in countless benefits to the body including detoxification, strengthening of the immune system, heightened endorphin release, and relief from physical, mental, and emotional stress and fatigue.
Yes! Floating is beneficial for anyone who is able to enter and exit the tank on their own, including pregnant women. However, we highly recommend those suffering from any medical conditions consult their physician prior to floating.
Yes! Floating is ideal for pregnant women, as it alleviates pressure on the skeletal system and joints, and assists in relieving muscle tension. We do recommend that pregnant women consult their physician prior to floating, especially during the first trimester.
You can experience float therapy, even if you are not a strong swimmer. The float pod is only filled with 10-12 inches of water, and has such a high density of epsom salt that any individual, big or small, will float atop the water.
Our float pods are spacious (8.5 ft long and 5.5 ft wide), allowing one to put their 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 the door to the float pod can be opened at any time. You are always in complete control of your environment, no worries.
Yes! Salt is a natural antimicrobial and antiseptic, especially at the high concentration present in the floatation pods. The water in our pods is completely filtered through our high-tech filtration system. We also have the added benefits of UV light and ozone purification, which sanitizes the water between each float and all through the night.
Nothing! Clothing of any kind can introduce irritants and allergens into the pod, as well as lower the salt content. You would be amazed at how much salt is retained in your bathing suit when you exit the float pod. We want everyone’s float to be a perfect experience, so no clothes is strongly recommended. Of course, whatever makes you feel comfortable is ok, too.
Floating allows the brain to produce a greater amount of theta waves, generally resulting in an increase in mental clarity, creativity, and memory function. It is said to increase the release of dopamine and endorphins, which leads to elevated mood states – and alleviation of anxiety, depression, and negative mental habits.
The benefits of floating can be felt immediately after one session. New floatation research regularly reveals more remarkable benefits from repeatedly using float tanks. The more often you float, the better you feel!
Yes! We have gorgeous spas throughout Central Florida, where we offer infrared sauna and floating. Your floating experience will be in a private room, in your own float pod, so that you can totally rest your body and your mind without the worry of being disturbed.
We recommend that you not be too full or hungry before you float; a light snack about an hour prior to your float should tide you over. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided immediately prior to a session in order to maximize relaxation. We also recommend not shaving or waxing prior to floating. Note: Entering the float pod with a sunburn will be uncomfortable.
You’ll come in a few minutes early to fill out our client information form and learn about the process. Then, we’ll get you settled into the relaxation room prior to your float. Once your private room is ready, our float spa attendant will lead you back, where you can shower before entering your pod to float. A gentle exfoliation removes excess body oils, and allows for maximum absorption of the healing epsom salts.
Use your senses to determine cleanliness and safety at your float center.
First of all look for signs of cleanliness. Is the floor clean? Is the restroom clean? Is the shower clean? Is the float pod clean inside and out? Is the water in the pod clear and not murky? Murky water is a sign of bacterial growth in the water that can lead to skin and ear infections or worse. BEWARE!
Secondly, does it smell clean? Epsom salt, chlorine, bromine, hydrogen peroxide, and natural enzymes are the chemicals used most often to maintain float pods and all have a very clean smell. If the float center is using ozone sanitation, you will detect a slight odor similar to new rain, which is very fresh smelling. Ultraviolet light purifiers are undetectable. Musty, mold, and mildew smells are not clean smells, and are often signs of an unkempt float center. Again, this could lead to infections. BEWARE!
Finally, use your common sense. Float Centers are governed by the Department of Health, and should reflect standards of cleanliness similar to a public pool. Exposed wiring, salt encrusted light switches, rusty equipment, mildewy smells, mold, and murky water are all signs of a poorly planned or unkempt float center. Afloat Wellness Spa is approved by, and works directly with, the Department of Health to establish our industry’s standards.
We want you to get the most out of your time with us, so here are a few things we suggest prior to arriving for your appointment: Enjoy some tea or coffee for a final jolt of caffeine several hours before your arrival time, so your mind and body can start working toward rest on their own. You may also want to have a light meal about an hour and a half before your visit, so you’re not focused on being hungry or listening to your tummy do its thing.
You’ll want to come in a few minutes early to fill out our client information form, and learn about the process. Then, we’ll get you settled into the relaxation room prior to your float. Once your private room is ready, our float spa attendant will lead you back, where you can shower before entering your pod to float. A gentle exfoliation removes excess body oils, and allows for maximum absorption of the healing epsom salts.