Why Should I Float? People use float therapy for many different reasons, some perceived benefits include:
Relieve stress and anxiety
Enhance athletic performance and shorten recovery time
Strengthen the immune system, alleviate pain, and speed healing
Reset your biological clock, overcome jetlag, improve sleep
Reduce blood pressure, pulse, heart rate and oxygen consumption
Deepen meditation and heighten self-awareness
Increase creativity and problem-solving ability
Help visualize to achieve your goals.
Do I need to bring anything? Probably not. If you have special toiletries you want or shower shoes, you should bring those. If you have long hair, you might want to bring your own brush. We do provide soap, shampoo, towels, washcloths, ear plugs, lotion, q-tips, hair combs, and make-up remover.
Do I need a bathing suit? Nope! Floating is done nude. We like to reduce as much foreign "stuff" in the tank as possible (laundry detergents etc.) and it feels WAY better!
Is the water clean? Absolutely! Float tank water is generally cleaner, in fact, than most swimming pools or hot tubs because only one person uses them at a time, and they aren’t sweating or wearing sunblock. Additionally, we take keeping our water clean very seriously. The water in our pods is completely filtered through our high-tech filtration system and we have the added benefits of UV light and ozone purification which sanitizes the water between each float and all through the night. We adhere to the local Health Authority.
What if I'm claustrophobic? Many people have worries of one kind or another, but it’s very rarely a problem. For one, the tank is actually much bigger on the inside than you might think, and you can sit up and move around easily. If you want, you can also leave the door cracked or wide open with a light on — some people find that helpful. The key to remember is you’re in total control of the experience.
Can I float if I get motion sickness? Floating is a passive activity and is designed to calm mental and physical stimulation. While there is no water circulation during your float session, even small body adjustments can create water movement. It is rare, but for some people who are VERY sensitive to motion sickness this water movement can cause nausea.
If you are concerned about motion sickness, we recommend trying with the lights on. This gives you a visual frame of reference which can help reduce motion sickness. In addition, floating with the tank door open ajar, or even fully open, can provide fresh air which may help.
Please contact us if you are at all concerned about your float experience and we will be happy to discuss solutions. 604-846-2256
Is there anything else I should know before coming in? You may not want any caffeine for several hours beforehand as it makes it harder to relax. Eating a small meal about one hour prior to your float is ideal. Also, you may not want to shave or wax too soon before getting in as the salt water may sting irritated skin. The same for fresh tattoos. If you have recently had your hair dyed, make sure the dye has had time to set or there is a chance the float water could bleach it. (If it’s safe in the shower, you’ll be okay in the tank.)
How much does it cost? Please see our pricing menu. We feel strongly that floating is for everyone, and try to run a variety of programs to support people who can’t afford our regular prices. Please contact us to ask about current and upcoming options.
Can I claim Float Therapy for Health Expenses? We have had some guests have their Float Therapy sessions covered under their HSA (Health Spending Account) through their work Extended Health benefits. We do not direct bill. We have seen a bit more success with guests having their Float Sessions reimbursed through WCB and/or ICBC claims.
Can I bring a friend? Absolutely. You can even float together in the same tank if you wanted. (See Tandem Floats)
Do big people fit in the tank? It’s eight feet long on the inside, by four and a half feet wide. Also, people weighing over 400 lbs have floated without a problem.
Will I float? I sink in the ocean. Our tanks contain over 1100 lbs of epsom salt, so the water is denser than the Dead Sea. Don’t worry, you’ll definitely float.
Is the water hot? The water is warm, but not hot. We keep it as closely as we can to 94°F, which is skin temperature. That allows you to float as long as you like without getting chilled or overheated, and it’s neutral for your skin temperature receptors so you won’t even really feel it’s there. Some people come expecting the water to be hot like a bath or a jacuzzi, and it’s not. If you take a very hot shower before entering the tank, it can even feel cool. To ease your transition into the tank we suggest you try showering a little cooler than usual. If you do get chilled in the tank, or you’re worried you might, let us know. Not everyone runs at exactly the same body temperature, and there are adjustments we can make to let your float be a little warmer if you like.
What if I dye my hair? This is generally no problem. If your dye is fresh (less than a week), there is a chance the float water could bleach it. Certainly we wouldn’t recommend you get in the tank if your hair is not yet safe in the shower. We would hate for you to damage expensive work and would be happy to help you reschedule if necessary, no problem.
Temporary Hair Dye Please do not float if you have temporary hair dye. The dye will come out in the water and has the potential to stain our pods. We would hate to have to charge you for cleaning/repairs.
What’s the best time of day to float? It depends! People find that different times of the day produce different floats. You might go deeper late at night, or during mid-afternoon (“nap o’clock”), or if you want to stay a little more alert, you might avoid those times. It’s good to explore different times to see what works best for you.
Can I drive home? Generally, this is no problem. Some people, though, do come out of the tank in a very trance-y, sleepy altered state, and need some time to come back to normal before being ready to drive. We encourage you not to be in a hurry to get out the door after your float. We have tea and comfortable chairs you’re welcome to occupy for as long as you like.
Can I float if I’m sick or suffering allergies? If you’re coughing, sneezing, or your nose is running, floating is not a great idea – it will be almost impossible for you to avoid getting the saltwater in your face and that will sting a lot. We want you to enjoy your float, and you won’t if your nose is burning. Also, if you are contagious, it is kindest to others to stay home. We will be glad to help you reschedule your appointment.
What about asthma or other respiratory problems? The air inside the tank is warm (low 90s) and quite humid. It is possible for some people to have trouble with it, though other people find it beneficial to their breathing. We encourage you to try! If you’re worried, let us know, and if it doesn’t work out we’ll be glad to reschedule or refund you.
Can I float if I’m menstruating? Yes. Just use the same precautions you’d use for a swimming pool or hot tub.
Can I float if I’m pregnant? As always, it is important that you check with your health care provider first, for any conditions that might be specific to you. We are not qualified to give medical advice. Many women have no problem with floating through their pregnancy, and report that they find powerful relief in a tank, and also a wonderfully enhanced connection with their baby.
What if I’m diabetic? There is some indication that magnesium (from epsom salt) can affect your blood glucose, but this is not well studied. It is also possible that soaking in epsom salt can dry your skin, increasing your risk of cracking. If you are diabetic, please consult your doctor before floating.
Can I float on drugs? Please understand that we cannot allow the illegal use of any substances in our facility. And for insurance reasons, we have to turn away any clients who are visibly impaired when they arrive.