Is there anything I have to do to prepare for my float? What do I need to bring?

Just bring yourself and an open mind – we’ve got everything else covered.

We provide everything you need to float, including towels, earplugs, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, lotion, deodorant, hair brushes/combs, and blow dryers. Feel free to bring your own shower products or personal items (like a favorite brush or makeup) to use in our vanity area if you’d like.

A few pro tips before you arrive:

  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or heavy meals right before your session.
  • Remove contacts (we’ve got cases and solution).
  • Try not to shave or wax right before floating – salt water and fresh skin don’t mix well.
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes early for orientation and a calm start.

From there, we’ll walk you through everything. You’re in control of your float from start to finish.

What if I’m claustrophobic?

Totally understandable – it’s one of the most common questions we get.

People with claustrophobia consistently report no issues once they start floating. Claustrophobia is often about a fear of losing control, not just tight spaces – and during your float, you’re fully in control the entire time. There are no locks or latches, and you can leave the door or lid open, keep the light on, or get out anytime.

The main reason we encourage keeping the door or lid closed is to maintain the ideal air temperature – matching your body and the solution for a truly seamless, weightless feeling.

Pro Tip: Some floaters use their towel or washcloth to prop the door or lid open slightly without affecting the temperature too much. Do whatever helps you feel most comfortable – you’ll likely find that the space feels more open and freeing than you expected once you settle in.

Can I drown if I fall asleep?

Absolutely not. Some floaters do drift off – and that’s totally safe. The saltwater solution is only about 10 inches deep and so buoyant that it effortlessly keeps you afloat. You’d have to work pretty hard (and deal with some serious salt stinging your eyes and mouth) to even attempt sinking.

In fact, what most people experience isn’t true sleep – it’s a theta wave state, that blissful space between waking and dreaming. Many floaters come out saying, “I think I fell asleep,” which usually means they reached that delicious la-la-land zone where deep rest and creativity happen.

Pro Tip: Don’t fight it. If you feel yourself dozing off, let go. Your body and mind know exactly what to do – and this is where some of the best benefits of floating happen.

How are the tanks kept clean?

Cleanliness is one of our top priorities — and we exceed the strictest health standards in the country.

Between every floater, the entire solution is filtered and sanitized multiple times using UV light, ozone, and a touch of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) — a highly effective and eco-friendly process recommended by the CDC and the Float Tank Association. With roughly 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt, our float solution has a mineral content similar to the Dead Sea, where nothing unwanted can grow.

We also deep-clean each room weekly, sanitizing every surface and topping off the water and salt levels to keep things perfectly balanced.

Pro Tip: Want to geek out on the science behind our sanitation process? Check out our full breakdown here → float8ion.com/sanitation

Do you drain and refill the tank after every floater?

Nope – that would waste a ton of salt, water, and energy. Each tank holds about 200 gallons of water mixed with 1,000-1,500 pounds of pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salt, creating a mineral concentration similar to the Dead Sea where nothing unwanted can grow.

Instead of draining and refilling, the solution is filtered and sanitized multiple times between every single floater using UV light, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) – the same process recommended by the CDC and Float Tank Association.

Pro Tip: The float solution is actually far cleaner than most swimming pools or hot tubs – and it’s refreshed weekly during our deep-clean process to keep everything perfectly balanced.

Can I bring a friend?

Absolutely – floating is even better when you share the experience.

Each Float8 location has four private float rooms, so you and your crew can float at the same time in separate tanks. If you’d prefer to float together, our XL Cabins in Fort Lauderdale and Delray Beach are designed for tandem floats (two people in one room).

At our Baldwin Park location, we also offer a two-person infrared sauna, perfect for couples or friends who want to relax together before or after their floats.

Pro Tip: Since tandem floats share the same room, book for one person online, then add a note with your +1’s name, email, and phone number so we can make sure both floaters are properly set up in our system before your session.

Can I bring my child?

Of course! We have several floaters that have started at an early age. Our New Floater Waiver contains the following which must signed by the accompanying adult on the child’s behalf:

“I am at least 16 years of age OR my parent/guardian is ensuring I understand the following policies and will be present during my float.”

Depending on the age and situation, the accompanying adult’s presence may be required in the float room or the lounge during the minor’s float. If the accompanying adult is floating in a separate room, we may have to interrupt the float if any issues arise.

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

If you’d like to float together, our XL Cabins at our Fort Lauderdale and Delray locations can accommodate tandem floats. Note: tandem floats are charged per floater.

Can I float if I’m pregnant?

Absolutely! Pregnant women love to float — and for good reason.

Floating helps relieve the joint pain, back strain, and inflammation that come with carrying extra baby weight. The weightlessness takes pressure off your body, while the reduction in cortisol and boost in endorphins can help balance mood, ease anxiety, and improve sleep.

Many moms-to-be also describe a beautiful “mirror effect” — a deep sense of connection as the baby floats peacefully in the womb while the mother floats in hers. This experience often brings profound calm and emotional bonding that can carry through postpartum.

Because Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, floating can also help support a mineral your body’s likely craving during pregnancy.

Please consult your physician before floating, especially if you’re in your first trimester or have any specific concerns.

Pro Tip: Most expecting mothers find the side-lying or hands-behind-head position most comfortable, and we can provide pool noodles to help support the belly-down or side-float positions for extra comfort. We’ll show you all your options so you can settle in perfectly.

Can I float if I’m menstruating?

Of course – just follow the same protocol you would for a swimming pool.

As long as you’re using your preferred protection (tampon, menstrual cup, etc.), it’s completely fine to float. The high salt concentration naturally prevents bacteria growth, and our rigorous filtration and sanitation process keeps the solution pristine between every floater.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling crampy or bloated, floating can actually help – the magnesium-rich solution and zero-gravity environment can ease tension, soothe muscles, and reduce discomfort.

Is it okay to float if I just recently colored my hair?

Usually, yes – but it depends on the color and how fresh it is.

If your hair’s been professionally dyed or highlighted with permanent color, you’re typically good to float once the rinse water runs clear. However, if you’ve used temporary, semi-permanent, or vivid fashion colors (think bright reds, purples, pinks, blues), you’ll need to wait until all excess pigment is gone. The high salt concentration can pull color from your hair – and we work hard to keep our float solution crystal clear.

Pro Tip: Try the white towel test – soak a white towel in hot water, give your hair a squeeze, and check for color transfer. If you see noticeable dye, wait a few more washes before floating.

To protect our tanks and ensure every floater enjoys a clean experience, we may assess an excessive cleaning fee if a session leaves visible residue or discoloration in the solution.

What do I wear?

We recommend floating in the nude – and here’s why.

Fabric can stimulate your sense of touch and distract you from the deep relaxation floating offers. Just as importantly, we carefully control what goes into the float solution to keep it clean for everyone. Bathing suits can carry detergent, chlorine, sea salt, or sweat, which all affect the water quality.

We know most of the photos you see show people in swimsuits – that’s just so our website doesn’t get flagged! Each float room is private and locked, so you can float freely and comfortably in your birthday suit.

Pro Tip: If you’re new to floating and feeling shy, bring a suit your first time. Most floaters realize quickly that nude floating feels more natural – and they never go back.

Is it possible to get dehydrated from soaking for so long? Will I get wrinkly?

No. You can float for hours and never prune or become dehydrated. The Epsom salt acts as a regulator for water and inhibits the water from saturating in the skin.

Is there a right or a wrong way to float?

Absolutely not! Everyone is different and relaxes in their own way. People worry about getting bored or not being able to control their mind in the float tank so they sometimes ask to listen to music, a guided meditation, podcast, or audio book. These are all fine, however, the deepest state of relaxation is when all stimuli are removed. Even classical music triggers the mind to create a story and requires parts of the mind to stay active so relaxation takes longer or is inhibited. We suggest focusing on your breath, a personal mantra, or a body scan until your mind slows down. The position of your body is also important. We’re all built differently so we all float differently. Some people float with their hands at their sides, some with their hands folded across their chest or abdomen, while some float with them behind or above their heads. We even provide neck rests for those who feel that they need the extra support. Explore what is best for you. Once you find a comfortable position, we recommend that you relax into this position and simply let it all drift away.

How many times should I float?

This depends on what you are floating for. We recommend that you float at least three times within the first 30 days to get the full experience. Many float once a week. Some twice a month, some once a month, and others whenever they feel that they need it. People have different reasons for floating. Many are using it to relieve stress, some are using it to compliment treatments, and others are using it for self awareness and consciousness exploration.

Is gratuity expected?

Gratuity is not expected but is certainly appreciated! We strive to improve your quality of life by providing a safe, clean and serene float experience as well as delightful customer service. If our Team8 has excelled at providing this service while sharing beneficial knowledge, a tip is a great way to say thank you and help improve the quality of their life in return. Feel free to leave cash in your float room or in the tip box found in the hallway or if you’d like to leave a tip on your card, just let our Team8 know. That said, please don’t let tipping prevent you from floating!

Do I know any celebrities or athletes that float?

Absolutely! A few famous float fans include…. Comedian/UFC Commentator Joe Rogan,  Chef/Author Anthony Bourdain,  Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry,  New England Patriots Tom Brady,  Olympic Athletes Michael Phelps, Aly Raisman and Carl Lewis,  Actor/Musician/The Dude – Jeff Bridges, Actor Russell Brand Comedian/Actress Kristen Wigg,  Homer Simpson…and many more.

Is this new-agey mumbo jumbo?

Floating has been around for over 50 years and has ample published research to back it up. Just look into the studies being done at the Laureate Institute of Brain Research in Tulsa, OK. No mumbo or jumbo here.

What is the cancellation policy?

We value your business and ask that you respect the Float8 scheduling policies. Should you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice and No Shows are subject to a $50 cancellation fee for floats and a $25 cancellation fee for sauna. If you are booking an appointment for someone who does not have a profile with a credit card on file, you are responsible for upholding this commitment.

Can I float for shorter or longer periods of time than I see on the booking schedule?

We typically do not recommend floaters to book shorter floats. If a floater wants to get out earlier – they of course can, but we recommend 1-2 hours to provide each new floater the best opportunity to fully relax, explore and experience the deeper benefits of floating. If you want to push deeper and float longer, just give us a call! Our longest floats to date are 8 hours and it’s fairly normal for us to facilitate 3-4 hour floats for our seasoned floaters.

Exceptions: Medical reason to float less than 1hr; children under 16; people with special needs.

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