We provide ear plugs (keep your earplugs after your first float, they are reusable, just make sure you wash them well and dry them before storing), bodywash, shampoo/conditioner, sandals and a towel. We have hair dryers available as well. We have specific shampoo and body wash that has been tested and doesn’t leave residue in our water. Please do not use your own products for your shower before your float. If there are specific products you’d like to use, please use those AFTER your float. Please do not use heavily scented products.

You DO NOT use a bathing suit for your float! 

(you will need bathing suit bottoms or shorts for your sauna, if you are also doing a sauna session).

**Please keep your earplugs after your first float and remember to bring them to your next float appointment. The first pair is complementary, after that, additional pairs are available for a nominal replacement fee.**

For your additional comfort there are a few items to consider bringing with you:

• Bring a water bottle, especially if you are using the sauna. Do not bring glass water bottles.
• If you like to use a robe for your visit, we have them available for a minimal rental fee or you are welcome to bring your own.
• If you wear re-usable contact lenses, bring your case and contact solution.
• If you have longer hair, a hair elastic may be helpful.
• If you would like to brush your hair after, bring a comb or brush as we do not provide these.
• We do not provide deodorant or other personal items.

There are some contraindications that would make floating not ideal.

We recommend NOT floating:

• If you have very recently gotten a tattoo, we recommend waiting at least 4-6 weeks, but check with your tattoo artist first. Epsom salt can permanently fade or damage the aesthetic look of your tattoo if you float before it’s fully healed
• If you have a large open wound, or have a skin condition that causes irritation (eczema or psoriasis or highly sensitive skin) please call us ahead of time so we can determine if it’s a good idea for you to float. We recommend you wait until it’s healed over (salt and open wounds/sores don’t mix! Ouch!)
• If you are sick and/or have an infection that is contagious. Please wait until you are no longer contagious to float
• If you have had vomiting or diarrhea in the last 2 weeks
• If you have ear tubes. Please check with your physician before booking your float. It may just be a matter of using ear plugs (we provide or you can bring your own if you have custom made ones) and/or an accessory under your neck to keep your ears out of the water 
• If you are actively undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment
• If you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For safety reasons, our staff have the right to refuse service to anyone who is intoxicated or suspected to be intoxicated
• If you have dyed hair, no matter how long ago it was dyed, please call us before your appointment so we can determine if it is compatible with floating. Some hair dyes can negatively impact the clarity of the float tank water and stain the fibreglass, in addition to damaging your colour! We ask that you please let us know so we can determine if it is OK for you to float. Please note failure to inform us of your hair dye that results in staining of the water or fibreglass will result in a water replacement fee to the client. This is why we need to be given enough notice so we can communicate with the client and determine if their hair dye is OK to get in the water.
• If you got a spray tan or used self-tanner in the last 3 weeks
• If you are epileptic and your epilepsy is not under control and you have not received the go-ahead from your medical care provider
• If you are diabetic and your diabetes is not under stable management or you have not received the go ahead from your medical care provider
• If you have kidney disease and have not received the go-ahead from your medical care provider
• If you have mobility issues and don’t have someone to help you enter/exit the tanks (you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own assistant, for liability reasons our staff cannot help you in and out)
• If you have any level of incontinence (e.g. can’t hold your bladder or bowel movements). Please note that contamination of the float tank/water results in a water replacement fee to the client. If you have health issues or take medication that make it difficult for you to get to the bathroom, please do not use our float tanks
• If you have heart disease and have not received the go-ahead from your medical care provider to float and/or use the sauna
• If you have motion sickness, vertigo or any other condition that could be aggravated by the motion of the water, floating may not be ideal for you. Some people have been able to help their motion sickness become less bothersome by floating regularly, but these people were followed by their care provider and knew they would have to endure some discomfort while their body transitioned and got re-adjusted. We recommend you speak to your care provider beforehand
• If you are prone to fainting or losing your balance (it is mandatory that you are capable of safely maneuvering yourself in the room)
• If you have any concerns or medical conditions not listed here but you are wondering if floating, sauna or massage is something you can do, please check with your care provider before booking an appointment
• If you have a concern and it is not listed here, please email or call us before booking so we can best answer your questions and address your concerns

There are a few mandatory things you need to complete prior to your appointment:

• You need to read and sign an online intake form. The forms are sent to you in the booking confirmation email. If you have already done your intake form, you only need to complete a new one if we request it (if we update the form) or if something has changed in your information
• If your hair is dyed, please let us know ASAP so we can determine if your hair dye is compatible with our float solution
• You need to let us know if any of the contraindications to floating apply to you or if you are unsure if they apply to you, so we can determine if floating is safe for you (see list of contraindications below) 
• You need to read over this entire FAQ section and watch our intro video
• You need to let us know of any medical concerns or anything that we need to know ahead of time to help make your visit more enjoyable. We can’t read your mind!

The following are things you can do ahead of time that will make your float experience more enjoyable:

• Make sure you are well hydrated the day before and the day of your float
• Don’t eat immediately before floating
• Don’t come on an empty stomach either! The ideal time to eat is 1.5-2 hours prior to floating
• Don’t drink any coffee or other caffeinated or energy beverages before your float (it can make you jittery and make you need to use the washroom)
• Don’t shave or wax for AT LEAST 24 hours before floating (the salt will make your skin sting!)
• Always use the washroom before your float

The following is important information you need to know regarding pre and post float preparation:

• Please be prepared to have a shower (here at Surface Float) before your float. This is mandatory. We provide you with soap and shampoo that have been tested to not leave a residue  and conditioner (for use only AFTER your float). The pre-float shower is to ensure you wash off all products and oils that are on your skin and hair and any makeup. It is essential to ensure you do your part to keep our float solution clear and sanitary. As is stated in our intake form, any contamination of the float water or the float room will be subject to the client being charged a contamination fee.
• Please be prepared to exit the float room after your float as promptly as possible to allow us to have enough time to clean the room for the next appointment. We allot 10-12 minutes for you to rinse off the salt and get dressed, but if you need additional time, you can wear the provided robe and finish getting dressed in the changing room. We will knock on your door to let you know if you are getting close to the allotted time coming to an end. We appreciate your understanding in this manner.

A good place to start would be to not have any expectations. Keep an open mind!

Because of the nature of the human mind, the benefits of floating kick in more and more each time you float. Your mind and body will appreciate the opportunity to unplug and reboot and will repay you with lasting beneficial results.

• Make sure to put your earplugs in before you shower so they make a good seal
• Don’t touch your face during your float. Don’t bring your hands or arms in front of your face. You will enjoy your float more if you don’t get salt water in your eyes!  If you do get water on your face or eyes, the first thing to know is that it’s not dangerous, just uncomfortable. There is a facecloth in your room that you can wet with freshwater to wipe the salt off. If you are very uncomfortable, you can exit the tank very carefully and shower off the stingy salt and then get back in to finish your float
• Don’t move too much or too quickly. Everything slows down in the float!
• Do your best to keep the parts of your body that are out of the water dry. This will help prevent salt from crystalizing on your skin and help you not get cold
• Always rinse your ears well after your float with the provided vinegar solution to avoid having salt get into your ears
• Please note that the temperature of the rooms and water is calibrated to be the same as the human body. Because everyone has a different metabolism, some people will find it too warm or too cool. Please let us know ahead of time if you tend to run warmer or cooler than most folks, so we have time to adjust your temperature
• Please note that in order to allow us enough time to clean for the next appointment, we allot 10-12 minutes for you to have your post-float shower and get dressed once your float is done. We find 5-6 minutes is plenty of time to shower off the salt but if you require more time than this to get dressed, please use the robe and proceed to the changing room to finish up. We will knock on your door once your allotted time is coming close to ending and will need you to exit the room promptly.
• If you have a history of injuries, please let us know ahead of time so we can determine if you will need additional props to support you during your float

It can take some getting used to the sensation of floating and getting the hang of dealing with the salty goodness! Be curious and open minded. 

Here are some tips that will help you navigate the float tank like a pro:

• Don’t touch your face at all during your float
• Don’t move your head sideways as the water line may reach your eyes
• Don’t move too much, too fast or too often…everything needs to slooooow down in the float
• If you bump into the sides, you may be moving too much. Stabilize your position by touching both sides of the tank with your fingertips until you feel the ripples in the water settle down. Then very slowly and without moving too much again, move your arms to your desired position. If you bump into the sides of the tank again you will need to do the following to prevent the bumper car effect: slightly touch the side with your fingertip (just one finger) and ever so slightly ease yourself away from the side. This will move you away from the side without making more ripples that will bump you into the other side. You don’t always need to be right in the centre, as long as you are comfortable, you may float slightly to one side.
• When you need to sit up to get out, tilt your head back slightly so the water drips towards the back of your head and not on your face
• Don’t swish water on the parts of your body that are out of the water while you are floating, this will prevent salt from crystallizing on your skin and trick you into thinking you are cold

Do you have any other tips to add? Let us know!

We follow very strict guidelines to ensure the water, float tanks and rooms are immaculate. The tanks, walls and showers are disinfected after each float appointment. The water is also cleaned thoroughly between each float. First, the water and tank are visually inspected and the chemistry is measured to ensure there has been no contamination. Secondly, the tanks have a pump system that pulls the water through a powerful filter multiple times. The water also passes through a UV sanitation system. Lastly the water is dosed with Hydrogen Peroxide. All these measures together ensure that the water is clean and sanitary. Additionally, we are strict about testing our water to ensure it is pristine.

All of our other rooms are disinfected after each use (e.g. sauna, massage rooms, beauty bar, etc).

You do not need to wear a bathing suit for your float.

You do need to wear bottoms for your sauna (either bathing suit bottoms or bring an extra pair of clean underwear).

We ask that you please not wear a bathing suit during your float because the experience is more effective without the sensation of tags, straps and waist bands interfering during the float. Wearing a bathing suit also prevents people from having a good shower before their float. Additionally, bathing suits are coated with residue from laundry detergents, fabric softeners or pool/hot tub chemicals. All these residues can affect the clarity of our float tank water and we strive to keep things clean and crystal clear…so go ahead and float in your birthday suit!

Having a shower before ensures you begin your float with no residues and also to wash off any germs. Our skin and hair is covered in residue from our body care products that can affect the clarity of the float tank water. If you begin your float squeaky clean, it ensures the most healthy and sanitary experience for everyone who loves to float!

If you regularly use ANY leave-in hair products (such as gel, mousse, detangler or leave-in conditioner, etc) you MUST triple-wash your hair before your float with the shampoo we provide. These products do not wash out completely with one shampoo.

Please rinse all soap and shampoo VERY well and make sure there are no suds left on your feet before entering the float tank.

Only put conditioner in your hair AFTER you float, as it can affect the clarity of the tank water.

Please note that if you are doing a massage on the same day as your float (and/or cold plunge) you must schedule your massage after your float (and/or cold plunge).

Please note that we reserve the right to delay or pause a session if we suspect a client has not showered. If there is significant product residue left in the water the client may be charged a fee depending on how serious it is.

We think it goes without saying that having to go to the bathroom once you’re settled into your float is no fun and can prevent you from being able to fully relax. So, be nice to yourself and start your float empty! We have lovely, clean washrooms that are close to the float rooms, so it’s easy to prevent any inconvenience.

It’s important to note that we inspect and clean the tanks and rooms after each use. Water contamination of ANY kind will lead to the client being charged a contamination and cleaning fee. So please make sure you do not put anything in the water besides yourself.

Many of our female clients wonder about floating during menstruation. You may find it actually helps with the discomfort of cramps and PMS. Please take the same measures you would if you were to go swimming in a pool during your period (tampon or menstrual cup). However, if your flow is heavier than what can be stopped with a tampon/cup, we recommend you reschedule as contamination of the water will result in a contamination fee.

It is also important to note that hormones can affect the PH balance in the mucosal lining of our body and stinging in the vaginal area can sometimes occur during certain times of the month (typically during ovulation or near the time your period is due or if you are during the postpartum period). In order to prevent uncomfortable stinging in sensitive areas, apply a layer of the provided barrier cream after your shower and prior to getting in to start your float.

Yes! Our pregnant clients love feeling weightless and floating is a great way to experience this! We will explain a few options for the most comfortable position to help you relieve the weight of the baby off your body. If you are in your 1st or 3rd trimesters or have any concerns or medical considerations, please consult your care provider and get the go-ahead from them BEFORE floating. Please also note that stinging may occur in some cases on the nipples or vagina, this is due to hormonal changes that can affect PH. This is easily preventable by applying the barrier jelly after your shower and prior to getting in to the float tank.

We provide you with earplugs. Your first pair is complimentary. Take them home, clean and dry them and then bring them for your next float!

It is important to ensure you don’t have any water left in your ears after your float. This is why earplugs are so important.

If you feel you did get water in your ears, please use the provided vinegar solution to rinse them out during your post-float shower. This will ensure the salt is also washed away. If you find you have salt in your ears in the following days after your float, do more vinegar rinses at home to wash it away.

Please call us if you have any questions or concerns.

For those younger than 18, we take it on a case by case basis as there are several considerations to determine if a young person is ready to float. Please give us a call or email us to inquire.

For our senior clients we welcome all ages as long as there are no medical concerns and mobility and balance is good. Clients need to be able to get in and out of the tank safely. Our staff do not assist with transfers, but you are welcome to bring your own aid to assist, if this is necessary.

Clients of all ages need to be free of any incontinence issues.

You have full control of your experience. If you want to finish your float before your time is up, you are completely free to do so. However, a refund is not issued. If there are extenuating circumstances, please let us know.

We have two different float tank options, Pods and Mandala Open pools. The floating experience feels very expansive and liberating as the environment removes almost all gravity from the body. Many people who are concerned about feeling enclosed do really well and have no issues in the Pod. However, if you feel you are too claustrophobic to try the Pod, then you can float in a Mandala Pool and still experience all the same benefits of a float.

If you fall asleep, don’t worry, this just means you have entered a state of deep relaxation…and that’s good for you! You are completely buoyant and will continue to be as you doze. If you prefer to use a head support, we have those available as we

Every client must thoroughly wash their hair and body prior to entering the float tank to avoid oils, creams, and other products that can contaminate the float solution. If a client has special considerations such as dreads, braids, hair extensions, sensitive scalp, etc, please call us to discuss prior to booking.

If you have dyed hair please call or email us before your appointment so we can determine if it’s OK for you to use the float tank. Some hair dyes are OK and some are not.

If you have hair dye that is purple, green, red, blue, pink or any other bright colour, you cannot use our float tanks until your hair is dye free. Our clients that love to dye their hair and also love to float, let their colour fade out and then book a float before their next colour application, so they don’t risk contaminating the water or ruining their colour.

Floating has been around for over 50 years. The first tanks, invented by John C. Lilly, were salt-water pools, at the time referred to as ‘isolation tanks’. You can read more about him and his research here. Since those early days of floating, there have been many research studies done that show floating is beneficial for overall well-being. The most recent research out of LIBR (Laureate Institute for Brain Research) is strongly showing that floatation therapy helps to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Other important research shows it is also helpful with a reduction of pain perception, relieving symptoms of fibromyalgia, helping those with chronic pain, insomnia, sports and athletic performance, physical healing and recovery (reduction in inflammation), supporting the immune system boosting/sparking creativity…and more! We are always happy to chat with you about the history and benefits of floating, just ask us.

Floating is an amazing tool for athletes. Not only does it help with physical recovery (such as soothing muscle tension, helping with healing tissue, and lactic acid recovery), it is also an essential tool for mental preparation and enhancing sleep quality. During a float, many athletes use visualization (aka mental rehearsal) to practice routines, plays or skills in their minds. This improves learning time and can really help improve performance. Additionally, by floating regularly, you will get the benefits of ‘rebooting’ by entering a state of deep relaxation, and this helps with sleeping, mental clarity and improvement in physical performance.

Absolutely not! The high Epsom Salt content actually leaves your skin feeling silky smooth, hydrated, and nourished.

The water in the tanks is saturated with Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulphate). Epsom Salt is technically not a salt (it won’t dehydrate your skin) but more a mineral compound. The high Magnesium content in the water results in a smooth and silky texture/sensation to the touch. Some people even think it may feel slimy, everyone has different ways to describe it. Because of this slippery nature, please be very careful when entering and exiting the tank.

Each person will describe their floating experience differently, but there are some common things people say…

• It was different, I didn’t expect to feel so weightless!
• Interesting to experience full darkness (please note you have control of the tank light)
• So cool to be in that awake/sleep state!

Overall, you can expect to have a pretty novel experience that has the potential to leave you relaxed and replenished if you are open to the experience.

Every once in a while, people report having an emotional dump during their float. Floating can be cathartic and help to release a lot of baggage…and bring you back to a more optimal state.

Just remember that everything benefits from being rebooted regularly!

The float environment is meant to be the same as typical body temperature, so people should feel comfortable. We know everyone has different metabolisms, so if you tend to run warmer or cooler than typical please let us know ahead of time so we can determine how to best customize the room for you.

While there are many benefits to experiencing sensory deprivation, for some people it may be too much. You get to choose the level of sensory deprivation during your float. You can start off slow and work your way towards the full experience over a number of floats.

You can play music the whole time or part of the time. We go over these options with you.

You can leave the light in your tank ON or turn it OFF. We will show you how to do this.

If you choose to experience the full sensory deprivation experience, your brain will need to adjust and this will result in some people feeling as if they are spinning or flying around. This is due to the lack of gravity and visual input to let your brain know where you are located. This can be a neat experience for many, but for some it may feel disorienting or uncomfortable. All you have to do is turn your light back on or reach out and touch the side of the tank, this will let your brain know you are stationary and end that sensation.

The only requirement  is that you are open to the experience!

If you have a medical condition, you may need your Dr. to give you the go ahead before you float.

If you have eczema or other skin irritations, please let us know so we can determine if it may be best for you to reschedule.

Some practical steps to follow are:

• Turn off your phone so you are not interrupted and so you don’t disturb your fellow floaters.
• Use the washroom.
• Remove contact lenses.
• Have a shower to wash off body products and residues (remember to please not use any conditioner or creams before you start your float).
• Put a thin layer of petroleum jelly on any small cuts or abrasions to protect it from the salt.
• Enter the tank carefully and slowly and let the water pick you up! Always move slowly as the salt solution is very slippery.
• Try out different positions for your arms, legs and head until you feel comfortable. Move slowly so you don’t splash water on your face.
• Try out some of our support props if you need them. We have Halo pillows and pool noodles for additional support.
• The main room lights are on a motion-sensor and will turn off once you’re settled into the water. If you get up and move around, they will turn on and turn off once you settle down again. You have access and can control the in tank lights, you can turn those on and off at any time.
• Do not move around too much. It is also IDEAL if you can keep the parts of your body that are out of the water as dry as possible. Epsom salt is endothermic and will dry on your skin and may make you feel cold.
• Relax…
• When your time is done, the music will fade in and bring you back to reality.
• In the pool rooms, we turn on the pink back light to indicate the end of the float.
• Exit the tank slowly as you will feel loose and relaxed. Shower off the salt. Rinse your ears out with the provided vinegar solution.
• Get dressed. We give you time to get dressed however, if you hear a knock on your door, it means you’ve gone past the allotted time and we need to get in to clean. You can finish getting ready in our changing rooms.
• Enjoy your post-float-glow! Remember floating is a gentle detox and you will need to drink lots of fluids to support your body.
• If you didn’t use the vinegar solution and find later that day or the next you have salt in your ear(s), please rinse your ears out very well with diluted vinegar at home and dry them well.
• The benefits of floating build up with practice, remember to book your next float soon!
• Let us know if there is anything we can do to make your next float better!

Everyone will have their own preferences, likes and dislikes. And floating is not for everyone, but if you feel you would like to try it, it is good to read all the info we provide so you can make an informed decision.

You may not know what your preferences are until you give floating a try. Even frequent floaters sometimes have not-so-great floats. The main issues floaters often report are that they have a hard time relaxing, turning their mind “off,” or that they just can’t stand being alone with their thoughts. But these are not issues with floating per se. They are side effects of personal growth that is happening from giving yourself permission to do nothing. And growth is sometimes uncomfortable. But in this space of nothingness, you will cultivate a mindset you may never have imagined you could have…also you may quickly notice that creativity and insights thrive. By regularly practicing floating, meditation and breathing we build the emotional resilience that allows us to know that uncomfortable or challenging times are not going to last forever, and that we have the tools within us to get through it.

Sometimes floaters report feeling too warm or a bit cool. This is a very tricky thing to calibrate to please EVERYONE. The rooms are kept so that the water and air temperature are the same as the human body. However, some people have higher or slower metabolisms and may have a different baseline temperature. We do our best to ensure the temperature is just right, but please let us know if you tend to run warm or hot so we can try to accommodate this. It is important to also note that the temp of your pre-float shower can have an impact. If you don’t want to feel cold, DO NOT have a HOT shower before your float. Keep it more lukewarm so that when you enter the tank the water feels warm. Please note that if you use the sauna prior to your float, it is important that you have a lukewarm to cooler shower before your float. We can add a note to your account so we can remember your temperature preferences, please let us know. Particularly in the Mandala Pool rooms, it is also important to make sure you dry your chest and belly after your shower and keep those parts dry during your float to prevent feeling cool.

If you are not used to a regular detox practice, or you have a particularly deep float, some people may find they get a slight ‘detox’ headache after their float. Very rarely, some people report feeling unwell or “off” after their float. Sometimes this is after a float that isn’t their first float, which can be confusing. Be reassured that it is temporary. However, if you have a history of medical conditions, it is best to check with your physician to make sure floating is compatible with your health conditions or any medications that you take so there is no risk of side effects.

Please drink lots of fluids to support the body through the detox process after your float. And remember this will not always be the case, as you float more often, your body will have less of a detox to do and it will be more enjoyable.

It is also important to move very, very slowly during your float so you don’t splash (getting water on your face can sting your eyes, nose and doesn’t taste good at all–it is not meant to get anywhere on your face!). Moving slowly also helps stabilize your body to prevent you from bumping too much into the sides.

Please review the FAQ that goes over the contraindications so you can determine if floating is not compatible with any health concerns you may have. You can also call us if you have any questions or concerns.

There really is no limit to floating! Dedicated floaters who know and want to experience the benefits of floating, float several times a month. Some even have times where they float every week or every day for a while. Typically, the benefits can be maintained by floating at least once a month. Floating is a practice, which means the more you float, the more benefits you experience and the better you feel! We have memberships available that make floating affordable and accessible.

We do not recommend floating with someone else in the same float tank. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we know you will gain more benefits from enjoying your own individual float experience.

Yes! We do provide robes for a minimal rental fee but you are welcome to bring your own to avoid the charge. Just be aware that it may get salty and we can’t guarantee it will be salt free in your bag on the way home!

You are also welcome to bring your own towel if you prefer.

Our towels are microfiber towels. They have one side that is more absorbent that the other, this is designed to keep sensitive areas from getting damaged (such as when drying the face or hair). We use these towels as they are more efficient during the laundering process, have antimicrobial properties and have superior longevity. However, if you do not like them (some clients don’t like the feel of their texture), we do have cotton towels we can set up in your room. Just be sure to let us know ahead of time.