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Help Center

You Asked, We Answered

It’s important to us that our customers feel fully informed and confident when working with us. That’s why we’ve made an extensive list of past customers’ questions along with answers from our experienced team. Browse through the information below, and if you have a question that isn’t included here, feel free to reach out to us today.

  • What is floatation therapy?
    An isolation tank (float tank. Sensory deprivation tank) is a lightless, soundproof tank inside which subjects float in salt water at skin temperature. They were first used by John C. Lilly in 1954 to test the effects of sensory deprivation. Such tanks are now also used for meditation and relaxation and in alternative medicine. Flotation tanks have come a long way from then and have some cool technology to allow for a luxurious , relaxing atmosphere.
  • What is the history of floatation therapy?
    Floatation therapy is not a new concept. It has been practiced for more than half a century, and has proven to be an effective tool for physical and mental well-being. It is recognized and prescribed by the medical community in many European countries, and is available throughout the United States. The float tank was invented in 1952 by neuroscientist and author John Lilly who was investigating the nature of human consciousness. Lilly sought to create an environment in which a person was removed not only from all sensory input, but from the pull of gravity itself. The commercial float tank was developed by Lilly and Glenn Perry in 1972 and has been in continuous use ever since.
  • What is sensory deprivation?
    Sensory deprivation is the scientific study of the effects of reduced stimuli, on an organism, in an environment. Stimulus reduction is accurate in describing the tank’s environment. The tank can be made pitch black which eliminates the sight stimulus. Ear plugs are provided to the floater which eliminates the audio stimulus (optional). And, the buoyant, warm Epsom salt water helps eliminate the sense of touch and force of gravity on the body.
  • What float tanks do you use?
    We have 3 Ocean Float rooms, 2 single occupancy and 1 double occupancy. The tank is a large fiberglass capsule, approximately 1.5m high with a large, easy to open sliding door. Inside the tank is a 30cm deep, 25% epsom salt solution that is kept at a constant relaxed skin temperature of 34.6°C. The density of the solution ensures anyone can & will float effortlessly. The air in the tank is also maintained at skin temperature so your mind does not sense a difference between your body & the air or water surrounding it. If you are someone who tends to feel the cold more than others – it’s a good idea to let us know as we can increase the temperature in the room.
  • Will I float?
    No worries! You will absolutely float here at Serenity. We use almost 500 pounds of Epsom Salt in just 10″ of water. This creates a solution so buoyant, you float on the surface like a cork, no matter who you are! Our pods are 30% salt (twice as buoyant as the dead sea) so you can literally sleep on the water’s surface!
  • Why Epsom salt?
    Epsom salt is used to give the water enough density to float effortlessly with the eyes, nose, and mouth still out of water. Epsom salts have a plethora of health benefits. It helps replenish a common malnourishment in today’s diet, lack of magnesium. It is absorbed from the salt, through the skin, without any risk of an overloading effect. There are many benefits of flotation—three of the most significant are relaxation, pain relief and better sleep.
  • What are the physical benefits of flaoting?
    Deep Relaxation and Theta Wave Production Increased Blood Circulation Increased Healing Ability Pain Management Increased Immune Function Enhanced Athletic Training
  • What are the mental benefits of floating?
    Stress Reduction Increased Creativity Increased Sensory Acuity/Reaction Time Sleep Schedule Maintenance Feelings of Euphoria and more! SERENITY encourages clients to check with their doctor when beginning any new health regimen, such as flotation. However, Float Therapy is safe for just about everyone! However, those with epileptic conditions or who have kidney disease (as the kidneys are responsible for processing Magnesium) should take extra precautions in consulting their physician before floating.
  • How do I book a flaot?
    Click here for our online booking of all our services. You can also call us at 251 *** to book directly. You can also book to tour our spa before committing to an appointment.
  • Can I float with clothes on?
    We highly recommend floating fully naked to avoid inhibition felt on the body from clothes. This will give you the full benefit of a float. In our couple float, if you are floating with anyone else that you are not comfortable with being naked, we recommend a simple swimsuit. Please do not have any embellishments, beads, extra furry/ lacey material or string. These can get caught in our filters and block them.
  • Are there any side effects?
    Rarely, clients may experience nausea. This is typically indicative of a detox reaction responding to stress—which is often held in the stomach. Ultimately, releasing this stress is beneficial—though it may be uncomfortable in the moment. Ask your Float Consultant about trying the hyperbaric oxygen therapy if you feel nausea, as this can relieve discomfort. While this level of nausea is fairly uncommon, we do ask that guests exit the pod if they believe they may be sick. Flotation is powerful; please remember to drink plenty of water after your session!
  • Can I drown if I fall asleep in there?
    Nope. Some people fall asleep, but the water is so buoyant that you stay afloat. The worst that can happen is getting woken up by a bit of salt water in your eyes. We encourage clients to relax and release any worries of dozing off while in the Float Pod. Each Float Pod contains just 10 inches of highly salinated water—thus, it is not required that guests know how to swim. This solution supports you no matter how you might toss and turn in the Float Pod. Though it is difficult to accidentally flip onto your belly in the tank, if this occurred the extremely high salt concentration (500 lbs) immediately causes discomfort in the eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Is the water clean?
    Very clean! 500- 600 pounds of Epsom salt, a natural sterilizing agent, is dissolved into only ten inches of water. (It is far saltier than the Dead Sea.) Our primary disinfectant is hydrogen peroxide and UV light. This system is effective enough to purify water for drinking, but it works great for float tanks! The entire volume of water is filtered four times before and after each float session. Every client is required to shower on site before entering the tank. Serenity complies with stringent health and safety regulations. The water in the Float Pod is likely the most pristine you have ever been in!
  • Is there any radiation exposure?
    Our float rooms use an NO MAINTENANCE HEATER. This unique, low-watt density heater is fully screened against electro-magnetic radiation. The patent pending design ensures remarkably stable and even heat distribution throughout the water to produce the perfect float. This is the most advanced of its kind on the global float market.
  • Do I have to pay a penalty if the float gets contaminated?
    Much as our clients are considered family at Serenity, our equipment is expensive. There are rigorous cleaning protocols we follow and we ensure the facility remains sanitary and safe for you. We inspect every float prior to running the filter after your session. If we find any fecal material, vomit, urine, hair dye, tanner (spray or otherwise), make up material or any other material that affects the integrity of the quality of our float water, float tank or compromising our filter system, there will be a fine of $1200 which is the cost to us to replace to drain the water, empty the float and deep clean and replace the salt and water and address any filter issues. In order to avoid this fee, please follow our float rules as strictly as possible.
  • Can I float if I’m pregnant?
    Pregnant women love floating!! There is even a special position you can float in that relieves all of the weight of the baby off of the mother’s body. If you are in your third trimester, or have any concerns, please consult with your physician before coming in.
  • Can I float if I’m menstruating?
    Yes, you can float while menstruating. Just treat it like going to a swimming pool while on your period. Please use a menstrual cup or tampon, If using tampon, please coat the string with petroleum jelly (provided in the room) to prevent salt water from wicking into the tampon. If we find blood in the tank, we will need to charge an extra fee of 200$ as clean up cost.
  • Can I float if I just dyed my hair?
    While there is no guarantee that the salt won’t strip some color from your hair, we recommend that you check if the water running through your hair in the shower at home is fully clear. If there is still some color coming out you should wait a couple of more days/showers.
  • I just got a tattoo, can I float?
    Floating and fresh tattoos do not mix! Not only could floating with a fresh tattoo be painful (salt + open wounds = ouch) but the water solution could cause fading or discoloration of your tattoo and permanently ruin its aesthetic appeal. How long you should wait before floating depends on the tattoo and how quickly it heals, but tattoo artists/floaters we have talked to have suggested waiting 4-6 weeks.
  • Can I float if I just got a piercing?
    Like tattoos, this tends to not mix well! When your piercing is fresh it is still an open wound, which will cause some major discomfort. The area you have pierced will create a variation in the healing time, so floating can take between a couple weeks to a couple months depending on what you had done. For more information we suggest searching the healing times online or ask your body modification artist.
  • Can I float after shaving/ waxing?
    We recommend at least 24h after shaving/ waxing/ epilation to avoid pain when in contact with the Epsom salt if any nicks/ open wounds , Please use our vaseline/ waterproof bandage over any nicks for comfort before your float.
  • Do I need to bring anything?
    If you have longer hair, you may want to bring a comb. Also, something to put your contact lenses into while you’re in the tank. Other than that, we provide everything you need (towels, flip flops, robes, earplugs, q tips, body wash/shampoo) Each room is fully private, and you go into the tanks nude, so there’s no need to bring a bathing suit unless you are couple floating and are not comfortable floating naked. The swimsuit will need to be plain with no fabric or strings to ensure threads do not clog up our filters.
  • Can more than one person float in a tank at a time?
    Only one person per tank in the single tank. We do have a couple tank where 2 people can float together.
  • Do I have to stay in the float the whole time?
    There aren’t any latches on the tank doors, and you can get out anytime.
  • What if I’m claustrophobic?
    Our tanks are like an individual pool. It has starlit lighting if you like vs dark mode if you like to float in the dark. We also have an option for music/ meditation of your choice or from our playlist to be played if you like.
  • Are there lights and music in the float?
    Transducer speakers cleverly positioned within the roof and below water level produce a crystal clear “sea of sound” that envelops the client and flows out into the suite, for feelings of gentleness and relaxation whilst showering and changing. We also have an intercom to allow for you to communicate with us. Our tanks have a starlit sky option, gentle lighting or you can float in complete darkness.
  • Is it easy to get into the float?
    An inviting and generously proportioned side opening doorway offers easy entry and exit for everyone, including the less able. Conveniently positioned grab handles and slip resistant floor giving greater safety, comfort and security. A magnetic door catch allows easy opening. We do not have a person lift yet though we plan to introduce this soon.
  • Do I get dehydrated from soaking for so long?
    No- your skin doesn’t even prune up, but it does become silky soft afterwards.The high level of Epsom Salts in each Float Pod actually prevents the skin from wrinkling! It will, however, leave your skin silky smooth. There is detoxification during floatation and we encourage keeping hydrating all throughout your visit in our spa.
  • What happens if I get salt in my eye?
    It happens to the best of us. You can avoid this momentary discomfort best by avoiding touching your face with your hands during your session. However, if salt finds its way into your eyes we do provide a squirt bottle full of fresh water in each Float Pod. Many locations also provide a face towel to bring into your float for any need that may require touching the face mid-float.
  • Will I get water in my ears?
    You may choose to use silicone earplugs, which we supply. The silicone plugs, properly used, provide an effective barrier. Salt water is not harmful, but if you get some in your ears you may wish to rinse them in the shower after your float. To remove any moisture which lingers after your shower, please use the vinegar solution with a q tip provided.
  • Do I need to float more than once?
    Yes, if you want to make use of floating’s full potential. Most users experience floating benefits after the 3rd or 4th float and most users find our 5 float packages very affordable and of great value. Those who see it after the first time are immediately hooked.
  • Should I eat before floating?
    Recent anecdotal reports show that eating a light meal about 30 minutes prior to floating is best. A heavy meal beforehand is not suggested. However, you don’t want to hear your stomach growling while you’re trying to relax. Moderation is the key. Also avoid caffeine 4h before floating for it may interfere with your ability to relax.
  • Who should not float?
    Here is a list of reasons to postpone your float: You have symptoms of COVID-19, tested positive for COVID-19 and/or been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of your appointment. You are not able to enter or exit the float tanks without assistance and do not have a qualified chaperone. Our staff is not able to assist you should you require help, and will call First Responders. You have epilepsy that is not medically controlled and supervised. You have had your hair colored (bleach is okay) recently or a spray tan. The recommended wait time is 10 days. This will ensure that the tank solution will not discolor your hair, and your hair or spray tan will not discolor our solution. You are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You have a new tattoo/ piercing. The recommended wait time is four weeks. You are in your first trimester of pregnancy. You have large cuts or open wounds.
  • What exactly is infrared light?
    Infrared waves, or infrared light, are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. People encounter Infrared waves every day, but it is a type of radiant energy that's invisible to human eyes but that we can feel as heat like the warmth from a sunny day. Light therapy is a treatment that uses wavelengths of red light that helps mitochondria work more efficiently, such as repairing skin, boosting new cell growth, and enhancing skin rejuvenation. For this reason it is commonly used in medical and spa settings.
  • What is the history of light therapy?
    Light therapy was originally developed by Nasa in the 1980s to grow plants in space but subsequently was found to have human health benefits.
  • What are the health benefits of Infrared therapy?
    Some of the health benefits are: -Anti-aging -Detoxification -Heart health -Immunity -Muscle recovery -Relaxation
  • Who should not use an infrared sauna?
    Consult your doctor first if: Have Cardiovascular Issues, Obesity or Diabetes Have Chronic Conditions / Diseases Associated with Reduced Ability to Sweat or Perspire  Are Hemophiliacs / Individuals Prone to Bleeding Have a fever & Insensitivity to Heat  Are Pregnant Have Pacemakers / Defibrillators
  • I am pregnant, can I use the Infrared sauna?
    Pregnant women should consult a physician before using an infrared sauna.
  • Can children use the Infrared sauna?
    The core body temperature of children rises much faster than adults. This occurs due to a higher metabolic rate per body mass, limited circulatory adaptation to increased cardiac demands, and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. When using with a child, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
  • Can elderly people use the Infrared sauna?
    The ability to maintain core body temperature decreases with age. This is primarily due to circulatory conditions and decreased sweat gland function. The body must be able to activate its natural cooling processes in order to maintain core body temperature. If elderly, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
  • Will the Infrared sauna affect my medication?
    Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek the advice of their personal physician since some medications may induce drowsiness, while others may affect heart rate, blood pressure and circulation. Diuretics, barbiturates, and beta-blockers may impair the body’s natural heat loss mechanisms. Anticholinergics, such as amitriptyline, may inhibit sweating and can predispose individuals to heat rash or to a lesser extent, heat stroke. Some over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines, may also cause the body to be more prone to heat stroke.
  • How long is a typical session, and how often can I have a session?
    Most people partake in a 30-45 minute session, 3-4 times a week, but it is safe to use every day and at whatever heat suits you best.
  • What should I do to prepare for a sauna session?
    Drink a minimum of 8 oz. of water to prepare your body for an increase in core body temperature. Lay down towels on the bench to absorb sweat. It’s also nice to have an extra around to wipe your face during sessions.
  • What should I do after an infrared sauna session?
    Rehydrate with at least 24 oz. of water or electrolyte drink. Dry off and cool down naturally, or with a refreshing shower.
  • Is it ok to use the sauna while breastfeeding?
    Please consult with your physician before sauna use.
  • Why am I not sweating?
    Just as with exercise or eating healthy, sauna use takes time and consistency to see results. You may not sweat the first few times you use your sauna, but know that sweating (and the detox that comes with it) will increase over time, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and healthy. After using regularly and still not sweating to your bodies potential, there could be other factors at play. Are you drinking enough water? Are you only hydrating on days you know you will sit in the sauna? It is recommended that you drink half your body weight in ounces.
  • Can I take my cell phone into the sauna?
    Just as you would not leave your cell phone in your car on a hot day, we do not recommend taking cells phones, Apple watches or other electronics in the sauna. The electronics that are built into the sauna are designed for a heated environment.
  • Does infrared technology interfere with implants (metal, silicone, etc.)?
    Metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants generally reflect infrared waves and thus are not heated by this system. Nevertheless, you should consult your physician prior to using an infrared sauna.
  • What time of day should I use the sauna (am or pm)?
    It is completely up to you and your lifestyle.
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