Everything you need to know
about floating
Floating is simpler than it may appear. This page answers the questions most people have before their first session. Read through before you book, or just come in — we’ll walk you through everything when you arrive.
Before Your Session
What exactly is floating? |
Float therapy (also called flotation-REST — Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) involves lying in a private pod filled with about 10 inches of water and 1,000 lbs of Epsom salt. The salt makes the water so buoyant that your body floats without any effort. The water and air are kept at skin temperature, so after a while it’s hard to tell where your body ends and the water begins. The pod is designed to be free of light and sound. You’re not doing anything; you’re simply floating. |
How do I prepare? |
Avoid caffeine for a few hours beforehand so it’s easier to settle. Don’t shave or wax the same day, as the salt may sting. Eat a light meal about an hour before (an empty stomach can be distracting, and a full one can, too). Remove contact lenses before your session. |
What should I bring? |
Just yourself. We provide everything else: towels, robes, slippers, earplugs, shower products, earplugs, hair dryers, cotton swabs, and makeup wipes. We have a limited selection of post-shower products in the restroom; you’re welcome and encouraged to bring your own. |
Can I float if I just dyed my hair? |
We ask that you wait at least two weeks after dyeing your hair. If color is still running when you shower at home, please give it a little more time. This protects both you and the water quality. |
Can I float if I have a skin condition or open wounds? |
We ask that you avoid floating if you have open wounds, severe sunburn, or active skin infections. The high salt concentration will sting. For conditions like eczema or psoriasis (without open sores), many people find floating soothing. Please consult your doctor if you have concerns.
We also provide A+D Ointment to apply before you step into the float pod for any cuts, scrapes, or sensitive areas. The salt water may sting these areas, and the discomfort will usually pass within a minute or two. |
Can I float while pregnant? |
Many pregnant women find floating deeply relieving, particularly for back pain and swelling. That said, we recommend consulting your doctor or midwife before booking. |
Is the water clean? |
Yes. The water is filtered between every session using a multi-stage filtration system, including UV filtration, and the high salt concentration makes it inhospitable to most bacteria. We take sanitation very seriously. |
During Your Session
Do I have to be in the dark? |
No. There is a light inside the pod that you can leave on. Most people start with the light on and turn it off once they feel comfortable. Complete darkness does deepen the float, but it’s entirely your choice. |
Can I get out if I want to? |
Absolutely. The pod door is never locked, and you can step out whenever you like. Some first-timers step out for a moment and then return to finish their session. |
What if I fall asleep? |
It happens often. The buoyancy keeps you safely at the surface even if you drift off. Many guests report it as one of the most restorative sleeps they’ve ever had. |
What if water gets in my eyes? |
We provide a bottle of fresh water inside the pod in case salt water gets into your eyes. It can sting, but it won’t harm you and it will be relieved the moment the salt water is diluted. |
Is there a “right” way to float? |
The only right way is what’s comfortable for you. You can close your eyes or keep them open. You can focus on your breathing or let your thoughts wander. You don’t have to meditate if you don’t wish to. Simply float. |
What does it actually feel like? |
Your body should feel lighter — that’s what most people notice first. Your muscles should also start to relax in ways they usually don’t. The mind takes a little longer. By the second half of the session, you may find yourself in a dreamlike state that researchers call “theta” (between waking and sleep). Time feels different in the pod. |
After Your Session
How will I feel afterward? |
Most people feel calm, a little pleasantly spacey, and lighter. Pain relief — especially in the neck, shoulders, and lower back — is often reported. Plan some buffer time afterward. You may not feel like rushing back into a busy schedule. |
How many sessions does it take to feel the benefit? |
The first float session is often about getting comfortable. A lot of people feel the biggest difference in their second or third float, because the body already knows what’s coming and can relax more quickly. That said, many first-timers walk out feeling the benefits right away. |
How often should I float? |
For general stress relief, once or twice a month works well for most people. For chronic pain or deeper therapeutic work, more frequent sessions (weekly or biweekly) tend to make a bigger difference. Our membership options make it easy to build floating into your routine. |
Can I combine floating with other therapies in the same session? |
Yes, and many guests do. Float therapy pairs especially well with red light therapy, BEMER, and Reiki. Some guests float first and follow with another service; others prefer the reverse. Our staff can help you design a combination that makes sense for you. |
Practical Details
What do I wear? |
Most people float without clothing; it’s more comfortable without pressure points from fabric. The room is completely private and locks from the inside. You’re welcome to wear a swimsuit if you prefer. |
How long is the session? |
A typical float session is 60 minutes, and we recommend that for your first time. Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early for your first visit so we can walk you through the process, and about 15 minutes afterward so you can shower and ease back into your day. |
What is the cancellation policy? |
For sessions booked Monday through Thursday, please reschedule or cancel at least 24 hours in advance. For sessions booked Friday through Sunday, please cancel at least 48 hours in advance. Late cancellations are charged the full session rate. |
Where are you located? |
18979 Coastal Hwy Unit 101, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. |
How can I contact you? |
Give us a call at 302 232 3141 or email [email protected]. You’re also welcome to stop by the studio. We’d love to meet you. |
Want to read more?
Here are a few trusted sources on the science of float therapy.
Cleveland Clinic: Sensory Deprivation Tank Benefits and Risks
Global Wellness Institute: Flotation Therapy Research Summary
NCBI / PubMed: Systematic Review of Flotation-REST (2024)
NCBI Bookshelf: Floatation Therapy for Mental Health Conditions