Common Questions & Answers

What does it cost to Float?

Great Question. Like most things in life, it depends. Here’s our current schedule:

A 45 minute float in the Pod is $45. 45 minute floats are ONLY available in the pod room.

A regular 90 minute float is $65, and is available both in the Pod and in our Float Rooms

If you are new to floating, we offer a three float package, to be used by one person, within two months, for $125. It takes some practice to get the most from floating, and this is a great way to get into the flow, so to speak.

Regular floaters can save with a membership option. Memberships can be shared between floaters; members may purchase additional 90 minute float times at their reduced price; unused float credits roll over, they do not expire.  Memberships are available at levels from one float per month up to four floats per month.

One float per month is $60
Two Floats per month are $55 each or $110
Four Floats per month are $50 each, or $200
Eight Floats per month are also available.

What do I need to bring?

Just bring yourself. We will have towels, ear plugs, and products to use in the shower before and after your float. If you wear contacts, do be sure to bring a lens case and contact solution with you. If you want hair styling products, please bring them to the Comb-Out Room for after floating.

Do I float wearing a bathing suit?

It is highly recommended to float in your “birthday suit’! The intense salts and hydrogen peroxide can damage swim wear and the laundry detergents and fabric softeners can interfere with the water in the tanks. It is more comfortable to float wearing only your skin.

What if I’m claustrophobic?

You remain in total control of the experience. People with claustrophobia consistently report having a pleasant experience while floating. Once inside the tank, you are able to lose awareness of the walls around you and this allows you to rest in an experience of formless spaciousness. Additionally you are able to request starlight in the ceiling or can keep the door open or bright tank lights on if you choose.

Can I drown if I fall asleep?

Many people fall asleep and report a delightful experience! Nowhere in the literature can we find record of anyone drowning, but we’ve learned to never say “never.” If you are seriously frightened perhaps floating is not for you.

What happens if I get salt in my eyes?

It’s unusual for this to happen if you are lying still in the tank. A fresh water spray bottle is provided in each float room so that you can easily rinse your face.

How are the tanks kept clean?

The highly sterile salt water in the tanks is kept clean with a triple filtration process. First we use 5 micron physical filter (Class 1 filtration) that is FDA compliant for drinking water. Second a combination of ozone and germicidal UV light disinfection instantly oxidizes any contaminants, and the water is further conditioned with pharmaceutical grade hydrogen peroxide. The water is run through this filtration process three complete returns between each floater.

Can I bring a friend?

Absolutely! We have multiple tanks at Still Waters. It can be a very rewarding and connective experience to share and reflect with your friends in your post-float experience. But floating is done alone; each person floats in a separate room.

Are there any negative effects to floating?

Mostly what you can expect to experience is just a lingering residual feeling of peace, calm, vibrancy, and contentment. Though this can be unfamiliar to some of us, and thus could create some discomfort from our normal emotional states.

Some floaters who are prone to motion sickness sometimes report feeling queasy. This feeling usually passes quickly and often does not return in later floats. Perhaps it is the body reacting to the feeling of floating and the lack of the regular feeling that gravity gives us of “up” and “down.”  Some ginger candies or ginger tea is our recommended remedy.

Is floating dangerous?

Each year a few people are killed by  flying champagne corks and others by vending machines. We hesitate to underestimate the ability of people to harm themselves in creative ways. If you follow our guidelines and rules and recommendations and lie quietly on your back in the water, there seems little that can go wrong. Still and all, if you’re afraid you’ll die, please don’t float.

Can I float if I am menstruating?

Yes, just follow the same protocol as if you were going to the pool.

Can I float if I am pregnant?

Yes! In the 2nd and 3rd trimester floating is said by many to provide relief from the stress and strain of pregnancy by allowing your body to float in a weightless environment. Be sure to consult with your doctor before coming to float.

When should I arrive for my first float?

For your first float please come at least twenty minutes to thirty minutes before your scheduled time. We have information to give you to make your experience more pleasant, and if you have not read and signed our waiver, that must be completed. In subsequent floats five or ten minutes early is sufficient.

What if I don’t like floating or am not satisfied with my float?

If you are not satisfied with your experience please let us know. We want floating to be enjoyable for all, and we will do our best to make it right for you.

What happens if I “freak out” during my float?

Remember that you are free to exit the tank at any time! It is true that floating can bring about a certain degree of discomfort. Sometimes when we are freed from distraction and stimuli we are creating space for other experiences to present themselves. If you do feel discomfort, we would recommend focusing on your breathing and remaining with the experience to your degree of tolerance. Of course, you remain in control, and can exit the tank and end your float at any point.
Floating is usually not a problem if you can be alone with yourself in a quiet, dark room.

Why is it necessary to shower before and after my float?

Showering before the float cleanses your body and hair of oils, make up and other residue before entering the tank. Showering afterwards removes any Epsom salt from your body before you dress. Showering before and after can also functions as an experiential gateway between your daily life and your float experience.

Will my skin wrinkle and prune?

Not only will your skin not get wrinkled and “pruney”, but the Epsom salt will leave your skin feeling smooth and soft. We do recommend continuing to drink plenty of water throughout the rest of the day as your body will absorb the Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate), which is a good thing!
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Still Waters Float Center | 900 Broadway St., Quincy, IL 62301 | 217-214-4455