Common Misconceptions About Floating
Although floating has been around for decades, there are still many misconceptions. However, organizations like the Floatation Tank Association are helping to increase the general understanding of the industry.
In the introduction to FTA’s North American Float Tank Standards it states “In jurisdictions that do not already have standards for float tanks, there is often an attempt to initially place them in the same category as pools or spas… Equating pools and spas with floatation tanks may create unintended negative consequences to the health of the floater and place unfair and unnecessary burden on the float tank operator.”
About Covid –
Limiting Contamination
Floating is not like swimming. It’s not like hot tubbing. It’s a completely different experience and so is the way users interact with the water. For the vast majority of users, floating is a solitary activity. This means that when you float, there is no one to share the space with. Unlike going to a gym or swimming pool, exposure to cross-contamination between individuals is very limited for many reasons.
Let’s do some comparison!- As a rule of thumb, float tank users are to thoroughly soap & rinse themselves before using the tank, removing oils, lotions, and any germs that may be present on the skin or hair. They also shower afterward to remove any residual salt. Swimmers often swallow water inadvertently, but with floating the mouth is never submerged. Children are known to contribute to fecal contamination in pools and spas, however, float tanks are almost exclusively used by adults, reducing the chances of contamination due to someone not properly relieving themselves.
Additionally, float tank users are given a thorough understanding of the floatation process — the do’s and don’ts, as well as how to maintain proper hygiene throughout the process.
Circulation & Filtration
Although float tank solution is a highly inhospitable environment for biological growth, float tank solution is thoroughly treated between uses. Your Royal Spa float pod at Shuswap Float & Wellness sterilizes the float pod solution by radiating with ultraviolet (UV) germicidal rays after each treatment. The radiation is used to penetrate cells and destroy the genetic materials (DNA/RNA).
As per NSF International policy, “a floatation system shall be equipped with a float solution treatment system that provides a minimum of 3-log [99.9%] or greater, kill or inactivation of bacteria in the main vessel after completion of the cleaning cycle when tested in situ.”
Additionally, the Royal Spa float pod incorporates Ozone generators to disinfect the solution, surfaces, and air within the tank. Ozone (O₃) consists of two oxygen molecules strongly bound together with a third oxygen molecule weakly bound that separates and reattaches to other substances, thereby altering the chemical composition. In other words, ozone is a very powerful antimicrobial.
Ozone is over 50X more effective than chlorine bleach and works over 3000X faster. With a very short life span, ozone is rendered inactive and harmless prior to use.
There is Also, a small UV device, floated within the pod for 15-20 minutes before/after each client, to ensure the inside of the pod, is sanitized.
We also use Hydrogen Peroxide – a much safer alternative to bleach, hydrogen peroxide kills germs in as little as 30 seconds without producing harmful fumes
Shuswap Float and Wellness Ltd
250-803-2876
