First Visit

SO YOU BOOKED YOUR APPOINTMENT, NOW WHAT?

PREPARE TO FLOAT

Consider these important suggestions before your appointment to optimize comfort during your float:

  • You may want to eat at a light meal beforehand, both hungry and full floating can be distracting.
  • Avoid having too much caffeine, as it will be easier to relax without.
  • Avoid shaving to reduce any stinging sensation.

JUST BRING YOURSELF

  • We provide everything you need to float! 
  • No need to bring a swimsuit or towel, towels are provided and swimsuits are discouraged.
  • If you wear contacts, you’ll want to bring a case to keep them in while you float.
  • Feel free to bring any personal items you may want for after showering, such as a hairbrush or deoderant.

SAVE TIME ON CHECK IN

You’ll need to show up about 10-15 minutes early. We have a waiver for you to read and sign, and a short instructional video that you need to watch (even if you’ve floated somewhere else, you’ll want to learn how to use the controls to adjust the settings in the float tank). 

Those are the basics! Keep scrolling to get a head start on check in by completing two simple tasks!

WANT TO MAKE CHECK IN A BREEZE?

Complete these two tasks before you arrive and show up just 5 minutes before your appointment instead of arriving 10-15 minutes prior.

TASK 1

Watch our instructional video – this video will guide you through your first visit to Float Harder and can answer most appointment related questions. It demonstrates how to use the float tanks and adjust their settings; plus, you’ll learn important tips that will make your introduction to the peaceful, practice of floating as comfortable as possible!

TASK 2

Use personal link to sign your waiver – depending on what contact information we have for you, you may receive your link via text or email, or both. Automated text communications such as these will be from our SMS phone number, 207.747.0041.

  • Follow the link to fill out, read and sign your waiver.
  • Please provide your phone number, address and an emergency contact. (We do not sell your personal information or send promotional mailings.)
  • Please read each section carefully and determine if floating is right for you.
  • Check the box next to each of the three sections as you read
  • At the bottom of the waiver, check the box for “I have read and agree”, type your full name, draw your signature and select the green Complete Waiver button.

Didn’t get your waiver link? 
Don’t sweat it, you can always sign in store when you arrive.

Having trouble signing your waiver?
If the ‘Complete Waiver’ button is greyed out you’ve likely missed one of the steps, please review the steps listed above to complete any missed steps, once all steps are complete the ‘Complete Waiver’ button will appear green.

BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO FLOATING

Use the tabs below to find helpful tips, outlining ways that you can maximize the your experience and get the most out of your first few floats! And if you’re still wanting more info, check out this blog for 10 Tips & Tricks to a Great Float!

BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO FLOATING

Use the tabs below to find helpful tips, outlining ways that you can maximize the your experience and get the most out of your first few floats! And if you’re still wanting more info, check out this blog for 10 Tips & Tricks to a Great Float!

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT | schedule online and be sure you get a confirmation email, text and/or phone call. Have questions? Give us a call and we’ll help you book your appointment!

COME IN EARLY | arrive 15 minutes early to your first appointment for check in and orientation. All first time floaters learn how to properly use the float tanks by watching our instructional video and reviewing our waiver.

WE PROVIDE | towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, earplugs, hair dryers, q-tips & lotion.

CONSIDER BRINGING | personal items for after like deodorant and a comb. You’ll float nude so you don’t need to bring a swimsuit. Contact lenses should be removed before floating, please bring a case and contact solution.

SET UP FOR COMFORT | have a light meal before floating, avoid caffeine, and skip shaving the morning of your float. Arrive hydrated and consider limiting liquids 30 minutes prior to floating so you won’t need to use the restroom in the middle of your appointment.

CALL WITH QUESTIONS | for many, floating is a new concept, we’re happy to answer questions!

PLAN TO RELAX | you’ve made time to float, don’t sell yourself short. Be mindful that it can take time to settle in and relax in such a unique environment. Let go and surrender to relaxation.

EXPECT SKIN TEMPERATURE | the salt solution and air in the tank are kept near skin temperature (about 94°), it won’t feel hot, it will be skin neutral. Take a cooler shower or run cold water over your body before entering the float tank, then it will feel nice and toasty while settling in! Close the door to help maintain a warm temperature while floating.

DRY YOUR FACE | you’ll be less tempted to touch your face during your float if you dry your face first. This will help keep salt out of your eyes!

WORK THOUGH DISCOMFORT | any muscle tension you have will be hard to ignore when you first start floating. It should go away, but can sometimes take 30 minutes or more to subside. Neck and shoulder tension are the most common, try adjusting your arm position (raising arms above head) or floating with the head support. Another common discomfort is stinging near small scrapes or cuts. This is due to the high concentration of Epsom salt and typically subsides after 10-15 minutes. Deep breathing will help.

RINSE YOUR EARS WELL use warm water or an ear rinse solution like white vinegar and water to help rinse away any salt that may have gotten inside your ears. *not medical advice* 

MAKE TIME TO SIT you may feel energized, centered and focused, or you could feel deeply relaxed and even lethargic.  Floating can be a bit disorienting, give yourself some time to sit and relax after your session.

FLOAT AGAIN SOON | floating is a practice, just like yoga or meditation, it becomes easier once you are more familiar, and you will find that you relax deeper during subsequent floats.

What To Expect

C'MON IN!

Feel free to come in when you arrive. Float sessions run continuously throughout the day, so please consider your volume once inside. Kick your shoes off an we’ll help you with the check in process and show you where the restroom is .

CHECK IN

You probably already completed the two tasks (above) to help make check in a breeze. But just in case you didn’t get a chance, we’ll collect the contact information to set up your waiver for you to complete.

  • You will be asked to provide your address required for the waiver. We do not sell your personal information or send promotional mailings. 
  • You will also be asked to provide an emergency contact, if no emergency contact is provided, 911 will be listed for your emergency contact.

At this time, if you haven’t seen the instructional video, we’ll have you watch it before your float.

SELECT LIGHT & MUSIC SETTINGS

The float systems at Float Harder give you the ability to customize each visit. You can chose a colored light for your float and a soft music track. These can be turned off and on from inside the tank so adjust them the way you’d like or turn them off all together and experience pure peace and quiet! We’ll ask about your preferences when you check in for your appointment.

WE'LL SHOW YOU TO YOUR ROOM

  • All amenities are provided for you. (towel, washcloths, earplugs, makeup wipes, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, q-tips, and hair dryers.
  • You’ll shower before floating to help keep oil, debris, and hair and body products out of the tank water.
  • You’re in control of the lid, open and close it as you see fit.
  • There’s an intercom within the float system to communicate with the front desk should you need anything adjusted during your session. 

JUST FLOAT!

  • Enter the float system carefully, sit down and lay back.
  • You’ll bob to the top just like a buoy, you’re floating!
  • Try some different positions until you find one that’s comfortable.
  • Concentrate on your breath and try to clear your mind.

AFTER YOUR FLOAT...

Take another shower to rinse the salt of your body and be sure to rinse your ears thoroughly if any of the salt water got in your ears! Your skin will feel soft from the Epsom salt and, believe it or not, your skin won’t even be pruned up! We have additional amenities in a separate room where you can prepare to go about your day. You’ll find hair dryers, q-tips, lotion, contact solution. If you don’t need to hurry off, relax in the lounge and enjoy a complementary cup of tea by Homegrown Herb and Tea!

Frequently Asked Questions

Let us know if we’ve missed something! If you have any questions that we haven’t covered, we want to answer them and add them to this page, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. In no particular order:

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Our First Visit page will outline the basics of how to prepare. Set yourself up for success by limiting caffeine and large meals (a light meal or snack is ok, and actually recommended for optimal comfort) for several hours prior to the appointment. Avoid shaving several hours before your float as cuts will sting in the salt water. Still want more tips and tricks for your best floats? Check out our blog on the topic.  

You may want any personal items for after showering, such as a hair brush. If you wear contacts, bring a case to keep your lenses in while you float. We provide towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, ear plugs, makeup wipes, cotton swabs, tissues, lotion, and hair dryers. You float nude, so you DON’T need to bring a suit!

We use Superior Float Tank’s equipment. We have two Evolution Float Pods, one Quest Float Room and one Deluxe Float Room.

It is considered generally safe to float during pregnancy. Often, women report experiencing deep connections with their babies while floating and enjoy the feeling of weightlessness (a welcome reprieve from the discomfort often associated with pregnancy). We do recommend you consult with your medical provider to ensure it is appropriate for your situation if you have any specific medical questions (you could let them know you float in body temperature water, saturated with over 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt). 

Yes, just use the same protocol as a swimming pool. Please be sure to use a fresh tampon right before your float, no menstrual cups. You may also want to use a new tampon after your float as the salt water can wick up the string during your float and cause slight burning/irritation.

NO, you must reschedule your appointment if your hair is newly dyed, there will be no cancellation fees and you will not lose your float credit. 

All hair dye (especially bright and dark colors, at home box dyes and vegetables dyes) can damage the fiberglass float tanks leaving stains that in some cases have required the float tanks to be drained, resurfaced and refilled. Incidents such as these result in several days of lost revenue and as such are subject to a $2,000 damage and cleaning fee as outlined in the Float Waiver. 

Additionally, there are no guarantees that the salt in the water will not strip some of the color from your hair. Typically, it’s best to wait several hair washes after dying hair before floating. Check that the water running through your hair in the shower at home is coming out fully clear. If some color is still coming out on your towels and clothing, it’s best to wait a few more days or showers. 

If you dye your hair regularly, we recommend planning your float sessions right before your next dye treatment is expected (so you can enjoy both floating, and your hair treatments, stress free!).

Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, sulfates are not recommended after keratin hair treatments. 

If this is a treatment you have done regularly, we recommend planning your float sessions right before your next treatment is expected (so you can enjoy both floating, and your hair treatments, stress free!). 

It is best to wait two weeks after a spray tan or use of self tanner before floating. 

We have three individual sized float tanks (the Standard Float Room and two Float Pods) which accommodate a single person. 

Our Deluxe Float Room is an extra large float tank which can be reserved for one person, or reserved for two people simultaneously (Tandem Float). However, we don’t recommend floating with another person during your first float experience, as it can be distracting. Each float tank is in a private room with shower, bench, and place to keep your belongings.

No, the water is filtered between each float session. The water cycles through a one micron carbon filter which purifies it to the same quality as drinking water. It is infused with ozone and treated with UV Light as well as Hydrogen Peroxide. This three step filtration process is repeated three times between each float. For more details on our filtration process, check out this blog post. 

You control the lid and the lights in the float system. Feel free to leave the lid cracked open a little or completely. Lots of people experience a feeling of floating in space which is quite the opposite of feeling claustrophobia. Although it might sound counter-intuitive to someone who is nervous about claustrophobia, turning the light off can cause the float tank feel more expansive.

No, of course not. We bet you’ll want to though! 

Much of your float experience is self guided (you choose when and if to turn the lights and music off, and can get out at any time). Often, there are different stages of a float. You may struggle to relax at times, take a nap for awhile, feel bored or anxious, and enter a deep meditative state all in the same session. It’s all part of the experience! 

While you may choose to get out at any point, you may find that if you allow yourself to work through times of boredom or discomfort, you may just fall into a deep state of relaxation again. Float pioneer, Glenn Perry encourages himself (and others) to work through the potential urge to get out of a float session three times, before allowing himself to actually do so. Getting the most out of his time in the tank, both mentally and physically. With that said, you do not need to stay in the whole time to still enjoy the benefits of floating. 

The float tank was invented in 1954 by Dr. John C. Lilly. Read more about this exceptional tool on our About Floating page.

The first commercially available float center was established in 1972 by Glenn and Lee Perry who also invented the Samadhi float tank.

No, unlike soaking in a tub or pool, your skin won’t even prune up. Heads up, this could result in silky smooth feeling skin and soft hair! Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulfate), unlike table salt (Sodium Chloride) will not dehydrate you. 

With that said, the float environment is warm and humid. Just like on any other day, good hydration practices are always encouraged! Just try not to over hydrate directly before your visit, to minimize needed bathroom breaks during your session.  

Even if you can’t float in general swimming conditions, the salt concentration in the float tank will allow you to float here! 

Can’t swim? No swimming skills are required to float. The body floats effortlessly in the salty solution, and the solution is only ten inches deep, so while you won’t touch while floating, you can easily sit up at any time. 

You can even fall asleep and you’ll be safely supported by the buoyancy of the water.  If you fall asleep, you may wake to the stinging sensation of salt water in your eyes (if you reposition while sleeping).

The most common potential negative side effect is salt left behind in the ear. This is easily remedied, and prevented through use of ear plugs, and rinsing your ears in the post float shower. If salt does get left behind in your ears after a float, it is safe (just annoying). Get in touch for a helpful ear rinse trick to take care of this. 

While rare, there are some conditions in which you may experience discomfort due to a float. With the high salt content of the float solution, potential stinging on sensitive areas is possible, but can be avoided with proper planning. Occasionally, severe sufferers of motion sickness may experience an episode while floating. Learn more about negative side effects, and how to mitigate them here. 

There are also some medical conditions such as seizure disorder, that make floating not safe for some. These are outlined in our Float Waiver that must be signed be each guest prior to a session. 

Nope, but there are some extra rules if you’re under 18. Anyone under 18 will need a parent or guardian to visit the store with them in order to review and sign the waiver.

  • 12 and under: A parent must stay on site (in the lounge and not in another float tank) for the duration of the first float; this rule is at the discretion of the facilitator thereafter.
  • 13-15: A parent must be on site (in another float tank is fine) for the first visit, and can drop off at future visits.
  • 16 and up: A parent needs to sign the waiver at or before the first visit, but is not required to stay during the float.

Yes, while we do accept walk-ins, the timing rarely works out. Our float sessions are on a staggered schedule and two floats start every  hour from 8am-10pm (last float starts at 8pm). You can see our schedule online and book your appointment or give us a call and we’ll book it for you! 207.400.5187

Floats are best enjoyed often! As such, float credits expire 365 days from the date of purchase. Have a float credit that’s gone inactive? Give us a call and we’ll reactivate it for you!

James Harder, Amy Harder… Float Harder. It’s our last name.

You may be able to access those credits by logging into your account. If you don’t know your password, using the “forgot my password” option should help you gain access to your account. 

There’s a strong possibility that you have a simple case of a “double account”. Basically, an account was made for you when you bought those credits and you may have accidentally made a duplicate account by trying to log into our booking software, perhaps with a different email address. No biggie… happens all the time, call the shop so we can fix this and help you locate your float credits. 

Additionally, not all float credits are able to be used for each float tank (ex. A Deluxe Float credit is a different value than a session scheduled in Float Pod). When booking online, you can only use the credit you have for the service in which it is intended, otherwise the online booking may still ask you for payment. If you are looking to book a service that is different than what your float credit is for, give us a call and we can help! 

Not tech savvy? We can help you book floats over the phone so call us! 207.400.5187

This is probably our most frequently asked question! While all our float tanks provide the same experience, they are different shaped vessels for you to float in. Check out this short blog which describes the basic differences.

Most of our float packages are shareable. The person with the float credit(s) can book the appointment for you online or over the phone. You can book the appointment yourself, but you’ll want to book it by phone and let us know that you’ll be using a friends credit. We may contact your friend to confirm.

Immediately after you make your reservation you will be redirected to a page that says “Success! You just made a reservation!”. This page also has important information about your first visit to our float center. 

A few minutes after you make your reservation, you will receive an email confirming this (unless you opted not to provide an email address). 

Two days before your reservation you will receive a reservation reminder email (again, unless you opted not to provide an email address), followed by a text message reminder the day before. 

If you haven’t received any of these communications, then you’ll want to call the shop. Your reservation likely did not go through properly! 207.400.5187

The Epsom salt solution and the air in the float tanks are warmed to skin temperature (about 94°).  It won’t feel hot like a hot tub, but you shouldn’t be cold. For most people, it should be a neutral, comfortable temperature. Often, the temperature is so close to that of the body, you lose track of where one starts and ends- a highly sought after sensation! 

Being careful not to take too hot a shower before floating will be important. A hot shower can cause the float solution to feel cool in comparison. A cooler pre-float shower will ensure that the float solution feels warm when entering the float tank. 

If you become cold during your float, finding stillness and taking a few deep breaths can help to regulate your body temperature. You may be tempted to move around or splash the warm water over the exposed parts of the body, however this is counterintuitive as then the exposed body is wet, making you feel colder.

Float sessions are 90 minutes. Plan to be here for close to two hours, as you’ll shower before and after your float. Studies in floating show that the relaxation response begins to set in around the 45 minute mark. It can take some time to learn how to get comfortable in the float environment, so we purposely offer this session length to give you this time. Once your body and mind begin to relax, the time often passes quickly.