Commercial Float Centres

Is Floating compatible with my Spa/Gym/Beauty Centre?

Floating is primarily for relaxation, for stress relief, for inner peace. So it is compatible with any relaxing environment. At Floataway we recommend that the best commercial use of float tanks is as a float centre, therefore as a float centre within your existing facilities, not an accessory. We have seen many combinations and we will tell you honestly what we think of a projected combination. Contact us.

There should be a trained person on hand all the time someone is floating.  First time customers need careful instruction and reassurance, this is covered in our manual.  Experienced floaters will need very little attention.  You need an efficient booking system and a 24-hour answering machine.

Floataway can advise in confidence on all these aspects, Please send and email about your plans.

One frequent question is about finance.

Floataway does not offer finance but can advise in general terms.  Very often the best way forward is through leasing AKA asset based finance.  We find this never crosses national boundaries so be prepared to ask a local lease finance company with a business plan.  You credit rating will be significant. Be wary of companies who ask for upfront fees to arrange finance.

Can people float together and still get the benefits?

This is an interesting question because in the beginning floating was for an individual. However, we know that the benefits are physiological and just as powerful when floating as a couple for example. That is why Floataway has pioneered cabins and open float pools where two people and even more, can float together. Commercially it's a double advantage because you will find new floaters like to come as couples, and you can charge more for the same space. Yes, many who do that will choose to go on floating alone in their future sessions, but just as every journey starts with the first step, a new floating habit can start with a couple float.

Each room should be walled in for privacy with a lockable door (with emergency over-ride).  Pay attention to sound proofing, we can give specialist advice on this.  The floor should be covered in non slip welded vinyl or waterproof tiles.  Each room should have its own shower, plus simple clothes hanging and a shelf.  A small lockable cupboard for cleaning kit is a good idea. The tank requires a seven amp fused spur electrical outlet (15 Amps in USA)  You should have three lighting circuits, one for normal room lighting, this can be controlled by the tank controller, one for the emergency lights which come on in a power cut, and one for a bright light for cleaning. You may also need a smoke detector and fire alarm repeater.  Consider too a sensor to detect that the shower is running (we can help with this) and timed local heaters. Ventilation is important, you will need a fan and possibly a dehumidifier.  We can arrange to switch this off during the float session.

In addition to the rooms you will need a lounging or waiting space and reception plus of course toilets.  All these should be sized for disabled access.

Will a float tank generate a profit?

Profit is revenue minus costs. Your revenue is from float sessions, typically ten per day per float tank, the consumables are not expensive, the clean towel is the biggest of these, and your main costs will be staff plus whatever the space costs. Floataway can send you a spreadsheet business plan so you can work out your profit in advance. Using typical going rates, one float tank can generate £90,000 turnover per year, it all depends on your promotional effort. And, yes Floataway will advise on that too.

One floatation therapy tank is ideal when you already have complementary facilities.  You will probably need no more staff, we provide training.  Although it is not ideal, you can work with an existing shower a few steps away, but you need dressing gowns and slippers and these will get salty as soon as they are used.

For a dedicated float centre, two tanks is a better start.  Some people like to book and float as couples and you can cope better with the peak hours.  The optimum number in our opinion is four, timed in pairs, or for a large centre, eight tanks run in pairs.

Usually yes, but this need not be a problem. You should have a non slip waterproof floor, waterproof decorations and ventilation.  Usually a shower is required in the room.  Remote showers will then require robes and the cleaning of salty footprints!

We strongly advise bunding the floor, that means raised sections at doors and walls so that any spilled water is retained by the floor.  You can also add flood alarms if necessary and this is relevant on upper floors.  Remember showers can cause floods.  The exact details will vary in each case.   Floataway will advise for free on all aspects and can provide detailed specifications.

The tank and shower need wiping with hot water between each float, and the floor needs mopping.  You must check the chlorine level at least daily (this is very easy and takes a few seconds with a disposable dip strip) and add liquid chlorine (or your chosen sterilising agent).

The water level will need a few litres top-up every day, and a 25 kg bag of Epsom Salts about every 2 or 3 months for a busy tank.  We can provide record sheets so that the daily and weekly tasks are recorded for later inspection.

Will my existing staff be able to run the float tank?

The answer is usually yes. Most of the maintenance is cleaning, it's vital to keep the float tank and shower, and the room, clean. That sounds obvious but you will need to make sure someone is responsible. Commercial floating need an attendant who can advise the customers and be around the whole time. Depending on the degree of automation, there will be regular disinfection topping up and some filter changing. Floataway supplies training and written instructions on every aspect.

For any commercial setting there should be a trained member of staff within earshot of the call attendant alarm.  Real emergencies will be very, very rare.  Floating is about the safest activity you can think of.  However you have a duty of care to your customers.

Some planners may not have heard of floating but we can help with literature.  You must have insurance, we can recommend a specific policy (in the UK).  Your premises must have fire escape provisions, emergency lighting for power cuts, and toilets.  The float room must have proper ventilation, a nearby shower and no electrical sockets or switches other than shaver type or pull switches.  The other fire escape provisions will depend on which floor you are, but you may need fire doors with spring closers and a separate fire escape route.

Planners may also look at your car parking requirements.

Can I fit a Floataway float tank in my space?

We get asked this about some very small spaces! For commercial use there is a minimum because you need a shower, some changing space, so the best plan is to send us a sketch with some dimensions. We do make specials. We will also advise on the access route where there are stairs and corridors.