UPDATED 11-09-20

Running your float business in the new climate

As things (hopefully) start moving slowly back to a semblance of normality, float centres around the world will need to put new cleaning and operating procedures in play for the foreseeable future, and possibly indefinitely. 

The CDC recommends washing your hands regularly, using sanitiser when soap is not available, wearing a mask, and maintaining social distancing. Float centres are uniquely equipped to work with social distancing and limited – or even no – contact which will aide  you in continuing to serve your town or city safely, and help bring stress relief and healing to your community. People need float therapy now more than ever, and with the increased stress of so many job losses and damaged economies around the world, all of us in the float industry are so fortunate to be able to bring comfort and healing to those around us.

Cleaning practices will continue to be vital in the coming months, both to allow your business to operate within the new rules and regulations your government has likely set out, and to help stop the spread of COVID-19. 

The EPA has released a list of approved disinfectants effective for use against the coronavirus – the updated link can be found here. 

When commercial disinfectants are not available, the CDC says alternate disinfectants such as 1/3 cup of 5.25%–8.25% bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions can also be used (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html).

The EPA has released a PDF for 6 steps for effective cleaning that businesses may find helpful for their employees – a downloadable version can be found here.

Regional requirements and recommendations may vary – check your local government sites for updated information, or please contact us if you need any assistance.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. We are happy to help in any way we can.  

 Above all, take care of yourselves, and those around you.

Stay safe and keep washing those hands! 

Warm regards,

The Floataway Team

re-opening float centres

UPDATED 27-05-20

Floataway recommendations for re-opening float centres during or following the COVID-19 pandemic

We have been researching technologies and have taken expert advice. We know that the salt solution is inherently safe and there is no special risk from this virus in salt water. But there remains a risk from surfaces and we recommend a more thorough procedure then probably has been typical practice before.

There is a technology called electrostatic fog spraying. This adds an electric charge to otherwise normal fog spray equipment which causes the tiny water droplets to fly to surfaces and stick to them. This technology has been shown to be a highly effective method for killing all viruses.

The hand held equipment we have seen is supplied by a company called Victory Innovations and when used with the recommended chemical Bioesque it is an effective and fast system for killing the virus.

The important fact about this product combination, unlike other disinfectant options requiring full breathing equipment and fully vacating the premises etc; no personal protection equipment is required when spraying the Bioesque disinfectant with the electrostatic fog spray (although it would be normal to use a face mask and goggles when spraying anything).

We are continuing to research alternative spray equipment and we will update the advice on the website as and when we learn more. We hope this terrible pandemic has not hurt your businesses too much and that your clients will not be afraid to return!

POST 15-03-20

 Dear Floataway clients around the world,

These are unprecedented times and in the midst of all the uncertainty we would like to assure all our clients that we will do everything we can to help and support you all. We are all affected to some degree, and there will be even more challenges in the coming months. We are so proud to be a part of the float industry, and to see how everyone is rising up to support and encourage each other.

Many people are concerned about the transmission of the Coronavirus in float tanks, and many float centres are being faced with reduced bookings, or even closures. To help alleviate concerns for you and your clients, we will be updating this page with the latest news regarding COVID-19, as well as instructions to maintain your Floataway pool in the event you need to shut down for an extended period.  

Please be assured that the CDC in the USA has released a statement that the virus is NOT transmitted in a pool, hot tub, or float tank. Please take a look at the link below from the CDC. The CDC has released guidance on COVID-19 and water transmission, including information on recreational water transmission. 

Specifically, the CDC guidance states:

“There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.”

In addition, Dr. Roy Vore has drafted an amendment to a release originally made for the pool industry to include float pools specifically: 

“This is an enveloped virus.  The concentration of salt used will provide a reasonable inactivation but not likely to be complete.  But this virus is both spread by contact and inhalation of air-borne droplets; it is not water-borne.  As such the water is not the medium of transmission.  All float centers should focus on disinfection of hard surfaces including chairs, door knobs, check in counters, and all solid surfaces where someone might place their hand.  We should be emphasizing this, rather than testing survival times in the float solution.”

Roy D. Vore, Ph.D. NSPF® Instructor, CPO® Certification, Certified Pool○Spa Inspector™
Aquatics Professional – specializing in public health, recreational water illness management, water chemistry, and regulatory issues


Closing your tank  

If you are considering closing down your float tank or float centre for a few weeks or months, the most important thing is to not allow your pool to over-saturate due to evaporation (salt crystallisation).

 Here is a guideline in order to protect your float pool:

  1. Add approximately 1cm/⅜ inch fresh water (over the normal fill line) per week you'll be closed. Run the pump for a minimum of 10 min to allow the solution to mix well.

  2. Unplug the tank and shut off the breakers in your distribution board.

  3. Add a triple dose of disinfectant

  4. Use a pool cover if you have an open float pool, and ideally even your closed pools. Close pool doors, and pod lids.

  5. Check the water and disinfectant levels once a month (or more if possible) and top up if necessary. Keep your water level a little higher than normal.

  6. Check the filter for any salt crystal formations; if clear of formations, leave the battery disconnected and turn on the system to run the pump. Make sure the water is flowing through the jet as normal, then let it pump for 10 min before shutting off again. Check for any salt crystals forming on the pool floor. Do not add any salt during this period.

  7.   Check that your density is not more than 1.25. If it is, add water to reduce the density to 1.25.

 If you follow these simple steps you should not have an issue with the salt recrystallising, provided your density is at the recommended level of 1.25 or lower.  When you are ready to reopen your centre, all you'll need to do is to plug the tank back in and ensure the filter and flow is good, check the water and disinfectant levels, and adjust accordingly.   

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. We are happy to help in any way we can.  Above all, take care of yourselves, and those around you.

Stay safe and keep washing those hands!

Warm regards,

The Floataway Team