Hi Christopher,

Thanks for the report on the Float Es - its always good to hear first hand experiences.

In looking that the specifications (9 gal/min, 250 gallon capacity), I don't see how the pump and filter can deliver the recommended 3 full turns between clients for a commercial operation. I understand that the pump runs continuously, but isn't it the time between clients that is most important? At 1 full filtration per ~28 minutes, this system doesn't seem designed for public use.

I just floated in the Float-ES. IT IS SWEET. Continuous circulation & heat and meets Florida Commercial Spa Code- no others do! Also has two skimmers for skimming skin & hairs and stuff- no others do. WORTH the money.

The Float Spa is installed at Blue Light Floatation and La Casa Day Spa in NYC for nearly 20 years now. Also, High-Tech Floatation Inc in Bristol, PA. The Float Shoppe in Portland has a previously owned unit also. Most of our installs are in private facilities.

Apparently we are not getting our message out. If you are interested in a company that has a 30+ year track record in this business , please check out http://www.thefloatspa.com

Yes, the FloatPod is completely silent, no noise at all. Our clients use ear plugs, but even without them there is no noise. Just make sure the Ipod docking station is turned off if not in use and that the intercom system is turned off when not in use. Total silence.
We have not had anyone with that level of disability try to float but we have discussed it and made plans to anticipate it. Of course it probably means having two people outside the pod, two inside the pod, the client naked and being handed off. However, I know first hand that people with that level of disability are jaded to normal humility. We have given away dozens of floats to people that are suffering from some kind of chronic pain or physical condition. I have given several people 6 free floats so they could try the therapy and see if they get some relief. Of course this is a business for us, but more importantly, it is a gift to suffering people. Physically and emotionally, mentally. If someone needs this but cannot afford it I give it to them. It is discreet for obvious reasons. Having just recently survived Stage Four Throat Cancer, 5 surgeries, 38 Radiation treatments, 4 Chemos, losing several teeth, I can tell you that floating has more than restored my emotional well being. I have a lot of permanent residual issues from my cancer treatments, But floating puts everything in perspective for me. Floating is an amazing coping mechanism. It allowed me to cope and suffer thru some really bad lows. Far better than counseling or consoling. It has calmed my soul. It has instilled in me a calmness I have never enjoyed in my life before floating. It allows me to tolerate my new limitations without the mental anguish that one normally suffers from such a debilitating disease. There is a lot of suffering in the world, physical, emotional, mental. Offering a Sensory Deprivation Tank to the world at large is a generous thing to do, although they do not know until they do it. That is actually a challenge. I have offered free floats to many people that I know could benefit from it that have not redeemed their free floats. This troubles me because I know it can change their life, but they may not believe it.
It is kind of you to consider the "fringe" of humanity. They need this the most...

FYI, it seems I have managed to set up two profiles on here, maybe I can figure out how to merge them.

Thanks for your comment Richard. I'm also wondering if the Float Pod really is silent while you float, since you've spent some time in there

And do you keep the room completely dark then? I've only floated in an Oasis, and both times my eyes registered a subtle red glow in there just from the salt lamp on top of the tank in the otherwise dark room. Ideally of course I want light blockage, but I understand Samadhi is the only company actually pulling this off.

Oh! and have you had any handicapped clients float? I'm very interested in getting folks in a wheelchair some gravity reduction.

Thanks!

Richard Brown here. The only problem I can foresee with not having a passive heater is if you are booking back to back floats all day. Most laws require three filter cycles before allowing the next person to float. That means about 25 to 30 minutes between floats. This all the heater you have between floats. It may be adequate, but it may also result in a constant yo yo effect with the water. Regular customers are very attuned to the nuances of the pod environment and for the money are not usually very tolerant of "variables". If does turn out to be a problem how does one solve the problem after the fact. I have floated in systems w no passive heater and I can tell you that the water does cool off around 1 to 1.5 degrees in 90 minutes. It is noticeable and distracting.
I think the Genesis by USFloatTanks is a very intriguing design. Their website does not disclose very much about the details of the system. Passive heating, Ozone, UV light, Media filter, Size, float area, how to change the filter. I'm pretty sure this design has an external pump- filter design. This will require additional space and plumbing. Nothing wrong with that if you allow for it. I have been wondering, and I cannot seem to find out, have they actually built one yet? Drawings and images have a weird way of evolving thru the production and manufacturing process. It is a very attractive unit.
There are several companies making pods with a similar appearance to the iSopod. However they are not technically copies. This is a common geometric design, common in nature actually. It is simply the most efficient way to do build a float environment. iSopod is understandably upset that this explosion of business is not necessarily benefitting them, but nothing is stopping them from stepping up their game and making a better product for less money. Innovation is rewarded in the market place.
The only other consideration, again, is the strength of the company. I think it is very important to buy from a company that is building the unit here in the USA. I own a manufacturing business, average 3 million a year in sales, small, but we frequently have discussions with Asian partners. Some design ideas can take a year to pull together. If something goes wrong it is nearly impossible to get it resolved. I am certain that half of todays start ups ( float pods ) will not be in business in two years. I mean, how many of these companies can this industry support. If the Pod is all they do, then 4 months without a sale would be fatal. Royal Spa on the other hand has been in business for decades and has a very robust line of products to help facilitate their cash flow. Because they are so well known they are going to be responsive to warranty issues and customer service . So, I'm not trying to sell their unit, just pointing out some of the reasons I chose them over the others. It is a big purchase, a big decision.

I am one who has been writing off the float pod because of the i-sopod design politics. I haven't like the feeling of writing it off though.. I briefly met Nick at the float conference and I liked him. Plus the things Richard has been saying resonate with me. I'm thinking perhaps it's not as big of a deal as I thought.. perhaps pods are going to look alike hey, and if Nick did kinda copy the i-so, I'm thinking he took the best from it and took it further. While that's not the best move politically, perhaps it's really something that I want -- streamlined pod evolution... Anyway, I do like the idea that they are in the US, have a lot of experience in running a successful center, and are receiving good reviews from the centers who have purchased them.

Meanwhile I have talked with Dreampod a bit, and at first the absense of a constant heat source was a deal-breaker for me. Since then I've been looking at a lot of options, and I'm thinking that perhaps Mike from Dreampod is right -- that for extendo-floats it's not the best design, but with most clients getting in for just 90 minutes, the absence of a heater will not harm the float but will actually reduce some EMF's and such -- a deeper float. I do like that idea. He says that his people are finding that at about a 5 hour float they notice the water cooling. And that's in the ideal room temp of like 78 to 82 F. If our room was a bit cooler, perhaps the 90 minute to 3 hour time slot would be just fine still... I'm going to ask Mike more about that.

I also talked with someone from USFloatTanks, and I think their design is really really good. Whomever I talked to on the phone really threw me off though, he didn't seem to be listening to me and just spouting off all kinds of information about running a float center etc. He was probably nervous with everything launching so fast, and I probably just need to talk with him again. I just want to be careful with who I do business with. Anyone know more about this company and their integrity?

Tons of words about this all, it's a huge investment. I'm glad we have this forum to talk about it. Thanks!

Yes I appreciate the information as well. Only thing is I have sent Nick/TrueRest 3 emails to inquire about product and start to plan a purchase. I have yet to hear back. The delay has allowed me time to chat with more people and other manufactures.

Thank you for clearing that up Richard. Your response has pushed the Float Pod towards the top of my list!