Float Tank Health Department Regulations by State

Last updated: April 2026

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Quick Answer

Most float tank regulations are decided at the state or provincial level, not nationally, leading to varied rules across the US and Canada.
The Floatation Tank Association updated its North American Float Tank Standards to the 2025 version, providing best practices for quality and safety.
Health departments may classify float centers as pools, spas, tattoo parlors, or hair salons due to a lack of specific float tank codes.
The CDC's 2023 Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) includes recommendations for floatation tanks, emphasizing proper water treatment methods like ozone or UV.

Operating a float center involves navigating a complex landscape of health department regulations that vary significantly by location. There is no single national pool code in the United States or Canada; instead, most regulations are determined at the state or provincial level, with counties and cities often adding their own specific rules on top of those. This fragmented system means that how float tanks are regulated can differ hugely from one place to another. Many health departments do not yet have specific codes for float centers, which often results in float tanks being classified as pools, spas, tattoo parlors, or even hair salons. However, organizations like the Floatation Tank Association (FTA) are working to standardize best practices, with their Sanitation and Regulations Committee officially updating the North American Float Tank Standards to the 2025 version to ensure quality, sanitation, and safety in operations.

What are the Current Float Tank Standards?

Current float tank standards are primarily driven by industry organizations and public health bodies that aim to establish best practices for safety and sanitation. The Floatation Tank Association (FTA) is a key player in this effort, providing comprehensive guidelines for operators. Our industry relies on these standards to ensure a safe and clean environment for floaters.

The Role of the Floatation Tank Association

The Floatation Tank Association (FTA) leads the way in developing and promoting industry standards for float tanks. Their Sanitation and Regulations Committee consistently works to update and refine these guidelines. We rely on their expertise to guide our operations and maintain high levels of safety. The North American Float Tank Standards were officially updated to the 2025 version, providing a crucial framework for best practices in quality, sanitation, and safety when operating float tanks. This document serves as a baseline for float centers, helping them meet or exceed recommended operational guidelines. The FTA emphasizes these recommendations are based on current evidence for float tanks, combined with decades of operational experience dating back to the invention of the commercial float tank in the 1970s. These standards are supported by an appendix that explains the research and reasoning behind the recommendations, along with supporting documentation. The FTA, a Health, Wellness & Fitness organization based in Richmond, Virginia, actively works to support the float community. Their efforts help to ensure that float centers can provide a consistent and safe experience for their clients. We find their resources to be invaluable for staying informed about the latest developments in the industry.

NSF International and Recreational Water Standards

Beyond the FTA, other organizations contribute to the broader regulatory landscape for recreational waters, which sometimes includes float tanks. NSF International is one such organization that creates product safety standards and certifications. They include standard language for float tanks within their NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 Standard for recreational water facilities. This standard is important because it provides a recognized framework that can be adopted by health departments and used by manufacturers to ensure equipment meets specific safety and performance criteria. When we consider new equipment or design changes, we often refer to these broader recreational water standards to ensure compliance. The inclusion of float tank language within such a widely accepted standard helps to legitimize float therapy as a recognized form of aquatic recreation, even with its unique characteristics.

The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also plays a significant role in guiding public health recommendations for aquatic facilities, including float tanks. The MAHC aims to continue developing a suggested code for health departments to use when regulating pools, and this code includes regulations for floatation tanks. The CDC's 2023 Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) contains information and recommendations for floatation tanks, offering a valuable resource for local and state health departments. This guide combines information from the CDC's MAHC and website to highlight key aspects of float tank operation and maintenance. It provides a reference for local, state, tribal, and territorial health departments, as well as floatation tank/spa operators, to understand CDC's recommendations. The MAHC's guidance is particularly important because it comes from a leading public health authority, lending credibility and scientific backing to the recommended practices. We look to the MAHC for authoritative guidance on how to safely manage floatation tanks, especially concerning water quality and disinfection. It emphasizes that floatation tanks should use water from a potable source. This ensures that the initial water introduced into the tanks is safe and free from contaminants, setting a foundational level of safety before any treatment processes begin. The MAHC also addresses the risks associated with improper maintenance, stating that pathogens can survive in untreated water, increasing the risk of disease transmission. This highlights the critical need for effective disinfection strategies.

How Do Health Departments Regulate Float Tanks?

Health departments regulate float tanks through a fragmented system, largely because there is no single, overarching national code specifically for these unique facilities. This means that the approach to regulation can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another, creating a complex environment for operators. We often find ourselves navigating these diverse rules, which can sometimes be a challenge.

The Absence of a National Code

One of the most crucial aspects of float tank regulation in the United States and Canada is the absence of a large, sweeping national pool code. Almost all pool rules and regulations are decided at a state or provincial level. This means that every state or province has its own unique set of regulations, leading to considerable variation. While there might be similarities between different codes, key differences can exist, even in fundamental areas like ideal pH levels. This lack of a national standard contributes to the varied classifications and requirements float centers face. The specifics of getting float tanks approved can vary hugely from place to place due to this fractured system. This situation often places a significant burden on new float center operators, who must research and understand their specific local requirements from the ground up. We know from experience that what works in one state might not be acceptable in a neighboring county, necessitating careful planning and communication with local authorities. This decentralized approach requires operators to be proactive in their regulatory research.

State, County, and City Layering of Regulations

Adding to the complexity, counties and cities can enforce their own additional pool rules on top of what the state or provincial rules are. This layering of regulations means that float center operators must check not only state-level guidelines but also specific county and city ordinances. The result is a highly fractured system where the specifics of getting float tanks approved can vary hugely from place to place. For example, a state might have general guidelines for aquatic facilities, but a city within that state could have specific zoning requirements or water treatment mandates that apply to float centers. This means that even if a state doesn't have explicit float tank regulations, a local health department might still apply existing pool or spa codes, sometimes with modifications. This is why we always recommend operators visit their city, county, or state's health department website as the most effective way to find the regulations that apply to their center. This thorough approach helps to ensure that all levels of government are satisfied with the operational plan.

Varied Classifications for Float Centers

Because almost none of these existing pool rules have anything specific to say about float tanks, how float tanks should be regulated often becomes a matter of the personal opinion of your local health department official. This subjectivity can lead to float centers being classified in unexpected ways. A float center may be classified as a pool or spa, a tattoo parlor, or even a hair salon. This misclassification can create significant hurdles, as regulations designed for one type of business may not be appropriate or practical for a float tank operation. For instance, being classified as a "pool" might lead to requirements like having a lifeguard on duty or "No Diving" signs, which are clearly nonsensical for a float tank environment. The challenge for operators is to educate health officials on the unique nature of float tanks and advocate for appropriate, sensible regulations. We have found that building a good relationship with local health department agencies and providing them with resources like the North American Float Tank Standards can help clarify the distinct operational needs of float centers.

Health Department Approaches to Float Tank Regulation

Generally, health departments can take three different directions when regulating float tanks. The most common approach is to regulate a float tank like a pool, but with exceptions. In this scenario, the health department defines float tanks as pools or spas and requires them to follow the general pool/spa codes. However, health officials often realize that following all pool codes would lead to ridiculous rules, such as requiring a "No Diving" sign in front of each tank or a lifeguard on duty. Even less obviously absurd rules, like "continuous filtration," which requires a pump to run all the time, can be at odds with running a float tank. The high salinity of float tanks means that water treatment and filtration systems operate differently than those for traditional pools. This necessitates a nuanced approach from health departments, allowing for deviations from standard pool rules where they do not make sense for float tanks. We often work to explain these differences to local officials, highlighting how the unique environment of a float tank requires tailored regulations. This collaborative approach helps to bridge the gap between existing codes and the specific needs of our industry. For more details, see Floatation Tank Association Standards & Regulations.

Why Are Float Tanks Often Misclassified as Pools or Spas?

Float tanks are often misclassified as pools or spas because, in many jurisdictions, specific regulatory frameworks for these unique wellness devices simply do not exist. This lack of tailored guidelines forces health departments to categorize float tanks under existing recreational water facility codes, even when those codes are ill-suited to the nature of floating. We see this challenge regularly in our work.

The Default to Existing Aquatic Codes

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. This is a default response when health departments encounter a novel type of facility that involves water and public use. Without specific guidelines, regulators naturally turn to the closest existing framework they have, which is typically for pools or spas. This tendency to categorize float tanks with traditional aquatic facilities overlooks their fundamental differences. For instance, a float tank contains a saturated solution of magnesium sulfate, which has a specific gravity of 1.23 to 1.3, making it vastly different from the water in a swimming pool. The high salinity and density of the water in a float tank impact everything from water chemistry to disinfection methods, making direct application of pool rules problematic.

Ignoring the Unique Nature of Floating

The misclassification of float tanks as pools or spas ignores the unique nature of floating. Float tanks are designed to provide a light and sound-reduced environment, with a water temperature of approximately 92–96°F / 33.3–35.6°C. This environment is distinct from a swimming pool, which is typically much larger, cooler, and used for active recreation. 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. For example, pool regulations often focus on preventing drowning, requiring lifeguards, or specific depths, none of which are relevant to a float tank where individuals float effortlessly in shallow water. The North American Float Tank Standard, written in February 2017, explicitly highlights this issue. It states, "Doing so ignores the unique nature of floating, leaving out inherent characteristics important to float tank safety and enforces others that make no sense for the small, saline environment." This statement underscores the industry's recognition of the challenges posed by misclassification.

Illogical Requirements and Operator Burdens

Applying pool codes to float tanks can lead to some pretty ridiculous rules. For instance, a health department might require "No Diving" signs to be posted in front of each tank, or even mandate a lifeguard on duty, which is completely unnecessary given the design and use of a float tank. Another common pool regulation, "continuous filtration," which requires pumps to run all the time, can also be at odds with running a float tank. While filtration is crucial, the specific needs of a float tank's high-salinity environment might require different filtration cycles or technologies compared to a freshwater pool. These kinds of requirements place an unfair and unnecessary burden on float tank operators, forcing them to implement costly changes or procedures that do not enhance safety in their specific context. We have seen operators struggle with these kinds of demands, which divert resources from genuinely important sanitation and safety measures.

The Need for Tailored Standards

The industry continues to advocate for tailored standards that recognize the distinct operational requirements of float tanks. The Floatation Tank Association's Sanitation and Regulations Committee has officially updated the North American Float Tank Standards to the 2025 version, providing best practices specifically designed for float tank operations. These standards are built upon decades of operational experience, dating back to the invention of the commercial float tank in the 1970s. They provide a robust, evidence-based framework that health departments can adopt or adapt. As an industry, we believe that when health departments use these specific float tank standards, it allows operators to focus their resources on measures that genuinely improve floater safety and water quality, rather than complying with irrelevant pool rules. This shift towards specialized regulation is crucial for the growth and safe operation of the float therapy industry.

What Are the CDC's Recommendations for Float Tank Safety?

The CDC provides important recommendations for float tank safety through its Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), focusing on proper operation, maintenance, and water treatment to prevent the spread of pathogens. These guidelines are crucial for ensuring a safe floating experience for everyone. We carefully follow these recommendations to maintain the highest standards in our centers.

Defining Float Tanks and Their Risks

The CDC's 2023 Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) offers a clear definition of floatation tanks, which can also be referred to as float tanks, float rooms, pods, spas, chambers, isolation tanks, or sensory deprivation tanks. It describes them as tubs containing a saturated solution of magnesium sulfate with a specific gravity of 1.23 to 1.3. The environment within these tanks is light and sound-reduced, with a temperature of approximately 92–96°F / 33.3–35.6°C. People use them as a form of relaxation therapy, floating in an environment with reduced external stimulation like sound, touch, and light.

Despite the benefits, there are risks if floatation tanks are not maintained properly. When the water solution used in floatation tanks is not properly treated, pathogens can survive, allowing for an increased risk of disease transmission. This risk is a primary concern for the CDC, as it directly impacts public health. The high concentration of Epsom salt in float tanks creates a unique environment, but it does not eliminate the need for rigorous disinfection. We understand that even in a saline solution, microbial growth can occur if proper protocols are not followed. This is why strict adherence to water quality standards is paramount for every float center.

Water Treatment and Disinfection Methods

The CDC emphasizes the importance of effective disinfection methods for float tanks. Since floatation tank systems rarely use chemicals like chlorine to treat the water, other effective disinfection methods, like ozone or ultraviolet (UV) treatment, need to be incorporated to reduce the likelihood of pathogen transmission. Chlorine, while effective in traditional pools, can be less stable and more corrosive in the highly saline environment of a float tank, and its odor can detract from the sensory deprivation experience. Therefore, alternative disinfection technologies are preferred and recommended. Ozone and UV systems are highly effective at inactivating a wide range of pathogens without leaving chemical residues or altering the water's sensory properties. We use these advanced systems to ensure our water is consistently clean and safe. For more details, see Float Tank Solutions Health Department Approval Guide.

The MAHC also recommends that water used by floatation tank facilities should be from a potable source. This foundational requirement ensures that the water entering the tank is already safe for human contact before any treatment begins. It prevents the introduction of contaminants from the outset, making the subsequent disinfection processes more effective. We ensure our water supply meets potable standards as a first step in our comprehensive sanitation protocol. This initial check is critical for maintaining overall water quality. We also focus on the basics of float tank sanitation, which involves not just disinfection but also regular testing and maintenance of the saltwater. Regular testing helps us monitor parameters like pH and specific gravity, ensuring the solution remains balanced and effective for both floating and disinfection. This multi-faceted approach to water management is essential for mitigating risks and providing a consistently safe environment.

Operational and Maintenance Guidelines

The CDC's quick guide for health departments and operators on safely managing floatation tanks serves as a valuable reference. It combines information from the CDC’s 2023 MAHC and its website to highlight key operational and maintenance practices. The guide aims to help local, state, tribal, and territorial health departments, as well as floatation tank/spa operators, understand the CDC’s recommendations. It covers essential aspects of float tank management, including water quality monitoring, filtration, and disinfection. The document highlights that floatation refers to a meditative activity where users float in a high-density Epsom salt solution in a dark, quiet environment. Because float tanks are distinct from swimming pools and other recreational water, questions have been raised regarding the need for and efficacy of various disinfection methods. The CDC's guidance helps to answer these questions by providing evidence-based recommendations. We refer to this quick guide often to ensure our operational procedures align with the latest public health advice. This commitment to best practices helps us ensure the health and safety of our customers, which is our top priority.

Which States Have Specific Float Tank Regulations?

While many states lack specific, standalone float tank regulations, some jurisdictions have begun to implement tailored codes, while others still rely on broader aquatic facility guidelines or county-level rules. This creates a patchwork of regulations across the country, requiring operators to research their specific local context.

States with Established Regulations

Some states have taken steps to establish specific health department regulations or codes for float centers. We have observed that states like Connecticut, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and Wisconsin are listed as having specific guidelines. These states often provide more clarity for float center operators, as they offer dedicated frameworks rather than forcing float tanks into existing pool or spa categories. For example, in these states, an operator might find explicit requirements regarding water quality testing, filtration systems, and facility design that are tailored to the unique environment of a float tank. This makes the approval process more predictable and allows operators to plan their facilities and procedures more effectively from the outset. We always advise new operators to check with their state health department first, especially if they are in one of these states, to understand the specific requirements that apply to them.

States with Local or County-Level Regulations

Many other states do not have statewide regulations for float tanks, which means operators must look for county-level rules. States like Arkansas, Colorado, and Louisiana are noted as having no known statewide regulations, requiring operators to investigate local ordinances. For instance, in Arkansas, operators would need to consult their county health department, such as Cobb and Douglas in Georgia, which might have local codes. Similarly, in Louisiana, while there are no known statewide rules, a city like Lafayette might have specific codes that apply to float centers. California is another example where multiple local and county regulations exist, making it essential for operators to call their local department of health for information. This decentralized approach means that even within the same state, regulations can differ significantly from one county or city to another. Operators must be prepared to conduct thorough research at the local level to ensure compliance. This often involves direct communication with local health officials, which can be time-consuming but is crucial for successful approval.

States with Less Readily Available Information

There are also states where specific float tank codes are not readily available or easily found online. For example, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Nebraska, North Carolina, and New York are listed as having state codes, but these may not be simple to access or interpret without direct contact with the health department. Rhode Island is another state with no statewide regulations, similar to Arkansas. This lack of readily accessible information can be a challenge for operators trying to understand their obligations. It often requires proactive engagement with state and local health departments, initiating conversations to clarify how float tanks are classified and what regulations apply. We encourage operators in these states to be persistent in their inquiries, as clear communication with regulatory bodies is key to navigating ambiguous situations. The Floatation Tank Association actively tries to keep track of these varied regulations and encourages operators to help them keep this information up-to-date by sending any updated codes they find. This collaborative effort helps the entire industry stay informed.

The Impact of Varied Regulations

The wide variation in float tank regulations across states and localities highlights the need for consistent, industry-specific guidelines. The Floatation Tank Association (FTA) works to address this by developing and promoting the North American Float Tank Standards, which were officially updated to the 2025 version. These standards provide a baseline of best practices for quality, sanitation, and safety, which can serve as a valuable resource for both operators and health departments in jurisdictions without specific float tank codes. While the MAHC aims to develop a suggested code for health departments to use when regulating pools, including floatation tanks, its adoption and implementation vary by jurisdiction. This means that even with federal guidance, local interpretation remains a critical factor. Our experience shows that proactive engagement with local health officials, coupled with adherence to industry best practices, is the most effective way to secure approval and maintain compliance, regardless of the specific state a float center operates in.

What Should Operators Do When Health Departments Lack Specific Codes?

When health departments lack specific codes for float tanks, operators must take proactive and educational approaches to navigate the regulatory landscape. This often involves direct communication, adherence to industry best practices, and a willingness to educate local officials on the unique nature of float therapy. We advise our members to be prepared for these conversations.

Research Local Regulations Thoroughly

The most effective way to find the regulations that apply to your center is to visit your city, county, or state's health department website. This is the first and most critical step for any float center operator. Even if specific float tank codes are absent, there might be general aquatic facility rules, public health ordinances, or business licensing requirements that still apply. Operators should look for codes related to pools, spas, personal services, or even tattoo parlors, as float centers have been classified under these categories in the past. This initial research helps operators understand the existing framework and identify potential areas of concern or opportunity for discussion with health officials. We often find that a well-researched operator is better equipped to engage in productive conversations with regulators, demonstrating a commitment to safety and compliance from the start. For more details, see NACCHO Quick Guide for Health Departments and Operators.

Educate Health Officials on Float Tank Uniqueness

If specific float tank codes are absent, health departments may regulate tanks like pools, but operators should be prepared to advocate for exceptions to specific rules that don't make sense for float tanks. This involves educating health department officials about the unique characteristics of float tanks, such as their high salinity, low water volume, reduced external stimulation, and specific temperature range (approximately 92–96°F / 33.3–35.6°C). We emphasize that float tanks are distinct from swimming pools and other recreational water facilities. The North American Float Tank Standard, written in February 2017, explicitly states that 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. Presenting health officials with resources like the Floatation Tank Association's 2025 North American Float Tank Standards can be incredibly helpful. These standards provide a robust, evidence-based framework tailored specifically to float tanks, explaining the research and reasoning behind best practices for sanitation and safety.

Addressing Common Pool Regulations

Common pool regulations can often be at odds with operating a float tank. For instance, the requirement for "continuous filtration" might need to be adapted for a float tank, where filtration cycles might be optimized for turnover rates and disinfection effectiveness between float sessions rather than constant operation. Similarly, "No Diving" signs or the presence of a lifeguard, while standard for pools, are irrelevant and illogical for float tanks. Operators should be prepared to explain why these specific pool rules do not apply to their unique environment. They can highlight how the high concentration of Epsom salt (specific gravity of 1.23 to 1.3) inherently supports buoyancy, eliminating the risk of drowning in the same way a pool might. Moreover, the focus on individual, private sessions in a sensory-reduced environment makes the concept of a "lifeguard" redundant. We have found that providing clear, reasoned explanations, backed by industry standards and CDC recommendations, can help health officials understand the necessity of these exceptions.

Leveraging Industry Resources and Collaboration

The Floatation Tank Association (FTA) is a vital resource for operators navigating these regulatory challenges. Their Sanitation and Regulations Committee has officially updated the North American Float Tank Standards to the 2025 version, which provides comprehensive best practices. The FTA also encourages operators to share any updated codes they find to help keep their resources current, fostering a collaborative approach to regulatory transparency. We believe that by working together, operators can collectively improve the regulatory landscape for the entire industry. Engaging with other float center owners, attending industry conferences like the Float Conference, and utilizing resources from organizations like the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and Float Tank Solutions can provide valuable insights and support. NACCHO's quick guide, "Safely Managing Floatation Tanks," is designed for both health departments and operators, combining information from the CDC's 2023 MAHC to highlight key recommendations. This collaborative approach helps operators build a strong case for appropriate and sensible regulations for float tanks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a national standard for float tank regulations?

No, there is no large, sweeping national pool code in the United States or Canada that specifically covers float tanks. Most regulations are decided at the state or provincial level, and counties and cities can add their own rules on top of these. This leads to a fractured system where regulations vary significantly from place to place.

What is the Floatation Tank Association's role in setting standards?

The Floatation Tank Association (FTA) plays a key role in developing industry standards. Their Sanitation and Regulations Committee officially updated the North American Float Tank Standards to the 2025 version, providing best practices for quality, sanitation, and safety in float tank operations. These standards are based on decades of operational experience, dating back to the invention of commercial float tanks in the 1970s.

How does the CDC contribute to float tank safety guidelines?

The CDC contributes to float tank safety through its 2023 Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), which includes recommendations for operation and maintenance of floatation tanks. The MAHC defines float tanks as tubs with a saturated magnesium sulfate solution (specific gravity of 1.23 to 1.3) and temperatures around 92–96°F / 33.3–35.6°C, emphasizing the need for effective disinfection methods like ozone or UV treatment.

What are common issues when health departments regulate float tanks like pools?

When health departments regulate float tanks like pools, they often ignore the unique nature of float tanks, leading to illogical rules. These can include requirements for "No Diving" signs, lifeguards on duty, or continuous filtration, which are not suitable for the small, high-salinity environment of a float tank. The North American Float Tank Standard, written in February 2017, highlights that this can create unfair burdens on operators.

What disinfection methods are recommended for float tank water?

Since float tanks rarely use chlorine for water treatment, the CDC recommends other effective disinfection methods to reduce pathogen transmission. These include ozone or ultraviolet (UV) treatment. The water used by floatation tank facilities should also be from a potable source to ensure initial safety.