Who Should Not Do Salt Therapy? Contraindications for Epsom Salt Float Tanks (salt 360 Policy)
Salt float therapy (also called floatation therapy or sensory reduction) is designed to feel effortless: you lie back in a private Float Lab tank room, supported by a high concentration of Epsom salt, in water warmed close to skin temperature. salt 360 float studio’s Float Lab tanks are 6 feet wide x 8 feet long x 7 feet high with a large door for easy entry and exit, and our water is treated between each guest using filtration plus UV and ozone. (salt 360)
Even with a very safe setup, there are times when the best float is the one you postpone.
Below is salt 360 float studio’s practical, operational “who should not float today” policy, plus the “pause and check first” situations we see most often.
At a glance: hard no vs pause and consult
Hard contraindications (do not float today, reschedule)
These are about preventing infection risk, protecting broken skin, and keeping you safe in a private water environment.
Relative contraindications (pause, modify, or get medical clearance first)
These are usually fine with the right timing and precautions, but they deserve a clinician’s input or extra planning.
Comfort issues (safe, but might be unpleasant)
These are not dangerous, but they can ruin your session if you are not prepared.
Hard contraindications: who should not do salt float therapy today
1) Anyone with an open wound, recent surgical incision, or new piercing that is not fully closed
Even a small open area can sting badly in Epsom salt, and broken skin raises contamination risk. Public health guidance for recreational water also recommends staying out of the water with open cuts or wounds, especially those related to surgery or piercings. (CDC)
salt 360 in practice: Post-surgery clients are common for us, but timing matters. If the incision is still open, we reschedule. If it is fully closed and your care team is comfortable with bathing, we can usually float safely.
2) Anyone currently sick with diarrhea (or very recent vomiting)
This is a clear “no float today.” Diarrheal illness is a major way recreational water becomes contaminated. CDC guidance is direct: stay out of the water if you are sick with diarrhea, and if you have been diagnosed with Cryptosporidium, do not return until two weeks after symptoms fully stop. (CDC)
3) Active contagious infection, fever, or uncontrolled “weeping” skin conditions
If you are actively ill, your body needs recovery, and you risk sharing germs. Reschedule.
4) Uncontrolled incontinence
Float rooms are private, but sanitation standards matter. If continence cannot be reliably managed, do not float.
5) Intoxication or impairment (alcohol, recreational drugs, or overly sedating substances)
A float tank is a relaxed environment, but it is still a water environment. If you cannot reliably follow safety instructions, do not float that day.
6) Fresh hair dye or henna
This is both a safety and maintenance issue. Our policy is: do not color your hair for at least 72 hours before floating, and wait longer if you still see color rinsing out at home. (salt 360)
Also: no henna until you are well past any stage of visible rinsing or transfer.
Relative contraindications: people who should pause, plan, or consult first
1) Pregnancy (especially first trimester)
Many pregnant clients love floating because it reduces the feeling of gravity and joint loading. Our own FAQ-style guidance is: pregnancy is generally fine, but consult your physician, particularly in the first trimester. (salt 360)
Important nuance: float tanks are typically set near skin temperature, not “hot tub hot,” but pregnancy safety guidance around overheating exists for a reason. If you are pregnant and prone to overheating, dizziness, or low blood pressure, get medical input and keep sessions conservative. (Kaiser Permanente)
2) Diabetes, neuropathy, poor circulation, or any hard-to-feel skin injury
A common diabetes foot-care recommendation is do not soak, because it can damage skin and increase cracking risk.
A float is not identical to a “foot soak,” but it is prolonged water exposure. If you have neuropathy, ulcers, diminished sensation, or slow-healing skin, we recommend medical clearance first, and we will err on the side of rescheduling if you have any breaks in the skin.
3) Weakened immune system (chemotherapy, transplant meds, advanced immune suppression, etc.)
CDC notes that people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for swimming-related illness and should consult a healthcare provider before recreational water exposure. (CDC)
Float tanks are highly maintained, but the right decision is individualized. If your clinician says “avoid shared water environments,” do not float.
4) Seizure disorders, especially if not well-controlled
Because float sessions are private and you are in water, seizure risk deserves special seriousness. Epilepsy safety resources consistently treat bathing as a higher-risk activity for people with uncontrolled seizures and recommend safer approaches and supervision planning. (Epilepsy Foundation)
Our policy: if you have epilepsy or a seizure condition, consult your physician before scheduling and be honest about seizure control status. (salt 360)
5) Medications or conditions that increase dizziness, fainting, or confusion
If you are prone to orthostatic hypotension, fainting, or medication-related dizziness, you may still be able to float, but you should plan for a slow exit and consider a shorter first session. (We see occasional dizziness on standing, and it is usually manageable with slower transitions.)
Not a deal breaker, but prepare: common comfort issues we see
Contact lenses
Not a deal breaker, but removing them reduces the risk of irritation if any saltwater contacts your eyes.
Hemorrhoids or small sensitive skin areas
Epsom salt can sting. We strongly recommend using a protective barrier (petroleum jelly) on sensitive spots.
Mini case study (anonymized): A guest forgot to apply petroleum jelly before floating and experienced intense stinging that ended the session early. On their return, they used a barrier first and had a comfortable float.
Ear irritation
Earplugs are provided to reduce salt entering the ear canal. Improper placement is a common cause of irritation. (salt 360)
Mini case study (anonymized): A first-timer placed earplugs shallowly, got saltwater in the canal, and felt irritation afterward. With corrected earplug technique on the next visit, the issue resolved.
Nausea
We see occasional nausea, usually tied to heavy meals, dehydration, or sensitivity to the “stillness” of the first float.
salt 360 prep guideline: avoid a heavy meal, but do not arrive hungry, and consider limiting caffeine before floating. (salt 360)
Mild claustrophobia
Most “self-diagnosed claustrophobia” is not a problem. You are in control the entire time, and you can exit whenever you want. (salt 360)
We also offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee if you choose to end early.
Mini case study (anonymized): A guest arrived worried about enclosed spaces. We coached them to start with the door cracked and lights on, then adjust gradually. They finished the session feeling confident and relaxed.
“self-screen” checklist (use this before you book)
If you answer yes to any of the first group, do not float today.
Reschedule your float if you have:
Diarrhea today or recently (especially diagnosed Crypto) (CDC)
Any open cut or wound, recent incision, or new piercing not fully closed (CDC)
Active contagious infection or fever
Uncontrolled incontinence
Intoxication or impairment
Hair dyed within 72 hours (or color still rinsing out) (salt 360)
Henna that may still transfer or rinse
Pause and consult first if you have:
Pregnancy, especially first trimester (salt 360)
Diabetes with neuropathy, ulcers, slow healing, or reduced sensation
A weakened immune system (CDC)
A seizure disorder (particularly if not fully controlled) (Epilepsy Foundation)
Medications that cause significant dizziness or sedation
If you cannot float right now: alternatives we recommend
If floating is temporarily off the table (open wound, early post-op incision, active illness), you still have options:
Infrared sauna (at salt 360) as a non-water alternative for relaxation and recovery. (salt 360)
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (elsewhere) can be worth discussing with your clinician for certain healing goals or Mountain Hyperbarics.
Next steps: learn what to expect, then book when you are cleared
For first-timers, our studio resources walk you through preparation, showering, earplugs, and what to do if you feel unsure mid-float. (salt 360)
When you are ready, booking happens through our online scheduler. (salt 360)
References (external safety sources)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Preventing swimming-related illnesses (Healthy Swimming). (CDC)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Preventing diarrheal illnesses (Healthy Swimming). (CDC)
Kaiser Permanente. (2025). Pregnancy: Hot tub and sauna use. (Kaiser Permanente)
East Midlands Diabetic Foot Group, NHS England. (2016). High risk diabetes foot care information and advice leaflet (patient handout).
Epilepsy Foundation. (n.d.). Safety at home with seizures: Bathroom safety. (Epilepsy Foundation)
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. (2007). Seizure alert: Seizures and bathing (caregiver alert).
