County health staff say commercial float tanks meet pool code; manufacturer disputes some code applications

Alameda County environmental health officials told the County Board's Transportation and Planning Committee on July 24 that commercial “float” tanks used for sensory‑deprivation therapy should be treated as public pools under California law and be subject to plan review, permitting and inspection.

Ronald Browder of the Department of Environmental Health reviewed state building and pool codes, saying float tanks have the same basic components as pools and spas—pumps, filters, recirculation and disinfection systems—and therefore must meet the same construction and operational standards. Browder said staff will require a full set of facility plans (including showers, floor finishes and piping) and an operational plan before issuing permits and that inspectors will verify recirculation, sanitizer residuals and pH during inspections.

Browder flagged public‑health risks where fill‑and‑drain equipment or noncommercial components are used. He cited possible transmission of waterborne pathogens such as Pseudomonas, Legionella and Mycobacterium where high saline or elevated temperatures deplete disinfectant residuals and where nonapproved piping and fittings can form biofilms.

In public comment James Ramsey, a manufacturer who identified himself as a leading builder of commercial float tanks, said his company has installed many units in California and internationally and that some federal and national safety groups have concluded float tanks are not equivalent to spas for certain rules. Ramsey said float tanks use high concentrations of Epsom salts and sealed magnetic‑drive pumps, which in his view require alternative approvals rather than applying every pool‑code requirement verbatim.

Committee members asked whether the county or the state had separately adopted float‑tank rules; staff said there are no separate Alameda County regulations specifically for float tanks and that existing pool and spa codes and state guidance currently govern. Browder and committee members said the practical next step is for operators to submit full plans and pay plan‑check fees so staff can evaluate alternative methods and equipment on a case‑by‑case basis.

The presentation was informational; staff said compliant plans should enable building permits to proceed without returning to the board unless outstanding policy issues remain. The county said it will notify manufacturers and operators that they should consult environmental health before installing commercial units.

What happens next: Environmental Health will accept plan submittals and pursue plan checks and inspections; the committee urged staff to work with applicants to identify acceptable alternative equipment and approved test certifications where possible.