Pool floats

Is it against Florida laws to use a float device in the pool? What specifically is allowed in pools? I get that using plastic and large floats could present problems. So what is the rule for pool noodles and floating pool noodle type chair floats?

Google "Pool Safety" or go to your local health department website. They have to do the inspections to your pool in most areas.

The dangers of large floats is that someone can get under one and drown. No one can see them under them. So a pool noodle may not be as much as an issue like a "Giant Shark" blow up. Some pools don't want them because of the lack of sight. Other pools may not like them because may not be able to rescue someone with that life preserver ring. Your HOA may or may not have a life guard on duty.

My own experience we have a large "wave pool" in a city. They allow the use of floats. Have found myself stuck under a few of them when the waves hit. Easily have gone under a few times being hit by them. Life Guards have a hard time seeing swimmers in trouble.

In Florida, community association pools are considered "public pools" and are governed by Chapter 64E-9 of the Florida Administrative Code. The law requires that certain rules must be posted (hours of operation and bathing-load limits among them), but floats, rafts, toys and other floatation devices are not regulated unless they are somehow tethered to the pool.

As a former aquatics facility director and licensed pool operator, I very much prefer that floatation devices are banned. Water wings and ring floaties give parents a false sense of security because children do slip out of them. I haven't lifeguarded in years but 2 summers ago I watched a parent put a toddler in a puddlejumper in the 4 feet section and leave to go to the bathroom. I watched that kid like a hawk. Allowing floatation devices increases insurance liability and risk. Not worth it imo. People, contrary to stereotype, drown quietly. I've rescued drowning children to the utter surprise of adults standing right next to them. No floaties.

As for pool noodles, I hate them. As they deteriorate, and they do, the noodle sheds small particles of foam...kind of like someone used a cheese grater on it. It leaves small plastic particles floating in the water which then get sucked up into the skimmer. It can be tough sometimes to backwash them out of the filter and where does the waste water go? The local sewer system.