How Do You Film in the Pool with Your Phone?

By Henrik Andersson, founder of Nordic Flash. Published November 12, 2026

Swimmer holding a phone in a waterproof case attached to a red Nordic Flash float

Put the phone in a waterproof case first. A water-resistant phone is not made for swimming: Apple tells iPhone owners to avoid swimming with the phone or putting it underwater on purpose. To keep a phone from sinking, seal it in a case, then attach a phone float or wear a camera float 1-pack, and think about light and angles.

Key takeaways

Water resistance is not a swim rating. Apple says to avoid swimming with an iPhone.
Use a waterproof case or pouch and test it empty first.
Add a float or camera float 1-pack; check the phone and case weight.
Dry the phone fully before charging if it gets wet.

How are you filming in the pool?

Choose oneA phone with no waterproof caseA phone in a waterproof caseAn action camera

Put the phone in a waterproof case first

A phone being marketed as waterproof is still easy to sink, and pool chemicals and depth can sit outside what the phone is rated for. Use a case with a lanyard loop, then attach a float.

Attach a float to the case loop

Thread the cord through the loop and weigh the phone in its case against 7 oz (200 g) per float. Test the empty case in shallow water before the phone goes in.

Camera float 1-pack

Treat it like any other day on the water

Check the door, attach a float, and stay within the camera's depth rating. Rinse it after, especially if the pool is treated.

How to keep a GoPro from sinking

A phone beside an empty waterproof case, before it goes in the pool.

By the numbers

Apple rates recent iPhones IP68, tested to a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes in controlled lab conditions (Apple (opens in a new tab)).
Apple says that resistance is not permanent and may decrease with normal wear, and that liquid damage is not covered under warranty (Apple (opens in a new tab)).
If an iPhone gets wet, Apple says to allow at least 5 hours before charging with a cable or connecting an accessory (Apple (opens in a new tab)).

Journalists and writers may use these figures with credit and a link back to this page. Questions: [email protected].

Isn't my phone already waterproof?

Water resistant, and only up to a point. Apple's IP68 rating comes from lab testing, and the same page lists things to avoid so the phone does not get liquid damage, including swimming or bathing with the iPhone and intentionally submerging it (Apple (opens in a new tab)). A pool day is exactly that, so the phone needs a case.

If your phone isn't an iPhone, check what your phone maker says before it goes near the pool.

What kind of case do you need?

A waterproof case or pouch made for your phone size, with a lanyard loop or hole so you can attach a float or strap. Check two things on the packaging or listing: the depth or rating the case maker states, and whether the case floats. If a case doesn't say it floats, plan as if it sinks. Our post on whether a waterproof phone case floats has a simple empty-case test.

Check	Why
Fits your phone model	The case maker lists which phones it fits
Maker's stated rating	Tells you what the case is designed for
Lanyard loop or hole	Lets you attach a float or strap
Empty test in a sink	Finds leaks before the phone is at risk
Clear window over the camera	The phone camera needs a clear view out

A phone in a case near the pool surface, attached to a float, with the sun above.

How do you attach a float?

A waterproof case is not always a floating case. Thread the float's cord through the case's lanyard loop or hole, make sure the case is sealed, and weigh the phone in its case against one float's rating, 7 oz (200 g). Our guide to whether a waterproof phone case floats covers the weight check and the 1-pack or 2-pack choice, and how to attach a float covers the cord.

A phone in a waterproof case just under the surface, clipped to a foam float.

How do you get better light and angles?

A few simple habits help:

Wipe the case window before each clip, inside and out, so drops and smudges don't blur the shot.
Shoot with the light behind you so the subject is lit, not the background.
Go low. Holding the phone at water level gives a half-in, half-out view of the pool.
Record a little longer than you think you need, and trim later.
Try the controls through the case before you get in, so you know you can start and stop recording.

What if the phone gets wet?

Follow your phone maker's steps. For iPhone, Apple says to wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth, tap it gently with the connector facing down, leave it to dry with some airflow, and not to use a heat source or put anything into the connector. Wait at least 5 hours before charging with a cable (Apple (opens in a new tab)).

Gear for this

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my iPhone in the pool without a case?

Apple says not to. Apple lists swimming with the iPhone and intentionally submerging it among the things to avoid, and liquid damage is not covered under warranty.

What does IP68 mean for a phone?

It is a lab-tested water and dust resistance rating. For recent iPhones, Apple says the test is a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.

Will a Nordic Flash float hold my phone?

It depends on the weight. Each float is made to float up to 7 oz (200 g), so weigh the phone in its case. Apple lists the iPhone 17 Pro Max at 233 g before a case.

Should I use a float or the camera float 1-pack in the pool?

Either works. Both are worn on the wrist with the phone attached: the 1-pack is one float on an adjustable strap for a waterproof pouch, and the 2-pack floats clip to a case with a lanyard loop. Weigh the phone in its case first.

How long should I wait to charge a wet iPhone?

At least 5 hours before charging with a cable, according to Apple. Dry it first and don't use a heat source.