How do I use plumber's tape on a pool float?
You can clean it with a wire brush.
The number of wraps depends on the thickness of the teflon tape but
should be between 3 and 6.  Apply it tightly in the direction of the threads so that when you tighten it, the tape is not pushed in the opposite direction.
As for aligning when screwing it in, it will depend on how much tape
you have on it and what type of threads these are. I would go finger
tight and then one complete turn and then continue until aligned. Take
is easy as you don't want to break anything.