Swimline UFO Squirter Review (2025): Fun or Just a Flop?
Author Byline: By David Miller / Last updated on July 22, 2025
Introduction
That endless summer afternoon. The sun is high, the water is sparkling, and the only thing you hear is "I'm boooored." Every parent with a pool knows this moment. You're constantly on the hunt for that perfect pool toy—something that's more engaging than a simple noodle but won't break the bank or fall apart after one use.
Enter the Swimline UFO Squirter Swimming Pool Floating Game. With its eye-catching design and built-in water cannon, it promises epic backyard space battles. But does it deliver on that promise, or is it another piece of vinyl destined for the landfill by August?
After analyzing hundreds of user reviews and performance reports, I've put together the definitive guide. This isn't just a list of features; it's a deep dive into whether this 2-pack is the right investment for your family's summer fun.
Swimline UFO Squirter Review (2025): Fun or Just a Flop?
Is the Swimline UFO Squirter worth it? Our expert review dives into the durability, fun-factor, and hidden flaws of this 2-pack pool toy.
The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)
In a hurry? Here’s the critical intel:
- Who It's For: Parents of kids aged 5-10 who want an affordable, high-excitement toy for pool battles. It's perfect for siblings or having a friend over.
- Who Should Skip It: Anyone expecting a heavy-duty, multi-season float. If your kids are on the larger side or play extremely rough, you may want a more durable alternative.
Final Score: 7.5/10✨✨✨✨✨✨
It scores high on immediate fun and value, but loses points on long-term durability.
What Real Users Love (The Pros)
- The "Endless Ammo" Squirter: The built-in water gun draws water directly from the pool, meaning the action never has to stop for a refill.
- Why this matters to you: No more running to the hose or dealing with tiny water gun reservoirs. The fun is self-contained and continuous, which means less supervision and more independent play for them.
- Instant Fun with a 2-Pack: It comes with two UFOs, making it a "game-in-a-box" right out of the gate.
- Why this matters to you: It instantly solves the "who gets to play?" argument between siblings. It’s built for interaction, encouraging friendly competition instead of a fight over a single toy.
- Awesome Imaginative Theme: Kids absolutely love the UFO design. It's not just a float; it's a spaceship.
- Why this matters to you: This design sparks creative, story-driven play that goes beyond just splashing around. It turns your pool into a galaxy for them to explore and conquer.
Common Complaints & Potential Deal-Breakers (The Cons)
- Questionable Durability: This is the most common complaint. The vinyl is on the thinner side, and several users reported leaks or tears after a few weeks of use.
- Potential Impact: You should view this as a "one-season wonder." If you set the expectation that it might not make it to next summer, you'll be less disappointed. It's a fun rental, not a long-term investment.
- Tippy for Smaller Kids: The circular design can be challenging for younger children (under 5) to balance on, especially when they're actively trying to aim and squirt.
- Potential Impact: A younger child might get frustrated and give up, or they may need an adult's help to stay stable. It's best for kids who are confident swimmers and have decent coordination.
- Squirter Can Be Fickle: While the concept is great, some users experienced issues with the plastic squirter handle breaking or the nozzle getting clogged.
- Potential Impact: The main feature failing can be a major buzzkill. It's a simple plastic pump, so it's susceptible to breaking under the force of an over-enthusiastic kid.
Feature Deep Dive: The Squirter Mechanism
The star of the show is undeniably the "ray gun" squirter. How does it work? It's a simple piston pump. A tube runs from the bottom of the UFO into the pump housing. When a child pulls the handle, it creates a vacuum, siphoning pool water up into the chamber. Pushing the handle forces the water out through the nozzle.
The Brilliance: It’s a genius design for a pool toy. The unlimited ammo is a game-changer.
The Reality: Based on our analysis, the pump is the most likely point of failure. The plastic components can't withstand excessive force. The intake tube can also occasionally get blocked by a leaf or debris. Our advice: Coach your kids to use a smooth push-pull motion rather than yanking or slamming the handle. It’s a fun feature, but it needs to be treated with a bit of care.
Best Alternatives (The Competition)
- For a More Stable Squirter: The Intex Wave Rider Ride-On. This jet-ski style float also features a built-in squirt gun. Its primary advantage is stability; it's much easier for a child to sit on and stay balanced. If your main goal is a water fight and your kids get frustrated with tippy floats, this is a superior choice.
- For a Different Kind of Pool Game: The GoSports Splash Hoop 360. If you want to move away from one-on-one battles and toward a group activity, a floating basketball hoop is an excellent alternative. It encourages teamwork and a different set of skills. It's less about competition and more about collaborative fun for the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What age group is this best for?
Based on user feedback, the sweet spot is 5 to 10 years old. Younger kids may struggle with balance, and older/larger kids may find it too small. - Does it come with an air pump?
No, it does not. You will need your own electric pump or a good old-fashioned foot pump to inflate the two floats. - How powerful is the squirt gun?
It's surprisingly effective, capable of shooting a stream of water 10-15 feet. It's perfect for pool-sized battles—strong enough to be fun but not so powerful that it's going to hurt. - Can an adult use it?
No. This is strictly a child's toy. It is not designed to support the weight or size of an adult. - How hard is it to patch?
It's made of standard vinyl, so a standard vinyl patch kit will work just fine for minor leaks on the main body. A broken squirter, however, is generally not repairable.
Final Thoughts & Recommendation
The Swimline UFO Squirter is a classic example of a "high-fun, low-investment" summer toy. It's not built to last for generations, and it has its flaws. But for the price, the sheer amount of joy and imaginative play it delivers in a single season is hard to beat.
Our final verdict: If you're looking for an affordable way to create some truly memorable, laughter-filled afternoons in the pool for your kids this summer, this is a solid buy. Go into it with the expectation that you're buying a season's worth of fun, not a permanent fixture. For that purpose, it performs brilliantly.
Call to Action
Ready to launch your own backyard space battle? You can check the current price and grab your 2-Pack on Amazon through the link below:
Audience Growth & Engagement
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We hope this in-depth review helps you make a confident choice! To continue your research, check out some of our other popular guides:
- The 5 Best Pool Floats for Kids This Summer
- Our Ultimate Guide to Backyard Water Toys
- How to Patch a Pool Inflatable (And Save Your Summer)
Now we'd love to hear from you! Drop a comment below with your experience or any questions we didn't cover.
