Garden hoses may not be as expensive as other gardening tools but anything you spend your hard-earned money on should be a worthy investment. And when it comes to garden hoses, you have to pick out a good-quality hose reel since it is an important part of maintaining your home and garden.
Not all garden hoses are created equal. You will find that there are a lot of styles, colors, sizes, lengths, and materials to choose from. So how would you know if you are looking at a good-quality hose reel? Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Good-quality hose reel material
Out of all the materials for a garden hose, rubber is considered to be the best and most expensive. They are best for heavy-duty tasks and if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions.
But if you plan to use the garden hose commercially or there are a lot of sharp objects and rough terrains in your area, you should consider a reinforced material like a hose made out of several layers with a protective mesh covering. This will help protect the hose from punctures, snags, and breaks.
Antimicrobial properties
This is very important to consider if you plan to use the hose to fill a pool or bath your kids or pet outdoors. Antimicrobial protection will help prevent bacteria, mold, yeast, or bacteria to grow on the hose and the best brands can even make it safe enough for you to drink from the hose (although this is generally not advisable to do).
Match your hose to your strength
One of the things that most people do not consider is their strength capacity. They often do not realize how heavy some hoses can be and often end up struggling in their chores. Hoses made out of vinyl and plastic are lightweight and the easiest to handle. Meanwhile, hoses made out of rubber material are the heaviest.
Diameter matters
The diameter width of the hose is important. The diameter your hose has determines the water flow you get. So, the bigger the diameter, the more water the hose will be able to carry. Take note that the diameter measurements are based on the inside diameter – not the outside diameter.
Check the burst pressure
The strength of a garden hose is measured through the burst pressure. The burst pressure refers to the water pressure wherein the hose is most likely to rupture. For a sprinkler or hose nozzle, the right burst pressure should be above 350 psi. You will be needing more than that if you plan to use the hose as a pressure washer.
Longer is not better
A good-quality hose reel comes in different foot lengths. Most homeowners make the mistake of simply choosing the longest for all their watering needs. However, this is not a smart choice. Longer hoses cost more and often, they are harder to maneuver because they are heavier. Aside from that, it will take up more space and it will take longer to drain out the excess water. You also should know that the longer the hose, the lower the water pressure. It is best to measure the farthest distance in your area and get a hose length that goes just beyond that.