A clean garden is nice. The garden hose left in the yard can quickly turn your oasis into an eyesore. Kinks and tangles and hose trips are also unpleasant. Fortunately, retractable hose reels keep your hose neat, organised, and easy to use.
This guide discusses best retractable hose reel benefits and how to choose and use them. Unroll the hose and start rolling!
Why Retractable Hose Reels Matter
Retractable hose reels, also called self-winding or automatic reels, revolutionise hose management. They offer these benefits:
A retractable reel eliminates tripping hazards by neatly rolling up excess hose instead of letting it snake across your yard. This prevents tripping and cleans the garden.
• Achieve convenience with retractable reels that automatically retract the hose with a tug. No more hand-coiling the hose.
• Organization – The reel keeps the hose in place instead of moving it around. Always know where to find it.
• Protect hose from damage by coiling it on a reel to avoid knocking, driving over, or cracking in cold weather. This prolongs life.
• Compact and easy storage – Retractable reels can be mounted on walls or posts. No more massive hose piles to dig.
• Wheeled garden hose reels allow for easy movement around the yard. • Kid-friendly – They enjoy pulling the hose out and pressing the button for automatic rewind. Gets them excited about garden watering.
For easy hose management, retractable hose reels are great. Spend time enjoying your garden instead of fighting a tangled hose.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Hose Reel
With so many models on the market, it helps to know what features to look for in a retractable hose reel. Important factors to consider include:
Hose capacity – Consider the length of your hose and look for a reel that can hold it without issue. Measure how much hose you actually need. Available reel capacities range from 50 to 300 feet.
Mounting type – Retractable reels come in wall-mounted, post-mounted, and portable wheeled versions. Choose the style that fits your space best.
Durability – Look for solid brass/stainless steel fixtures and a durable plastic or metal casing. Check reviews to ensure the reel will last.
Ease of use – Make sure the reel retracts smoothly and doesn’t get stuck or tangled. Automatic rewind is very convenient.
Appearance – Pick a reel style and color that matches your outdoor aesthetic. Some have decorative covers too.
Price – Retractable hose reels range from $50 on the low end to $200+ for heavy-duty models. Set a budget and stick to it.
Prioritize the factors most important for your needs. Paying a bit more for better quality often pays off down the road.
Tips for Using Your Retractable Hose Reel
Once you are done with installing your shiny new retractable hose reel, you need to be a bit careful and use it properly and smoothly. Here are some top tips:
Allow full extension – When using out the hose, let it extend to its full length before turning on the water. This prevents damage.
Don’t over-retract – Most reels does have a stop mechanism. Do not try to override this by forcibly cranking the hose past its natural stopping point.
Keep it clean – Use a damp cloth to wipe dirt and debris off the reel periodically to prevent jams. Coil the hose loosely to allow it to dry between uses.
Disconnect in winter – In cold climates, disconnect the hose in winter to avoid damaging the gaskets. Store the hose indoors if possible.
Check out for leaks – Have a quick visual inspection for cracks and leaks each season. Catching problems early allows for easy replacement parts.
Lubricate – Use silicone spray lubricant on the hose guide and gears once a year to keep the reel gliding smoothly.
Slow it down – When manually recoiling the hose, do it at a steady, even pace. Don’t let the hose snap back too quickly to avoid kinks.
Following these simple guidelines will keep a retractable hose reel working like a well-oiled machine. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions as well for model-specific care and maintenance tips.
Handy Accessories and Add-Ons
Beyond the basic reel, there are some handy accessories to consider that make using a retractable hose even more convenient:
Hose nozzle – Upgrade to an adjustable nozzle with settings like jet, shower, mist, etc. Dial in the right spray pattern.
Hose guide – This attachment keeps the hose from twisting or rubbing. It’s useful on manual crank reels.
Hose reel enclosure – A decorative shroud can keep the reel protected and blend it with your landscape.
Mounting hardware – If not included, go for extra mounting brackets, screws, and anchors that are suited for your installation surface.
Wheeled cart – Carts make it easy to move heavy-duty reels around your property with no lifting required.
Hose hanger – You can use it to hang nozzles, sprayer, or other accessories for storage.
Extra hose – Have a backup hose on hand for quick swaps if your main hose gets damaged and needs replacing.
Browse the selection of add-ons and grab ones that seem helpful for your needs. Avoid going overboard though – keep your setup as streamlined as possible.
Time to Roll Up Your Sleeves
As you can see, retractable hose reels offer big benefits and can make watering tasks much simpler. But all this talk is just hypothetical – it’s time to head online or to your local hardware store and get one for yourself! We recommend browsing top-rated models first.
Installation is usually easy thanks to included mounting hardware. Soon you’ll be enjoying tidy garden hose management. Remember to pay special attention to durability, ease of use, and hose capacity as you shop.
FAQ
Q: How Do I Choose The Right Capacity Retractable Hose Reel?
Measure your existing hose length. Then choose a reel that can carry a hose that long plus 10–20 feet as a buffer. Many wall-mounted reels hold 50-100 feet, whereas freestanding reels can store 300 feet. Buy only what you need to avoid sagging hoses.
Q: Can I Leave The Water Hooked Up To A Retractable Hose Reel?
When not in use, unplug the hose from the spigot. Gasket pressure from constant connection might create leaks. To prevent mildew, empty the hose before recoiling.
Q: How Do I Install A Wall-Mounted Retractable Hose Reel?
Use the provided hardware to mount it on wood, brick, or concrete. First level and drill pilot holes before screwing. Mount it high enough to extend fully without reaching the ground. Comply with manufacturer directions.
Q: Why Does My Retractable Hose Reel Keep Getting Stuck And Jamming?
Usually due to junk in the reel’s mechanism. Use a garden hose to rinse. Annually lubricating internal gears helps. Make sure the hose isn’t tight. If problems persist, contact the manufacturer about warranty repair/replacement.
Q: Can I Leave My Retractable Hose Reel Outside During Winter?
If feasible, disconnect the hose and bring the reel indoors in sub-freezing situations. If not, use an outdoor-rated cover and avoid cranking it in frigid weather, which might harm the reel. Applying lubrication before winter helps.
Your time enjoying gardening and yard care is precious. Rather than battling a messy pile of hose, invest in a quality retractable reel that simplifies watering tasks and keeps your landscape neat. Your future self will thank you after each hassle-free hose use!
