Things to Know When Choosing a Garden Hose

The garden hose you choose may see more use than almost any other outdoor tool you purchase. The same garden hose can water your roses, wash the car, hose down the driveway, fill the swimming pool and provide a water fountain to cool off the kids on a hot summer day. In fact, you may use your garden hose several times a week – or even daily – in warm weather. Understanding the different parts of a garden hose and types of garden hoses available can help you make the best choice of outdoor hose for your needs.

Materials

Most hoses are made with either vinyl or rubber. Vinyl hoses are lighter in weight and easy to handle, and generally less expensive than rubber hoses. Rubber hoses are heavier and more durable than vinyl garden hoses, and thus usually cost more. Look for reinforced hoses – either rubber or vinyl – which are less likely to kink and stand up better to temperature changes.

Size

The larger the diameter of your hose, the more water it can deliver at once. A ½ inch garden hose delivers half the water power that a one inch garden hose does. Most people split the difference with a 5/8 inch or ¾ inch garden hose, the most popular garden hoses sold.

Length

The best garden hose for your use is one that’s just long enough to reach where you need it to go. The further the water has to travel, the lower the water pressure will be when it gets there, so you’ll be trading convenience for efficiency if you choose a garden hose that’s longer than you need.

Garden Hose Fittings

Brass couplings are more durable than plastic garden hose fittings. Choose a hose that has a hexagonal fitting to make it easier to tighten. The best garden hoses are reinforced just behind the coupling to prevent kinking at the faucet.

Specialty Garden Hoses

Water Safe Drinking Hose

If you tend to grab a drink from your hose – and who doesn’t on a hot summer day? – invest a few extra dollars in a drinking safe garden hose. Generally, hoses designated for boat, marine or recreational use have a lining made of plastic that’s approved by the FDA for use with food.

Heated Garden Hose

If you require the use of a garden hose throughout the winter, invest in a heated garden hose or thermal hose. Thermal hoses remain pliable and usable in freezing temperatures and keep your outdoor water available for feeding animals or other uses even on the coldest days.

Invest in a garden hose reel to help protect your hose when it’s not in use. A good reel will reduce exposure to damaging UV rays and prevent kinking and coiling that can weaken the structure of even the best garden hose.