Tips for Choosing a Garden Hose Reel
Today’s hoses are smarter, stronger, and more durable than ever before. But, how does one find the right garden hose reel for their needs? A hose reel is simply a spool of hose with a handle at its most basic. But, hose reels today come in various sizes, features, and prices, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing.
Find some helpful tips for choosing a garden hose reel.
Know Your Needs
Before heading out to the store, first make sure you know exactly what you need from your new hose reel. Start with a list of your own needs, such as the length of hose you plan to reel, the amount of water you consume daily, and the level of your backyard deck. Once you’ve got this information in hand, you’ll be able to choose the right reel for your needs.
Know Your Drainage Requirements
The next step is to learn about the specific drainage requirements of your hose reel. This will help you narrow down your reel search because some reels are exclusively meant for indoor or outdoor use. As with any water-consuming system, choosing a drainable hose reel is important. Flood-proof (aka gutter-proof) hose reels can be found at various price points, with the higher-end models that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour. As a rule of thumb, the higher the GPM rating, the more durable the free standing hose holder.
Check for GPM
Next, check your reel’s GPM rating. GPM is the number of gallons per minute that the hose reel can reel. Though most garden hose reels have a GPM capacity, it’s still important to double-check before purchasing. The GPM rating can be misleading, especially for stationary hose reels. If you have a smaller property, you’ll want to make sure you get a reel with the right water capacity.
Check for Dimensions
You’ll need to look at your reel’s dimensions after you’ve got your GPM and dimensions figured out. This will help you make sure your reel will fit in your backyard wall space and your storage space. You’ll also want to make sure the handle of your reel is long enough to be easily accessible without straining.
Check for Capacity
Finally, check the reel’s maximum water capacity. This is important because the more water your reel can hold, the better. After all, the point of a hose reel is to provide water continuously and efficiently.
Choose an Affordable Hose Reel
When choosing a hose reel, keep a few things in mind. First, make sure your reel is drainable. If it’s not, you’ll end up with a flooded yard or basement, which comes with a hefty price tag. Above all, choose a reel that is easy to use and that you’ll be able to use in the long run. This means choosing a reel with a durable design, accurate dimensions, and a high water capacity.
When choosing a hose reel for your yard, you’ve got a lot to consider, including size, features, and price. Make sure your reel has the right amount of GPM capacity. Finally, get the best reel you can afford while staying within a budget.
