If you reside in an area that experiences extreme cold weather conditions, then you need to winterize your garden tools, such as hoses and reels. Although snow and rain cannot corrode your aluminum reel, these elements have been found to be destructive to the plastic components. Therefore, you should prepare for winter as this can result in excessive damage to the hose reel. According to some reviews, there are certain things you can do to increase the lifespan of your garden reel. With some accessories, you can winterize your hose and reel to ensure they are fully protected from the upcoming winter season.
Indoor Storage
You have probably been told to keep your garden hose reel indoors during winter. This is a good idea if you have plastic garden hose reels. However, if your garden hose is made of stainless steel, brass, and aluminum, it cannot be damaged by moisture and cold temperatures. If you have a heated indoor area, you can keep the hose reel indoors. This method is suitable for portable or free-standing hose reels. You only need to disconnect the feeder hose and put your reel in a heated space. You can also disassemble your wall-mounted hose garden.
Gravity Drain Method
The gravity drain method is perfect for winterization, and it is ideal for a wall-mount hose reel. For this method to work, the hose ought to drain downhill easily. However, if you want to pull your hose uphill, then this method is not recommended.
Compressed Air Method
You can only use this method if you have access to the air compressor. The good thing about this process is that it is a quick, effective, and easy way of preventing damage to the garden hose reel. Another thing you need is the blow-out plug. Start by shutting off the water at the spigot, then detach the inlet hose or feeder. If there are watering tools attached to the hose reel, make sure you remove them. After this, you can apply compressed air. The pressurized air forces any water in the garden hose and reel. Although the method may not be 100% effective, the small amount of water droplets that remain cannot cause any damage to the hose reel.
Hose Reel Cover
If you decide to keep the garden hose reel outdoors, you should add an extra layer of protection. In this case, you should cover the garden hose and reel with a high-quality hose reel cover. The covers are available in a range of sizes and can protect the horse reel from cold weather and sun damage. These covers are made of polyester fabric and zipper. Some of the covers have interior urethane covering that ensures the cover is mildew and water-resistant.
Garden Hose Cap
The garden hose cap is useful if there are small critters around the garden. After winterizing the hose and reel, you can use the garden hose cap and screw it onto the threaded fitting. The good thing about the cap is that it helps keep the debris, dust, and critters, such as mice and insects, out of your hose reel.
