Hose reels are the perfect additions for any home, especially for activities such as gardening, washing around, spraying plants, and construction site operations. The reel is a mechanism for storing a hose on a barrel for easy deployment and retraction. It comes in handy in preventing unnecessary tipping, protecting plants, entanglement and storing the hose safely. Keep reading to learn more about hose reels and how to select the best one for your home:

The Main Types of Hose Reels 

The type of hose reel you select for your home should depend on how the hose will be used and its length. For example, do you want a hose to run water under low pressure from a tap or extend flow from a borehole/ pump to hundreds of feet away under high pressure? See the main types of hose reels for home use below based on the retraction method:

• Hand Crank Hose Reels

This is the simplest type of hose retraction. The hose is unwound from its reel by turning the crank in one direction or simply pulling it. Once you are done using the hose, crank the reel in reverse to recoil. See the example below, and note that it has been mounted on a trolley to make moving around easy.

• Spring Driven Reels 

This is another common type of hose reels, and it uses a spring mechanism to retract the hose automatically. When you pull the hose, the spring builds tension and stores it. Then, you will only need to release the spring, and the hose will retract automatically. The main advantage of spring hose reels is that they use a simple mechanism, are low on maintenance, and do not need a power source. Here is a demonstration:

• Motor-Driven Reel

Motor-driven hose reels have motors attached to them to help with retraction. Some good examples of motors used on this type of hose reel include AC/DC motors, pneumatic motors, or hydraulic motor. Here is a demonstration of a motor-driven hose reel:

How to Select the Best Hose Reel 

When it comes to selecting a hose reel, you need to start by understanding the main types of reels available. Then, determine the function of the hose and select the model that fits the application. So, here are the main considerations to factor: 

• Length of the Hose Reel 

Where exactly do you want to supply water or the liquid under consideration? If it is just a short distance, maybe just a few yards into the compound, a simple hose reel would be enough. A spring-operated or hand crank model would work well in such a situation, but a motorized one would be a better find for running a hose tens or hundreds of feet away. 

• Pressure 

The hose reel you select must be able to hold the pressure applied on the hose, especially when being used. With a high-pressure hose reel, it will be easy to use them for extending water lines under pressure. Make sure to also avoid entanglement with cords because they can damage or kink the hose.

• Temperature 

When buying hose reels, many are those who rarely consider the temperature of the storage area. However, it would be best if you thought about the temperature that the reel will be operated at. If the hose will run at high temperatures, go for the reel and hose made with materials that can withstand them. 

• Material of the Reel 

The design of hose reels is meant to match the length and size of the hose. Make sure to also consider the type made of durable, impact-resistant, and high-tensile strength material. Common materials for home hose reels include stainless steel, light metals, fiberglass, wood, and plastic. 

• Method of Retraction 

If you just want a reel to extend water to a few dozen meters from the source, a manual model will be a good pick. It is also inexpensive. But for a lengthy hose reel, a model with automatic retraction or run by a motor will be the better option. 

A hose reel is a system for storing and simplifying hose deployment and retraction. As we have highlighted in this guide, you should go for a hose reel based on what you want to run in it and the distance. Remember to also buy from trusted brands for quality assurance and high value for money.