There is more to buying a garden hose than what meets the eye. For one thing, there are many different types of garden hoses: commercial garden hoses, garden hoses for use on residential spaces, soaker hoses, sprinkler hoses, heavy duty hoses, lightweight hoses, and much more. For another, there are different standards that you should adhere to when buying a garden hose. The last thing you want is to buy a hose only to find that it doesn't properly suit your needs.
With that being said, we're running through a quick guide to buying the right hose for your garden.
Which Hose Type Is Right for My Purposes?
First, you need to decide exactly what you're looking for. Sometimes this is the simplest part of the process. If you're looking for a hose to accommodate professional demands, for example, you'll always be looking at commercial garden hoses. This is because typical hoses are not heavy duty or powerful enough to cover the amount of ground that is typically required of professional landscapers and gardeners. So if your purpose is to start or sustain a business, commercial garden hoses will always be the way to go.
But if you're looking for a hose for your own personal landscape, you'll have more questions to ask yourself. For example, if you're the type of person that likes to "set it and forget it", then a sprinkler hose may be best, as this will water your lawn for you without much interference. But then, if you're worried about specific plants that could potentially go unreached by a sprinkler, then you may want to invest in a different type of hose. If you find that it's difficult for you to get around your property without your hose kinking up, then a never kink hose could be a great option. Ask yourself exactly what you want to do with your hose, and you'll probably find the search a bit easier.
What Length Should I Use?
Garden hoses come in a wide variety of different lengths. Typically, they will be as short as 25 feet or as long as 100 feet. One thing that you need to consider when buying a garden hose is that while a longer hose may be more expensive and you might not think you need that extra length, it's always a good idea to add it on now rather than needing it later.
Furthermore, if you have a need for commercial garden hoses, it's always a good idea to choose a longer hose. Commercial garden hoses are typically used for larger spaces, and you want to make sure that you're able to reach wherever is necessary to finish the job properly.
What Diameter Do You Need?
The diameter that you need will matter as well when you choose a garden hose. This will control the amount of water that can be delivered at one time. Usually, homeowners will use hoses that are 5/8 of an inch, while those using commercial hoses will often need something a bit bigger.
What Kind of Water Do You Want?
Yes, you should ask yourself this too! This is because some hoses are rated capable of delivering hot water, while others are not. Additionally, while some hoses are able to deliver water that is drinkable, others deliver water this is strictly for gardening purposes. While commercial hose users may not need to worry about the latter issue, the former could be important in some cases.
There are a lot of considerations to make when buying a hose. But first and foremost, you need to think about the type of hose you're buying. Don't be afraid to ask questions before making that final purchase decision.
