Different types of special garden hoses - advantages and disadvantages

There is a wide variety of different types of garden hoses in the market besides common round PVC hoses. They have been invented and developed according to the requirements of easy  handling and storing while strong enough, the garden sizes and many other conditions. Each type of hose has advantages and disadvantages. If you have moderated weather throughout the year and have a right amount of rain at a right time for your garden you may not worry about garden hoses much but the reality requires you to chose an appropriate hose by considering the garden condition and your budget.


1) Expandable hoses

Advantages

This type hoses are rather new in the market. We take this type with the first priority as they have Dynamic nature - expand and contract. They are small and compact and very light. It expands, say three times (X3) the original length. After using it, the hose shrinks back to its original compact size automatically. It is portable and easy to store. The expandable hose is considered to be the best option as a light duty hose for most small to mid size gardens as they are very light and easy to handle and store.

Disadvantages

As the inside rubber tube and the outer fabric tube expand and shrink repeatedly the stresses cause its life shorter. The fabric absorbs water easily.  So the stress of wet and dry cycles may also leads to a stress to the fabric, which will make the life shorter. The life is generally short though some new life-improved types are available each year.

2) Coil hoses

Advantages

Coild hoses are not so new as Magic Hoses. It is very convenient to use for a small garden or patio because when it is not used it coils into the original small size by themselves by a different mechanism from that of Magic Hose and still dynamic. Then it is easy to store as it does not tangle. You don’t need a hose reel to store it. After extending it, the coiled hose has a good length so it can be used to water a fairy large area of your garden. Even though they are compact and relatively light, they are durable. PU (polyurethane) coil hoses are a bit heaver but more durable and have higher bursting pressure than lighter weight EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) coil hoses. Also they don’t kink.

Disadvantages

However, you must keep holding it to keep uncoiled extended position. A very long one becomes a bit cumbersome to handle.

3) Flat hoses

Advantages

A flat hose takes up less space when unused and stored. Like a coil hose, a flat hose doesn’t kink. PVC hoses are common and a cloth outer tube (inside Vinyl tube) type is also available. Some flat hoses are used as a line sprinkler at a normal pressure or as a soaker hose at lower pressure or normal pressure.

Disadvantages

If a hose is very flat, it doesn’t goes well around a corner. As it lays flat on the ground a sharp object may puncture a flat hose than a round hose. Also the water flow may not be so uniform as a round hose. Some water tend to remain inside even after shaking or pushing water out.

4) Soaker hoses

Advantages

A soaker hose can save water and even your time when watering from a distant position. With a soaker hose once settled you do not have to move around your garden with a hose. It uses less water and therefore saves you money.  A soaker hose can effectively keep all your plants watered by avoiding unnecessary area watering.

Disadvantages

Soaker hoses usually made by recycled tyre rubber (so the color is usually black) and recycled PE (Polyethylene) are generally larger and heavier than other common hoses, so it may be hard to move around your garden with it. Some extra jobs must be done to keep an appropriate lower pressure. Also, as used at a lower water pressure and due to its a relatively large size, water may not flow through the entire hose evenly. Soaker hoses are also more prone to rupturing due to the increase of water pressure caused by the clogged pores of the hose or some other reasons like by mishandling the water pressure.

--------

For more information please contact

Asnet Dynamic Hoses - a division of 
Asnet Components Ltd
Hong Kong (Wanchai Office / Sales)
23/F , On Hong Commercial Building,
145 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 3578-5372
Fax: (852) 3582-3310
E-mail: sales-1@asnetcomp.com
www.asnetcomp.com