are those deflatable garden hoses advertised on TV any good?

[CTyankee]

I read some reviews that indicated they pop after just a few uses or at best one season.

I need some advice on getting a lightweight garden hose...the old, regular hose is just too heavy for me now...

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. They aren't as durable as regular hoses, but I like them anyhow

because they are light and don't take up much room. I had to replace one last year because the fitting leaked a lot, but the hose itself remained intact. I suppose it will depend on how often you use it and how much dragging around it gets.

[CTyankee]

2. Can I get one at a Home Depot or do I have to order online?

and thanks for your info...

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. I got mine at Home Despot.

[CTyankee]

4. despot...heh, heh, hadn't heard that one!

Are they around $40?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. $19.97. Buy two!

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Pocket-Hose-Ultra-1-2-in-x-50-ft-Expanding-Garden-Hose-7809-6/204666082

[flamin lib]

6. They only last one season, maybe two. That said I really like them.

UV light (sunshine) eats up the expandable inner hose so they last longer if kept in a protected container. The connectors are also a weak point, make sure to not stress that connection. Support the hose with one hand so the connector isn't pulled on.

There was a class action law suit and they "lost". If you kept your receipt and if you had the ruined hose and if you paid shipping they would send you a check for $20. Whoopee!

[lamp_shade]

7. I love mine and have used it at least 20 times - no leaks so far, but...

what the hell. For $20, I'm very happy. It's sooooo light and easy to maneuver.

[JoeyT]

8. I wasn't a fan of them

They're probably ok as long as you don't need to run long distances with them, don't leave them out in the sun, and don't leave them pressurized for any length of time. If all you're doing is watering a flower bed or small vegetable garden every few days, they're pretty nice. For anything more heavy duty, I'm not sure if they'll hold up.

I had one die because I left it running a sprinkler in a field off a regular water line and after about three hours of pressure and sun it finally split. Another died because I left it outside for a few days. When I hooked it up it busted right away.

All that should be taken with a grain of salt, because IIRC our submerged pump puts out about 8-10GPM.

[LiberalEsto]

9. I've had some luck with the white hoses from Lowes

that are sold for supplying drinking water for RVs, campers, etc. I've had one as part of the irrigation system for the vegetable garden for several years.

[CTyankee]

10. Can they be used just like a garden hose?

[LiberalEsto]

11. I don't see why not.

In fact I just bought a second one for that purpose.

[CTyankee]

12. thanks. I only know about garden hose basics...no fancy stuff...

[northoftheborder]

13. I bought one at Walmart. It did not last 3 months, started leaking. However,

I'm wondering if some for sale at Walmart, Home Depot, etc. are copy cats, and not the real thing as "seen on TV", and might be inferior to the online brand. Anyone know about the brand shown on TV ads that you have to order, as opposed to those bought at a store?

[CottonBear]

14. NO. Fittings leak & break.

I am a professional gardener. Brass fittings & heavy duty hoses are the only ones that work and last.

Try setting up a length of hose and attach some Y fittings to attach other hoses to reach the areas to be irrigated. Get brass ball valve breaker attachments to put on the end of all of the hoses to be used. This way you can run hoses to multiple areas. The hoses could be left in place in the garden. Then attach your sprayer wand or sprinkler.

You can also try one of those coiled hoses. However, you'll need to replace the fitting with one of better quality.

Cheap hoses are stiff and kink.

[CTyankee]

15. by coiled, do you mean the ones that are retractable (like a vacuum cleaner has)?

[CottonBear]

16. Coiled like a spiral.

Last edited Tue Jul 15, 2014, 10:32 PM - Edit history (1)

Sort of snake like.

The kind you posted about are very light but not so long lasting. If you have low pressure & occasional watering then
it would be OK.

[CTyankee]

17. okay. can I leave it coiled?

[CottonBear]

18. Yep.

It is permanently coiled up like a spring. You just pull on it and it stretches out and then it coils back up when you let go of it.

If you are only doing light duty watering, then the inflatable hose would be OK. However, don't expect it to last.

Do you have a Big Lots nearby where you live? That store has a fairly large garden section.

I use a watering wand at work. It screws on to the end of the hose and has a long handle (don't get the extra long handle because it is heavy) and an adjustable spray head with a built in breaker valve. My favorite settings are mist and shower.

[CTyankee]

19. I think we do have a Big Lots.

Thank you. Excellent recommendation.

How long approx. does the hose last?

[CottonBear]

20. The coiled hose has a medium long life.

The fitting will fail first. However, you can replace fittings easily.
Happy gardening!!