The benefits of an expandable flexible garden hose

What exactly is an expandable flexible garden hose?

A flexible garden hose, also known as a "magic hose," is an innovative irrigation solution that expands under water pressure. At rest, the hose is compact and short, but as soon as you turn on the tap, its length can be tripled. This is due to its double-layered structure: an elastic interior made of latex or high-quality rubber and a strong, woven polyester exterior.

For those with a city garden or balcony, the garden hose is often a nuisance. Traditional hoses take up a lot of space on a reel. A flexible model can be easily stored in a flowerpot or small basket after use. Want to know more about the basics? Then read " The Ultimate Garden Hose Guide: Everything about Choosing, Using, and Maintaining ."

The biggest benefits at a glance

Why switch to an extendable model? Here are the main reasons:

• No kinks or twists: The hose's construction prevents it from folding in a way that blocks the water flow. This prevents the frustration of constantly having to return to the faucet to remove a kink.
• Lightweight: Even a long version often weighs less than a kilo. This makes watering hanging plants or washing the car much less tiring.
• Self-draining: As soon as you turn off the tap and let any remaining water drain from the spray head, the hose automatically shrinks back to its original size.

When making a choice, it's important to pay attention to the fittings. In our article "Garden Hose Accessories and Fittings," we explain which fittings are the most durable for this type of hose.

Ideal for small spaces and balconies

On a balcony, every square meter counts. A heavy hose reel is often not an option. The extendable garden hose is the undisputed king here. You simply connect it to the faucet (perhaps with the help of the tips in " Connecting a garden hose to the kitchen faucet: Here's how ") and store it in a drawer or on a small wall hook after use.

Although these hoses are very strong, it's important to avoid sharp edges. The polyester outer sheath protects the inner tube; if it tears, the hose can burst. For more maintenance tips, see "Storing and Maintaining Your Garden Hose."

What should you pay attention to when purchasing?

Not every flexible hose is the same. When buying a garden hose, pay attention to the operating pressure (bar). Most expandable hoses function optimally between 4 and 6 bar. Do you have lower water pressure? Then the hose will not expand as far as indicated on the packaging. In that case, it's better to look for a traditional hose with a suitable diameter, as described in " Buying a garden hose: What to look for in terms of diameter and bar? "