Drain it before you store it
Standing water inside a hose attacks the reinforcement from the inside. After every season, drain the hose fully and store it under cover, off the ground.
Avoid sharp bends at the pump
Kinking at the connection point crushes the carcass and shortens the life of the hose. Use a gentle bend and support the weight of the line with saddles or trestles.
Inspect on a schedule
- Check the cover for cracks and ozone aging every month
- Look for soft spots that signal internal reinforcement failure
- Re-tighten clamps and inspect camlock gaskets before each season
Keep it out of the sun
Ultraviolet light ages the outer cover. Where a hose must be exposed, choose an anti-aging compound cover and rotate the line so one side does not bake all season.