How to Store Your Garden Hose Reel in Winter (and Why It Matters)
The best way to protect your RELHOST garden hose reel during winter is to drain as much water as possible, then store the entire unit indoors where temperatures remain above freezing.
Draining removes most of the water, but not all of it. Some water remains inside the hose and reel, so a covered outdoor location is not a substitute for frost-free indoor storage.
This guide applies to RELHOST garden hose reels, including wall-mounted models, manual hose reel boxes, and battery-powered hose reel boxes.
Why Winter Storage Matters
Water remaining inside a hose or reel can freeze and expand, potentially damaging the hose, seals, fittings, and internal water passages.
The goal is not to dismantle the reel or make its interior completely dry. Instead, remove as much water as practical and keep the entire unit away from freezing temperatures.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water and Disconnect
Turn off the outdoor faucet. Open the spray gun to release pressure, then disconnect the inlet hose from the faucet.
Leave the reel casing intact. Do not open or disassemble it for winter preparation.
Step 2: Fully Extend the Main Hose and Open the Spray Gun
Fully extend the main hose within its normal operating limit, then leave the spray gun open to allow water to drain.
You do not need to remove the spray gun. Extending the hose and opening the spray gun allows most of the water inside the hose and reel to flow out.
This process does not remove all residual water. Do not assume the reel is completely empty once water stops flowing.
Step 3: Clean, Inspect, and Rewind
Wipe away dirt from the hose and housing. Check the visible hose, fittings, and washers for signs of wear or damage before storage.
After draining, return the main hose to the reel using your model’s normal winding method. The hose can remain inside the reel throughout winter.
For automatic retractable models, guide the hose back under control rather than letting it retract unattended. For manual models, use the crank as directed in the operating instructions.
Step 4: Store the Entire Unit Above Freezing
Choose an indoor storage location that stays above freezing throughout winter.
A garage or shed is suitable only if its temperature reliably remains above freezing. A covered patio, protective cover, or enclosed reel housing does not replace frost-free storage.
Wall-mounted garden hose reels
Remove the entire reel from its mounting bracket and bring it indoors, following your model’s removal instructions.
Removing the intact reel from the bracket is different from disassembling the casing. Do not open the casing.
Manual hose reel boxes
After draining and winding the hose back in, move the entire box to a frost-free indoor location. There is no need to remove the main hose from the reel.
Battery-powered hose reel boxes
Drain and rewind the hose, then remove the battery before winter storage. Store the reel indoors above freezing and follow the battery manufacturer’s separate storage instructions.
Quick Winter Storage Checklist
- Turn off the water supply.
- Open the spray gun to release pressure.
- Disconnect the inlet hose from the faucet.
- Fully extend the main hose within its normal operating limit.
- Open the spray gun and drain as much water as possible.
- Check the visible hose and connections for damage.
- Wind the main hose back into the reel.
- Remove the battery on battery-powered models.
- Move the entire reel indoors to a location that stays above freezing.
- Do not open or disassemble the reel casing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drain all the water from the reel?
The method described here removes most water, not all of it. Because some water remains, frost-free indoor storage is the most important part of winter protection.
Do I need to remove the spray gun?
No. You can leave the spray gun attached and open it while draining the fully extended hose.
Can the main hose stay inside the reel?
Yes. After draining, wind the main hose back into the reel and store the entire unit indoors above freezing.
Can I leave the reel outside under a cover?
A cover is not a substitute for storage above freezing. The best way to protect your RELHOST garden hose reel is to drain as much water as possible and move the entire unit to a frost-free indoor location.
Do I need to take the reel apart?
No. Do not open or disassemble the casing. Wall-mounted reels can be removed intact from their mounting brackets for indoor storage.
Prepare Now for the Next Watering Season
Winter preparation is straightforward: drain most of the water, rewind the hose, remove the battery if applicable, and move the entire reel indoors.
You do not need to remove the main hose or dismantle the casing. The key is to keep the stored reel above freezing, because draining alone cannot remove every bit of water inside.
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