Introduction: A Solution to the Tangled Hose Problem
For many homeowners, the garden hose is a constant source of frustration—kinked, tangled, and stored on a cheap plastic cart that cracks after a season or two. The Liberty Garden Products 710 Hose Pot offers a different approach: a metal, decorative-looking pot that stores the hose neatly while blending into the landscape. It is a simple concept, but after extensive research and analysis of owner feedback, this product has proven to be a durable and effective solution for those who prioritize a tidy yard and functional hose storage. It is not perfect, but for the right user, it may be the last hose pot they ever buy.
Performance: The Swivel Base is a Game Changer
The standout feature of the Liberty Garden Products 710 is its swivel base. This is not a gimmick. The pot sits on a heavy-duty steel ring that rotates 360 degrees. When the hose is pulled, the entire pot turns to follow the direction of the pull. This design prevents the hose from twisting or kinking, a common issue with hose reels, carts, and wall-mounted boxes. Owner reports consistently highlight that the swivel base eliminates kinks entirely, even when pulling the hose around corners, through flower beds, or along fence lines. The bearing feels solid, made of powder-coated steel, and has shown no signs of rust or grinding even after prolonged exposure to rain and sun.
The hose winding process is also straightforward. There is no crank handle; the user simply feeds the hose back into the pot by hand, coiling it in a figure-eight pattern. The wide opening and deep design allow a 50-foot hose to be coiled in about 45 seconds, and the hose rarely tangles inside because it settles naturally. The included lead-in hose (a short piece connecting the pot to the spigot) is a convenient addition, allowing the pot to be placed a few feet from the faucet. However, some owners note that the lead-in hose is initially stiff and requires a few days in the sun to become more flexible.
Kink Prevention: The Real Test
Kinks are a common frustration that can permanently damage hoses and restrict water flow. With the 710, the swivel base prevents twisting at the connection point, and the smooth interior of the pot avoids snagging on sharp edges. Owner feedback indicates that even after pulling the hose out to its full 50 feet, walking around the yard, and rewinding it repeatedly, no kinks occur. This performance alone is a major selling point for the product.
Build Quality and Value: Heavy Metal, Heavy Price
The Liberty Garden 710 is constructed from powder-coated steel, not aluminum or plastic. It uses thick, heavy-gauge steel that feels exceptionally durable. The dark bronze powder coating gives it the appearance of a classic urn or planter, making it look like a decorative piece rather than a garden tool. The finish has held up well against UV rays and rain, with no reports of rust spots or chipping, even after incidental bumps from lawn equipment.
The weight is a double-edged sword. When empty, the pot weighs about 12 pounds, which is manageable. However, when loaded with a 50-foot hose, it becomes very heavy and difficult to move. This makes it best suited for a permanent installation. The base has pre-drilled holes for mounting to a wall, post, or deck, and mounting is recommended to prevent tipping, especially when the pot is empty and lighter.
Assembly: A Minor Hurdle
Assembly is not difficult but can be annoying. The pot comes in several pieces: the base ring, main body, lid, and internal hose guide. The instructions are printed on a single sheet with small diagrams, and the process requires a Phillips head screwdriver and a wrench. The trickiest part is attaching the swivel base to the bottom of the pot, which requires aligning holes and holding the heavy pot while threading bolts. This is easier with two people or a workbench. Assembly typically takes about 45 minutes, which is longer than expected for such a simple-looking product. Liberty Garden could improve this by including better instructions or pre-assembling the base.
Value: Is It Worth It?
The Liberty Garden 710 is not cheap; it costs more than plastic hose reels or basic wall mounts. However, considering the lifespan of typical plastic hose carts (which often break within two seasons and cost $30–$50 each), the 710 is built to last a decade or more. The steel construction, powder coating, and replaceable internal parts (such as bearings and guides) make it a buy-it-for-life product. For those who value durability and a tidy yard, the investment is justified.
Who Should Buy the Liberty Garden 710?
This pot is not for everyone. Here is a breakdown of who it suits best.
- Buy it if: You have a 50-foot or shorter hose. It is designed for 50 feet, and you can squeeze in a bit more, but it will be tight. For 75- or 100-foot hoses, look for a larger model.
- Buy it if: You value aesthetics. This pot looks good and blends into landscaping, making it one of the best-looking hose storage options available.
- Buy it if: You hate kinked hoses. The swivel base is highly effective at preventing kinks.
- Buy it if: You want something that will last. The steel construction is overbuilt and designed for long-term use.
- Do not buy it if: You need to move your hose storage frequently. The pot is heavy when full and difficult to relocate.
- Do not buy it if: You are not handy with tools. Assembly requires some effort and basic tools; it is not ready to use out of the box.
- Do not buy it if: You have a very short hose (25 feet or less). The pot will look too large, and the hose will rattle around inside.
Verdict: A Classic That Earns Its Place
The Liberty Garden Products 710 Hose Pot is one of the best hose storage solutions available. It is not perfect—assembly is a pain, and the weight is a legitimate drawback—but its performance is outstanding. The swivel base eliminates kinks completely, the powder-coated steel looks beautiful and resists rust, and the classic design means it does not look like a piece of plastic junk in the yard. For those tired of replacing cheap plastic hose reels every year and who value a clean, functional garden space, this is a strong recommendation. It is an investment in durability and peace of mind, with the caveat that users should be prepared for a slightly frustrating assembly and a heavy pot once full. For the end of kinked hoses and a tidy yard, it is worth every penny.
