Hose pots have slimy drawbacks

AT our last home in Encino, we had six outdoor hose bibs, and after trying every type of reel or rack I decided to get hose pots [“The Indispensable Hose,” July 20].

They looked great and certainly were easy to use, but something unexpected occurred that was a real turnoff and resulted in me getting rid of the pots.

Because there is a drain hole in the bottom of the pot and another hole for the hose to come out to be hooked up to the water nozzle, snails were able to get in the pots.

They found the dark, damp area much to their liking and when I went to remove the hose, there were snails attached all over.

One other thing I noticed was a layer of black mold starting to form on the hose -- again from the dark damp confines of the pot.

Anyway, I am back to the roll-up reel and a good (expensive) hose that does work well.

GEORGE A. WEINSTOCK

Calabasas