After a few years it became sticky and slimy. It was exposed to no harsh chemicals. It just aged badly. The hose remained reasonably flexible although it was always hard to wind up or coil. It was just disgusting to use. I had to replace it but the only thing wrong with it was the coating. I think the rubber is treated to resist stains and that breaks down over time and turns to something like the coating on a used lollipop on a summer sidewalk.