How much sand is needed to fill it? *6/20/13 - Thank you everyone for your answers! I really appreciate it! After your input, I have decided to go with water instead..... it sounds like a LOT easier and doesn't make a huge difference.
419170
250 lbs. use a funnel with large opening at base and top, shake base often to shift sand.
868901
We used water instead of sand but I would imagine 1-3 bags depending on the age and size of your child. When we first got it my daughter was 5 and strong but small. Hope that helps!
866160
I used water instead. It is much easier and does the trick. Don't fill it completely full. Leave a little room for expansion. I have had temps down to -22F and it is still with the original water from years ago. I have had extremely high winds as well.
1887762
Supposedly sand is best...?heavier. We had very bad luck and actually junked this product. The arm that raises and lowers the umbrella snapped, reported it through Amazon to the manufacturer. They said since it was just a few days past their 90day warranty they would send the arm to us for $9.99 to cover postage. It snapped on a clear, windless day after less than 3 months use...and they would not repair. The entire set up was not top notch bu any means, it was difficult to fill, raise and lowers with much difficulty and swayed from side to side with the least bit go breeze...would recommend looking for another umbrella, plus Ocean State had them for $75,,, Supposedly sand is best...?heavier. We had very bad luck and actually junked this product. The arm that raises and lowers the umbrella snapped, reported it through Amazon to the manufacturer. They said since it was just a few days past their 90day warranty they would send the arm to us for $9.99 to cover postage. It snapped on a clear, windless day after less than 3 months use...and they would not repair. The entire set up was not top notch bu any means, it was difficult to fill, raise and lowers with much difficulty and swayed from side to side with the least bit go breeze...would... » Read More Supposedly sand is best...?heavier. We had very bad luck and actually junked this product. The arm that raises and lowers the umbrella snapped, reported it through Amazon to the manufacturer. They said since it was just a few days past their 90day warranty they would send the arm to us for $9.99 to cover postage. It snapped on a clear, windless day after less than 3 months use...and they would not repair. The entire set up was not top notch bu any means, it was difficult to fill, raise and lowers with much difficulty and swayed from side to side with the least bit go breeze...would recommend looking for another umbrella, plus Ocean State had them for $75,,, « Show Less
266498
It seems to be the consensus among my martial arts friends that both work fine to stabilize BOB but when attempting to move, fill or empty sand is more problematic....messy....etc. I've only used water and it's easy to fill, move to other locations once filled. I hope this helps
534347
This is a reply to an old post but a warning to others. DO NOT PUT SAND directly inside the posts as the sand will get wet and rot the posts from the inside. Best thing is to get 2 inch PVC and fill it with the sand and cap it off at the top. The 2 inch pvc will fit nicely inside the 3 Inch Diameter posts.
1030749
It is not very easy to fill, I used a funnel and that helped. I also worried it was not quite heavy enough so i bought a small sand bag and just set it on top of the base and that makes it very stable.
1566837
We filled ours with sand. Not sure the water would hold or how it would react with the heavy plastic. I think the water would leak out. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful!
1379464
I talked with the pool manager for a townhouse complex and he changed the sand out for a glass medium. He thought it did better than sand and would last longer but it cost more. I have sand in my pool filter because it was cheaper. It was my money vs the townhouse association money he was playing with. If cost is no object I would go with glass.
1545031
We got a bag of sand at Home Depot - not sure exactly how much we used but had over half a bag left. We did use a funnel and took two of us. Guess it could be done alone but easier with another pair of hands.
266495
Sand will make it heavier....with water, it moves around a bit when i punch it. but sand should make it a lot tuffer to push around...Also i believe emptying the sand off the base is going to be tuffer than emptying water off the base....
1844000
let me also add don't use sand at one time than is comfortable to carry, just refill as needed. less wear and tear on your body!!!
98756
No sand. I filled with water as per the instructions and it has done a great job.
1836746
don't think you have a choice...water is not enough to hold down; we used close to 80 lbs of sand. Just recently removed the handrails and left stairs in under our cover for winterization.
1257010
You have to add either your own sand or water - no both. Use a funnel to fill it.
1637069
I really do not know, but I used sand because I thought it'd make it more stable. The plastic seems thick enough for water though.
1615880
You have to fill it up yourself with either water or sand I believe - it was purchased for my daughter.