Great design--a cover is a must with 4 cats and, unlike other reviewers, I really appreciate this sand box has no bottom as it allows the water to drain. The kids love the bench as well.  For what you pay, you get a nice box--just don't expect an heirloom to pass on to the next generation. I agree that if you have kids climbing all over the canopy it will fall in a matter of seconds--however, I have two very rough and rowdy boys that know they cannot jump or otherwise attempt acrobatic stunts on this item.  If you can keep kids from misusing this you should have it for a while.  We do not take the tarp off during inclement weather and have had not lasting issues but we live in a Mid-Atlantic state so don't have the constant beat of wind. Overall, very pleased with this box and get a lot of compliments--particularly from the Dad's that fancy themselves "handy."