Husband did the set-up and all went together well.  It looks great and the grandkids love it.  Ours is in the pool screen enclosure so set on top of pavers.  We didn't line the bottom with anything yet...going to wait and see how well the sand stays in.  So far so good, even through a downpour.  I have ordered a cover, though, to help keep the rain out and sand dry.  Instructions suggest adding 700 lbs. of sand, but we only added 500 and it's perfect.  I really don't see how there would be room for much more than that.