I truly love this umbrella. It took three of us to install it however, in order for it not to sit and hit me in the face. I would not suggest to put water in the base as it would be extremely hard to get it out if you are in a cold environment. I put a bucket of sand and the rest I put rocksalt in it. I also got the cover that goes with it so that I could keep it safe from weather elements and winter. I shut it every time I don’t use it.