We bought this for our grandson's second birthday.  My husband put it together and we brought it to his house assembled.  We also bought two twenty pound bags of sand. One bag was plenty, so they have a spare.  Our grandson took to it immediately, and of course started throwing the sand into the water.  My husband had put sealant near where the leg joined the top but there was still a small leak.  That probably will not matter since it is outside on their brick patio.  The cover is great and very sturdy, so critters won't be investigating overnight.  I think he will be playing with it for a long time, as will his little friends.  The umbrella is a plus too!