How much fun your children have playing in the new sandbox depends not least on the amount of sand in the box. There should be enough sand to play with and build with.
How do you calculate the right amount of sand for a sandbox?
To calculate the amount of sand required for a sandbox, multiply the length, width and height (in cm) and take 60% of this for the ideal filling height. Calculate the weight in kilograms by multiplying the volume by the sand density (typically 1.3 g/cc) and dividing by 1,000. Only use specially marked play sand.
How to calculate the amount of sand required:
To calculate how much sand you need for your sandbox, there is a simple formula. Multiply the length by the width and height of the planned sandbox (both in centimeters). You can find a special calculator for this on the Internet. To illustrate this, here is an example calculation for a square sandbox with an edge length of 1.20 m and a height of 50 cm:
120×120 x 50=720,000
Since the sandbox should only be half filled with sand, calculate 60 percent of the result. This means your children have enough sand to play with, but not so much that it is constantly being shoveled over the edge outside.
720,000 x 60: 100=432,000
Assuming the density of the sand to be 1.3 g/cm³, multiply the obtained number by 1.3 and divide it by 1000. The result is the required amount of sand in kilograms.
432,000 x 1.3: 1,000=561.6 kg sand
Which sand should I buy?
Buy only declared play sand. This is examined for pollutants and germs. In addition, the grain size can only have a predetermined size. Sand that is too fine can be inhaled by children playing, while sand that is too coarse can irritate children's sensitive skin.
Where can I get play sand?
You can get play sand in hardware stores, well-stocked garden centers and of course online (€12.00 at Amazon). It is usually packed in 25 kg bags. Please pay attention to the shipping costs when placing an order. If you transport the sand in your car, then put a tarpaulin inside to be on the safe side. This will make it easier to clean later if a bag is broken.
Useful tips for buying sand:
- Calculate the amount of sand correctly
- ideal filling level: 60%
- only buy special play sand
- Advantages of play sand: free of harmful substances and germs, ideal grain size
Tip
For the sake of your children, only use specially designated play sand. It has been tested and contains neither harmful substances nor germs.
