Wet sand is the best for children because the wet material holds together better if the kids want to build a castle or bake sand cakes. In addition, there is almost nothing better for the little ones than digging a deep hole, filling it with water and getting muddy. To care for the sandbox, however, it is important to allow the sand to dry occasionally.
How to dry sand in the sandbox?
To dry sand in the sandbox, you should use special play sand, do not cover the sandbox all the time, dig it up occasionally and only cover it when it rains. It is recommended to replace the sand and check the drainage annually.
Why is wet sand harmful?
Microorganisms reproduce much faster in a moist environment. The wetter the sand in the sandpit is, the more germ-filled it usually is. Sandpit sand, like an old house whose masonry has been penetrated by water, can even begin to mold, which poses a danger that should not be underestimated for children playing.
Drying play sand
So that the next storm does not wet the sand again, it is important to dry the sand as quickly as possible.
- Always use special play sand or building sand to fill the sandbox. The rounded grains allow water to drain away easily and the material dries more quickly.
- Do not cover the sandbox continuously. The sun's rays hitting the sand have a disinfecting effect and kill bacteria. In addition, the water evaporates more quickly due to the heat generated.
- Occasionally dig the digging box completely over so that the light can reach the material underneath.
- The sandpit should only be covered tightly in rainy weather. To protect against cats or martens, it is sufficient to stretch a cat protection net (€24.00 on Amazon) over the sandbox.
Experts also recommend replacing the sand annually and replacing it with new play material. Take this opportunity to check the drainage under the sandbox and, if necessary, add a layer of gravel to ensure better water drainage.
Tip
To keep the sand dry in rainy weather, a sandpit cover is recommended. You can purchase these when purchasing many models. If you have built the digging box yourself, you can simply put a tarpaulin over it and weigh it down with stones.