Wet sand is the greatest thing for children, because the wet material holds together better when the kids want to build a castle or bake sand cakes. In addition, there is almost nothing nicer 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 occasionally let the sand dry.
Wet sand is fun but unsanitary
Why is wet sand harmful?
Microorganisms reproduce much faster in a humid environment. The wetter the sand in the sandbox is, the more germs it is usually. Like an old house where water has penetrated the masonry, sandpit sand can even begin to mould, which means a danger for playing children that should not be underestimated.
Dry play sand
So that the next storm doesn't soak the sand again, it is important to dry the sand as quickly as possible.
- Always use special play sand or construction sand to fill the sandbox. The rounded grains allow water to run off easily and the material dries faster.
- 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 faster due to the heat generated.
- Occasionally dig up the digging box completely so that the light can reach the material underneath.
- The sandbox should only be covered tightly in rainy weather. To protect against cats or martens, it is sufficient to stretch a cat protection net over the sandpit.
Experts also recommend changing the sand annually and replacing it with new play material. Take this opportunity to check the drainage under the sandbox and, if necessary, use a layer of gravel to ensure better water drainage.
tips
A sandpit cover is recommended to keep the sand dry in rainy weather. You can purchase this with the purchase of many models. If you have built the digging box yourself, you can simply lay a tarpaulin over it and weigh it down with stones.