swing set/ sand box combo?

DH and I just bought a Creative Playthings Williamsburg swing set second hand and had it installed yesterday.

We're trying to decide if we're going to use the built in sand box or not. DS is 15 months old.

Pros: It is a great size for him to play in with the gang from our mom's group.

Cons: I have to buy a new cover which runs $130 and 8 bags of sand.

I'm thinking of bying a regular $40 Little Tykes or Step 2 sand box and calling it a day. DH wants the souped up version that goes with the swing set.

Do any of you with wooded swing sets actually use the sand box?

What would you do?

Thanks in advance!

Re: swing set/ sand box combo?

Honestly if it were me i would use the one on the swingset.....

Re: swing set/ sand box combo?

Is your DH handy? Maybe he can make a cover for cheaper.

Re: swing set/ sand box combo?

If the sandbox is already there taking up space, I'd use that one. Otherwise I'd get the step2 or little tykes for half the price of the cover and try to get another accessory for underneath.

Re: swing set/ sand box combo?

I would use the swing set sandbox, it is shaded by the deck above to keep the sun off of DC and it is a nice big area to play in. The Step 2 sandboxes I have seen are just so small. DS is 16 months and he LOVES the sandbox, ours is 10'x10' and he is ALL OVER that thing with big trucks and buckets!

Re: swing set/ sand box combo?

Good point about the shade!

I was thinking about cutting a regular tarp to size, but don't know how I'd attach it tightly enough to be effective. I found a cheap cover online but the shape won't work...the posts are secured to the inside corners of the box.