Does this work best with sand or water as a filler? If you use water, what happens if it freezes, or should you empty it during the winter?
1796302
Ours has worked quite well with water. We haven't had any freezes yet, but I plan to empty before that happens...since water expands when it freezes, I don't want to rupture the seams.
1796303
Water for non-winter states. Sand for winter states... If water freezes it expands and will explode the base.
1796304
You can use either but if it freezes it will probably crack. I no longer use mine because it is obtrusive. I anchored the base, i removed the cross bars and bolted it to the patio.
1796305
Both work fine. Water is not as messy. Don't know what to tell you about freezing, I live in Florida.
1796306
Empty your base before winter. The water could freeze and the base would expand and crack. I use water because you won't be able to empty the sand and store your base. Store inside the garage or hang on the wall.
1796307
Since I live in Florida, don't know what would happen if it froze - other than the water would expand Why not add some anti-freeze, would be easier than draining it, don't you think
1796308
I used the Blowmolded Base for a short period of time, and then returned it because we didn't need it any longer, I preferred water because my yard can always use the water when I emptied it. It easily fill with the garden hose. I did not use the item during winter. You might want to drain some of the water out in winter to prevent damage from freezing. The item is bulky. Currently, I am using 5, 40 lb. sand bags I bought some colorful outdoor fabric and made a type of pillow case to cover the sand bags.
463208
have only used cold. We use it mostly on our motorcycles. We have forgotten to empty and when doing it the next day the ice is still in it. It also has a nice handle.
611891
I just filled the reservoir on bottom until it started flowing out then stop..beforehand tho I put a lil antifreeze in there to prevent freezing in the winter time
540878
I freeze water in a large round ice cream bucket and then run some water over it and the Ice block slips right out and plops into the critter cooler. I keep mine outside too, and refill about every 4 to 5 days. I love it.
1720989
I have not tried to freeze it. Freezing water makes it expand and could crack it. Your question is a good one. It would be nice to have cold water. The mfg should know the answer.
1423435
I just drain it. It does end up getting snow melt and snow in it during the winter, and i'm sure it does freeze that way......but it hasn't cracked on me yet, there must be enough stretch to it.
1124991
I leave mine on our boat all winter and it still works. It's a gel so maybe it doesn't freeze.
825012
It's a 2 man job to get it out of the pool and we won't be taking the sand out.we store it in the basement. Hope this helps. We live in Pennsylvania so it freezes. We had a ladder with sand before and we kept it in all winter for 25 years and had no problem but we paid a lot of money for these steps so we want to make sure they last!
1257010
You have to add either your own sand or water - no both. Use a funnel to fill it.
1694342
No you do have to fill it. I suggest water. Sand is a little messy. Yes,it is adjustable. It is a great product.
333995
Hello and good morning, I have two different styles one for summer (this one)and a heated base one. I really think it would chip or shatter with a freeze. Hope this helps! good luck
2212926
That's a two part answer! It is heavy duty, not really. However if you are talking about being able to get the snow off, then it works perfectly. Snow is not the problem. The issue is if there is wet snow, sleet or rain. When water gets between the material and the car or wind shield, it will freeze there. At that point you have a greater chance for the material to rip. I have found that if you take a warm cup of water and pour it over the spots that have frozen, then you are in good shape and it will come off easier. Simply, if you know that it will just snow, then use it! You'll have no issues. If it is any other type of precipitation, then use with caution or use the warm water trick. Overall, it works for me and I am happy with it.
1353551
Because water expands when frozen, avoid filling it to the top of the ice core. This allows the ice to expand as it forms & the water won't spill. This is acrylic, so at some point, it will form cracks.
416099
Yes ive used it on snow and its great ,but i cant help you with the sand question i havent had it long enough to try at the beach
2149419
I suppose you could put some antifreeze in it but to maintain a 50/50 mix like you're supposed to for proper protection would require a lot of antifreeze. $$$ Not only that, but when you are finished, you can't just drain the fluid onto the ground as antifreeze needs to be reclaimed properly. But as the other answer already stated, you don't need to worry about freezing as the product is designed to accommodate the ice. For me, I prefer the ice as the liquid no longer sloshes around. You just want to try to get it to freeze flat by not parking on a sloped driveway during freezing, otherwise it will form a wedge that makes it a little awkward for trying to put things on top of it while it is frozen. I suppose you could put some antifreeze in it but to maintain a 50/50 mix like you're supposed to for proper protection would require a lot of antifreeze. $$$ Not only that, but when you are finished, you can't just drain the fluid onto the ground as antifreeze needs to be reclaimed properly. But as the other answer already stated, you don't need to worry about freezing as the product is designed to accommodate the ice. For me, I prefer the ice as the liquid no longer sloshes around. You just want to try to get it to freeze flat by not parking on a sloped driveway during freezing, otherwise... » Read More I suppose you could put some antifreeze in it but to maintain a 50/50 mix like you're supposed to for proper protection would require a lot of antifreeze. $$$ Not only that, but when you are finished, you can't just drain the fluid onto the ground as antifreeze needs to be reclaimed properly. But as the other answer already stated, you don't need to worry about freezing as the product is designed to accommodate the ice. For me, I prefer the ice as the liquid no longer sloshes around. You just want to try to get it to freeze flat by not parking on a sloped driveway during freezing, otherwise it will form a wedge that makes it a little awkward for trying to put things on top of it while it is frozen. « Show Less
1310420
I haven't done it, but my best guess is you shouldn't freeze it. The plastic is very hard and inflexible, and freezing water expands. Having said that, I should add that I've dropped mine (full and empty) several times onto hard surfaces without damage.
306732
Yes a full stick and just fill Coldwater a quarter to a third in the bottom and it'll keep for days in the summer maybe you have to do it every other day but don't worry about touching the water that's not the point of it good luck I love mine