Tarp Ballast

We use concrete blocks and sometimes the sprinkler head that we've got for watering the infield. We've used the sandbags before, but like you said, they break down too easily. Right now the side of our dugout has a bunch of sandbags the are falling apart.

Have you considered using tent spikes or something similar? While you run the risk of forgetting them on the field (not a good idea ) those are something cheap that may do the job..

We used tires, we have several stations set up with 3 poles from the ground that hold the tires together, that were used for hitting deills and when it rains, we just took them off the poles to weight the tarps down.

I have seen folks use like 4 inch PVC pipes and cut them about 1 1/2 foot lengths, drill holes on both ends to put in PVC rope handles to carry them by, and fill them with quick dry concrete. Fairly cheep but they worked and lasted in all weather conditions...

We purchased cheap 3" discharge hose (roll flat), cut into 3' lengths, folded one end over and used 3 stainless pop rivets to close, filled with sand then folded the other end and used 3 more pop rivets to close. They are very strong and do not damage the tarps and should last a long time.

I've been saving up the big detergen bottles with the handles. Thought I'd try filling them up with sand/gravel and using them. Any thoughts?

PVC pipe filled with whatever you want and capped on both ends.