I have the cove and the foam bottom on mine, the first time I didn't, and I happen to like the feel of my bottom better with it. The sand tended to get footprints in it and the foam does not. The rigid pink or blue insulation foam would probably get footprints in it also. I would recommend against that personally as it cracks and dents easily. But I am sure that the foam can be had for cheap if you were to get it for packaging purposes, especially if you got it direct from the manufacturer.