When the weather is great, and there are many outdoor activities to choose from, it is simple to develop activities for the children. However, the winter months might be more challenging. This may be the year to experience the pleasures of ice rink construction. With a few simple materials and some know-how, you can change your backyard into a place where the whole family can have fun. If you have a local rink, you will not have to travel far to skate. Here are some guidelines for building a backyard ice rink.
Consider Constructing a Classic Rink
Maintaining a backyard ice rink’s surface to be smooth and ready for skating will require ongoing maintenance. If you dread clearing snow from your driveway, remember that your ice rink will require shoveling after each snowfall. If this is your first time constructing a backyard rink, you can keep things simple by constructing it traditionally. You won’t need a tarp or a plastic liner; simply wait for constant temperatures below freezing, pack down the snow with your feet until you obtain the desired rink shape and size, then flood the surface with water from a bulk water delivery service and allow it to freeze.
Choose the Best Place
establishing the yard’s slope is the most crucial phase in rink construction. Before placing your boards, you must determine the water line. Otherwise, water may wash over one end of the rink while the opposite end of the tarp remains dry. The lower end of your yard will require higher boards to compensate for the slope.
All ice rinks must have a readily available water source that will not freeze and cause damage to the faucets and pipes. If you intend to use your outside faucet, turn the water off and on at the shut-off valve and allow the faucet to drain to prevent freezing. Connecting a hose to an interior faucet is another method. To prevent the hose from being plugged into ice, bring it inside.
You may illuminate the ice rink to enjoy it later, as winter evenings fall quickly. You might simply turn on your existing outdoor lighting, but if you’re playing hockey, you’ll want to avoid shadows that could obscure the puck.
Construct a Strong Frame
Most builders of backyard ice rinks begin in late November or early December, before the ground freezes, to make driving in the frame’s pegs easier. Think of a backyard rink as a temporary above-ground pool. All that is necessary is a frame, frame-supporting brackets, and a liner to keep the water in.
You can use either plywood or wood for the frame. Plywood is less expensive and more manageable than solid wood, but it does not last as long. Due to the weight of the lumber, additional off-season storage space is required. The boards need to be supported by brackets that can be staked into the ground. You can purchase prefabricated brackets for backyard rinks or save money by constructing them yourself.
Once your boards are in place, and the brackets are firmly attached to the ground, you must wait for consistently cold weather before installing your liner and filling your frame with water. Dark liners can absorb the sun’s heat and cause the ice to melt.
Make Fantastic Ice
When two consecutive days of freezing temperatures are predicted, it is time to fill your rink. Fill the rink immediately to ensure a level surface. Layering the ice can lead to an uneven surface that can damage your liner. After 8 to 10 cm of firm ice, you can begin skating.
Regularly Maintain Your Rink
Clear your rink of snow after each snowstorm. Long-term accumulation of snow can result in bumps and irregularities. Once the ice has been cleaned of snow and skating for the day has concluded, a thin layer of water should be poured over it. This will freeze overnight, leaving you with a flat and smooth surface.
Conclusion
You can spend the winter ice skating in your backyard with minimal effort and materials. Home ice rink kits are available, but they can be costly. Simply adhere to the instructions above, and you and your family will have a functional ice rink in no time. It is not as difficult as you may believe. The only requirements are space, patience, and frigid temperatures.
