How to Build a Backyard Ice Rink
Whether it’s for a nice game of hockey, or because you want learn how to figure skate, having an ice rink at your backyard is a good idea. It’s convenient, easy-to-make and it’ll keep you happy and entertained throughout the cold season. Here’s how to build a backyard ice rink.
What You’ll Need:
Space for your rink
PVC pipe
Water
Tarp
Tape measure
Heavy duty sealant
Garden hose
Procedure:
Plan where you’re going to position the rink. You need to do an evaluation of the available space in your yard, and figure out the safest spot. A large, flat part of your lawn, with no obstructions and no rocks is a good choice. Small rocks are covered by ice, but if there are large ones, more than two inches big or so, it can be dangerous for you. Remove the rocks. Afterwards, measure the rink’s diameter using your tape measure.
Buy the materials you need. Ice skating rink kits can cost you a lot of money, so better pick out the materials for yourself. For this guide, you’ll only need large vinyl tarps that fit the area of your rink and PVC pipes that are at least two inches tall. They should fit the diameter measurement you took earlier.
Get the tarp, and lay it down on the area where you plan to have the skating rink.
Form the PVC pipe over your tarp. When you finish, the shape of the PVC pipes’ layout will be the shape of the rink once it forms over the tarp.
Leave at least an inch of tarp outside the PVC pipes. Then, cut away the excess tarp. Bond or glue the tarp to the outside of the pipes using a heavy duty sealant. The sealant you use must adhere to winter conditions. Glue the edge of the tarp over the PVC pipe, as if covering it. This is so that no water will escape, in case the ice melts.
Fill the entire surface with water, using your garden hose. The water level should reach a 1 1/2 inch level only. Remember, water can expand when it freezes.
Let mother nature do her work. The cold season will make the water frost. Depending on the temperature, this can take overnight or at least two days.
Skate and have fun!
Making your own ice rink at your backyard is a wonderful idea. Turn it into a family activity, and you’ll have lots of fun even before the rink is all set up.