Your Ultimate Guide to Building a Backyard Ice Rink
Building a backyard ice rink is a fantastic family project that creates lasting winter memories. With our Geo Ice Rink Liners, creating a safe, fun, and affordable skating surface is easier than you think. This guide will walk you through every step, from initial setup to end-of-season disassembly.
Section 1: Planning and Preparation
Before you begin, a little planning goes a long way. Gather your materials and prepare your site to ensure a smooth installation process.
Required Equipment & Materials
Tools:
- Hammer or Sledgehammer
- Power Drill & Screwdriver
- Tape Measure
- Rake
- Snow Shovel & Broom
Materials:
- String
- Side Boards (at least 8" high)
- Stakes (wood or metal)
- Screws or Nails
- Your Geo Ice Rink Liner
- A Water Source
Site Requirements
Your chosen location must be as level as possible. A sloped surface will result in uneven ice depth and can put too much pressure on one side of your frame. Take time to level the ground before you start building.
Section 2: Building Your Rink Frame and Installing the Liner
Follow these steps to construct your rink and lay the foundation for perfect ice.
Step 1: Prepare the Ground
- Clearly define the location for your rink.
- Thoroughly inspect the area and remove any rocks, sticks, or sharp objects that could puncture the liner.
- Rake the ground to create a smooth, level surface.
Step 2: Mark Your Dimensions
- Use string to mark the exact perimeter of your rink.
- Measure the width and length to confirm your final dimensions and ensure your liner and boards will fit correctly.
Step 3: Construct the Rink Frame
- Lay your side boards around the perimeter of the marked area.
- Turn the boards up on their edges and fasten them together at the corners using screws or nails. You can use smaller wood blocks on the outside of the joints for added stability.
- Drive stakes into the ground every few feet along the outside of the boards. These stakes will support the frame against the pressure of the water.
- Ensure the tops of the stakes are level with or lower than the height of the side boards to avoid puncturing the liner.
Step 4: Install the Geo Ice Rink Liner
- Important: Do not unfold your liner until you are ready to start filling it with water.
- Carefully lay the liner inside the frame, allowing it to drape over the side boards.
- Make sure the liner extends evenly over all sides, with an overhang of 3 to 5 feet beyond the frame.
- Smooth out as many wrinkles as possible on the base of the rink.
- Secure the liner to the top edge of the side boards using a staple gun or small nails.
Step 5: Fill with Water
- With the liner in place, begin filling the rink. You can do this over several hours or let the water run continuously.
- Fill the rink to a minimum depth of two inches.
- Depending on the temperature, it may take several days for the water to freeze completely solid.
Section 3: Maintaining Your Backyard Rink
Proper maintenance will keep your ice smooth and ready for skating all season long.
Daily Maintenance
- Use a broom to clear snow, leaves, and other debris from the ice surface.
- After an hour or two of skating, broom the surface to remove ice shavings and keep it clean.
Resurfacing for a Smooth Finish
- Inevitably, skate blades will create grooves and chips in the ice. To get a glass-smooth surface again, you will need to resurface the rink.
- For best results, resurface with hot water during the coldest part of the day, after all skating is done.
- If bumps or high spots develop, use hot water to melt the area and smooth it level with a metal trowel.
Section 4: Disassembling Your Rink
When the weather warms and the ice begins to melt, it’s time to take down your rink.
- Drain the Water: Carefully create small openings in the liner at a low point to allow water to drain gradually.
- Disassemble the Frame: Once the rink is completely empty and dry, take apart the frame. Organize your materials so you can easily reuse them next season.
- Remove the Liner: To prevent damage to the grass underneath, be sure to remove the liner as soon as possible. A liner left on a lawn for too long in warm weather can harm the grass.
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