For hockey enthusiasts, having a backyard ice rink is the perfect way to sharpen skills, get extra practice, and enjoy the winter season without leaving home. Setting up an ice rink might seem like a complex task, but with the right planning and equipment, it’s a manageable project that can bring hours of enjoyment. Whether you’re creating it for kids or adults, a backyard rink allows for convenience and fun all season long. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to build your own backyard rink, making it the ultimate hockey practice spot.
Choosing the Right Location
The first step in setting up a backyard ice rink is selecting the ideal location. Your rink should be on a flat, level surface to ensure even ice. A slight slope can cause water to pool unevenly, leading to bumpy or sloped ice that’s hard to skate on. Look for an open area that gets plenty of shade throughout the day; sunlight can cause the ice to melt unevenly. Avoid areas with trees nearby, as falling leaves and branches can damage the surface. If possible, try to place the rink near a water source for easy flooding and maintenance.
Frame and Liner Construction
Once you’ve found the right spot, you’ll need to create a frame to contain the water and form the rink. Start by measuring and marking the size of your rink. Most backyard rinks are between 20 to 40 feet wide and 40 to 80 feet long, but you can adjust the dimensions based on your space. Use wooden boards to construct the frame, ensuring they are tall enough to hold several inches of water. After building the frame, line the entire surface with a heavy-duty plastic liner. The liner is essential for holding the water and preventing leaks, so invest in a high-quality liner that can withstand freezing temperatures.
Flooding the Rink
Flooding is the most important part of creating smooth, skateable ice. Begin by filling the rink with a shallow layer of water, about two to three inches deep. Allow this layer to freeze completely before adding more water. It’s crucial to flood in stages, adding water gradually to avoid cracks or air pockets forming in the ice. Be patient and let each layer freeze solid before applying the next. For the best results, flood the rink on nights when the temperature is well below freezing. Using a garden hose or a custom-built flooding tool, carefully add water until the ice reaches your desired thickness—typically six to eight inches.
Maintaining the Ice
Once your rink is set, maintaining the ice is key to keeping it smooth and playable. Regularly shovel snow off the surface to prevent it from melting into slush and refreezing unevenly. After each use, consider flooding the rink with a thin layer of water to fill in skate marks and smooth out rough patches. On particularly cold nights, light flooding can help maintain a glass-like surface. Some backyard rink owners create their own homemade “Zambonis” by attaching a towel to a PVC pipe, allowing water to be spread evenly over the ice for resurfacing.
Adding the Hockey Touch
Now that the ice is ready, it’s time to set up your hockey practice area. Simple features like lightweight goals, nets, and a puck rebounder can turn your backyard rink into a true hockey training zone. For nighttime practice, install outdoor lights around the rink to keep the area well-lit and safe. If you’re practicing with kids, using foam pucks or beginner sticks can help them improve their skills in a fun and safe environment. With everything in place, your backyard rink will provide countless opportunities for hockey drills, scrimmages, and family fun.
Conclusion
Building a backyard ice rink for hockey practice is a rewarding project that provides endless winter entertainment and valuable practice time. From selecting the right location to maintaining the ice throughout the season, each step plays an important role in creating a smooth and durable rink. With the proper setup, your backyard can become the perfect place to hone hockey skills, engage in friendly games, or simply enjoy skating under the winter sky. Embrace the winter fun and make the most of the snowy season by transforming your outdoor space into a personal hockey haven.