FAQ: How To Make An Ice Rink?

Can you build an ice rink at home?

That’s right, you can build a backyard ice rink! Don’t worry, advanced degrees in engineering are not a prerequisite; this is a simpler project than it seems, with just three steps from start to finish.

How much does it cost to build a backyard ice rink?

Rink Project Factors. The price tag for the convenience of an ice rink in your backyard ranges from about $550 to $20,000 or more.

How thick should ice be for backyard rink?

A backyard ice rink doesn’t have to freeze solid to skate. Usually 4” of ice is enough to go ahead and skate.

Will a backyard ice rink kill my grass?

Good news: it doesn’t have to be a choice between the two; having a rink doesn’t guarantee dead grass. In fact, a correctly-built rink means that your grass lives to see another summer!

Can you build an ice rink over a pool?

Technically, Yes You Can Yes, but with some major caveats. First, aboveground pools make for very dangerous and ill-advised ice rinks, if only for the simple reason that skaters are likely to topple right off their new backyard ice rink.

Do ice rinks have good ventilation?

All recreational facilities including ice arenas should use good ventilation practices especially when children are present. It is critical that indoor air quality is protected particularly when using fuel-burning equipment such as ice resurfacers indoors.

How do I keep my backyard ice rink frozen?

To keep the ice cold enough for skaters, the rink uses a minus-5-degree chiller, which is essentially a very large refrigerator that runs for 24 hours a day. “It’s the machine that keeps the ice frozen,” said Rachel Radawec, placemaking and community engagement manager for the Tampa Downtown Partnership.

Do ice rinks make money?

That money can come from wealthy investors, non-profit organizations or taxpayers. Only rarely does it come from actual profits generated by operation of the rink. There are profitable rinks, but they are few and far between. There is one common thread among profitable rinks.

Can you use a blue tarp for an ice rink?

There are a two reasons that tarp color can influence the quality of your ice rink. First, the darker the color, the more sunlight it absorbs. This can cause your rink to melt on sunnier days. Second, typical blue and green tarps you would find at a sporting goods store are known to damage grass beyond repair.

Can you use a tarp for an ice rink?

Typically, rink tarps are very suitable for backyard ice rinks. They are made from a medium- or heavy-duty form of plastic – polyethylene, or simply ‘poly’. Apply your rink tarp up and around your rink boards.

Is Zamboni water hot or cold?

The machine dispenses warm water (140 to 145 degrees F or 60 to 63 degrees C) through holes at the back, where a towel smoothes it as it freezes along the surface [sources: Exploratorium, Zamboni].