Autumn is a wonderful season of change. The leaves change their colors and fall, leaving behind bare trees, and warm summer breezes turn quickly into chill winds that announce the coming of winter. While the fall is a perfect time to try pumpkin-flavored everything, it is also the perfect time to prepare your backyard for a backyard skating rink. Nothing transforms a Chicago home in the winter quite like a backyard ice rink, and if you’re ready to really enjoy your winter without sacrificing the use of your outdoor space, a backyard skating rink is just the thing for you! However, you can’t just wait for the first snow of the year to set up your winter wonderland – you have to plan ahead! Here are some of the steps you can take to prepare your yard for a backyard ice rink.
The ice skating rinks from Supreme Sports of Chicago are custom-designed and built to meet your needs. Whether it is just for fun, or a training tool for your Player, we can build it!
The components of the rink are purchased in the first year, but completely reusable for years after that. You can have us install the rink for you, or if you prefer, you can use our DIY backyard ice skating rink kits to build it yourself. If you go the do-it-yourself route, you will first need to make sure that the space where you intend to place your rink is level. If possible, make the ground in your yard as flat as possible in that spot where the rink will be located.
You must determine the slope of your yard in order to determine your rink’s size, how tall your back boards will need to be, which kind of bracing you will need, the size of liner that you will need and how much water it will take to create your ideal skating surface. To determine how level your yard is, follow these steps: (you can also contact us for a much easier method)
- Using stakes, map out your ice rink on the most level area of your yard. Be sure that the area where you plan for your rink to go is not over a septic tank, has access to lighting and a spigot and is moderately close to the home. Visually assess the area where the rink will be built. The first stake you should place when mapping out your rink will be located on the highest corner of the rink. Use a tape measure to create a square or rectangle with the stakes, using the stake you just placed in the high corner as a guide.
- Using a spool of string, tie a knot on the stake in the highest corner that is about 4” off the ground. The string will simulate the water level at the highest point of the rink.
- Holding the spool of string attach a string line level and walk to each of the other stakes and pull the string taut against the stake so that there is no slack in the line. Tie off and make sure the line bubble is level. Use a pencil to take that point on the stake and measure the distance from the ground to that line. The lowest measurement recorded will be your low spot in the rink; the highest will be your deep end. The ideal slope should be no greater than 14” from one end of the rink to another. If the slope is greater, Please do not attempt the build without consulting us first. You could have a blow out and loose all your water!
- Use the stakes to determine the size of the backing you will need. If you are not sure which size you will need, you can give us a call and we can help. We sell boards in sizes of 12”, 16”, 24” and 4”. After you determine the perimeter measurements of your rink, add 8′ to the length and width of the rink to determine the size of liner that you will need.
When your skating rink has been plotted, you can assemble the boards, brackets and board padding. At this point, the space will resemble the skeletal frame for a backyard ice rink. Place the new ice rink liner inside the rink. Once unfolded, make sure that you do not catch the liner on a corner if you adjust. It can tear it. Not the end of the world. We include a roll of patch tape with every kit. Once the liner is square and tucked into place, put bumper caps on and START FLOODING. Do not leave the liner in place with out water. You need to water weight to hold it in place. Make sure not to overfill. The last area to fill (highest part of the rink) You only want 3″-4″ of water.
Next, prepare the area around the rink. In order to get the most out of your outdoor space, consider adding a fire pit or outdoor heater, benches, a barbecue grill, tiki torches and a designated space to remove snow gear.
Supreme Sports Chicago wants to make playing the winter sports you love a matter of convenience, and nobody does it better than us. We started the backyard ice rink trend in 1992 and have been building ever since. We also are one of few companies that offer less expensive alternatives for simple rink kits. For a free estimate on one of our custom backyard ice skating rinks, please call 630-762-1273 or contact us online.
