Build Your Own Backyard Skating Rink!

Ice skating is one of the most popular winter activities for families. Gliding across a frozen pond with the ice below your feet, then gathering togetehr for hot chocolate afterwards is a great way to celebrate winter and the holiday season.nnPortable or artificial backyard ice skating rinks were designed as a solution to unsafe ice skating conditions in private ponds and to the lack of quality ice rinks nearby. Home owners and businesses can have their own backyard or private property ice rink within hours with easy, simple, quick installation. Anyone can install a backyard ice skating rink, prolonging the skating season. When the weather gets warmer than 32 degrees F, if a thaw occurs, or in case of rain, the basin of these rinks will hold water.nnBackyard ice skating rinks can be owned and enjoyed by anyone who lives in any area of the country where the weather dips below 32 degrees F for at least three days. This amount of time is required to allow the water to fully freeze and provide at least one afternoon for the enjoyment of skating. Any backyard or private property can be transformed into a rink for hockey practice, skating, or parties. Most backyard ice skating rinks are easy to assemble without any tools or special skills. nnSince most properties are not perfectly level, backyard ice skating rinks are designed to accommodate up to 18\" of grade differences. Likewise, the total area depends primarily upon the needs of the customer. Some manufacturing companies can customize a skating rink to as large as desired, while others offer rinks at designated size ranges.nnMany people worry that a backyard rink won\'t work at their home because the ground isn\'t level. Portable rink manufacturers have planned for this, and make kits that accomodate grading differences up to 2\'. nnWhen it comes to keeping the ice smooth and even, there are many tools that can be used. The most popular is the rink rake, available from most rink manufacturers. This tool smooths away old snow and ice while laying water from a regular garden hose. Of course, for those of you dying to have your own Zamboni, miniature models are available.nnPrices can vary depending on size, manufacturer, quality, and depth. The average price for a backyard ice skating rink runs between $120 and $200. In addition, some of the higher priced models offer customers a warranty against UV ray damage, defects, or damage caused by normal use. nnWhen compared to taking the whole family to a local rink, these backyard skating rinks are actually a bargain. They can be used everyday for the entire season, year after year, making them a great investment in affordable family fun.