Synthetic Ice Installation & Maintenance

The Great Equalizer

Synthetic ice has been the great equalizer when it comes to access to ice skating.

It can be placed anywhere, and indeed, homes and businesses across the country are creating their own ice-skating experiences that can be enjoyed all year round.

You wouldn’t have expected to see enthusiasts gliding on ice at the height of summer, yet, as the New York Times profile of some of the most exciting new rinks in NYC shows, rooftop ice skating parties are in vogue.

Furthermore, innovations in synthetic ice by companies like PolyGlide Ice have brought the artificial skating experience closer to water-based ice than ever before.

There is one hazard with homemade and amateur setups and indeed larger synthetic setups – and that’s cleaning.

Veterans of the industry will have extensive experience in the management and maintenance of their rinks.

That experience lends itself to noticing the signs of dirt or wear and tear, at the first instance.

In particular, water ice management requires constant and careful management to maintain the surface – something that isn’t as present in synthetic ice.

Hygiene and maintenance are an important part of operating any form of rink, and especially so if you intend to have friends come and enjoy ice-skating with you.

However, keeping them safe and healthy requires a little planning.

 

The Advantages

Of course, there are certain advantages to synthetic ice that give you a head start on the health and safety front.

Real ice, in that it’s water-based, presents a significant number of challenges purely due to its nature.

Some obvious problems, like slips, trips and falls, are exacerbated by the natural deterioration of ice as skates ride over it and reduce friction on the ice; cleaning away this slush, or draining it as water, is part of a daily challenge.

This is something synthetic ice rinks can skip entirely.

Furthermore, the water itself runs the risk of carrying diseases and bugs that can potentially impact general health.

Making a real ice rink a sanitary environment can be very difficult, especially when fluctuations in the climate control occur.

Slight changes in humidity control create problems, and, furthermore, the use of gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide to sustain the ice can impact spectators.

One British Medical Journal article expressed concerns over the long-term impact on ice rink spectators for this reason, especially in enclosed environments.

The Main Risks

All of the moving parts associated with water maintenance are removed when it comes to synthetic ice.

However, there are several new factors that come into play.

Operators of synthetic ice are concerned with three main things:

1. -          Accumulated surface shavings from the skating boot.
2. -          Residue from panel conditioners.
3. -          General dirt and wear and tear.

These are relatively easy to remove but they do require careful monitoring.

Neglect of any one factor can lead to further issues down the line.

Of these, surface shavings can be the most problematic.

Reducing Surface Ruts and Scratches

Over time, regular skating on synthetic ice can lead to surface ruts and scratches caused by the sharp edges of skate blades.

These imperfections, if left unchecked, can disrupt the smoothness of the surface and affect skating performance.

To maintain an optimal skating experience, it's important to regularly address these issues.

One effective method is to use a standard floor scraper to gently remove any raised plastic caused by these surface scratches.

By carefully running the scraper over the affected areas, you can level out the surface, eliminating ruts and ensuring a consistently smooth glide.

Regular maintenance with a floor scraper not only prolongs the life of your synthetic ice but also enhances the overall skating experience.

Cleaning Surface Shavings

Every time a boot skates across the ice, it will kick up some amount of matter from the synthetic ice tiles, even given the hardness.

These are only minuscule amounts, but they accumulate over time and will have an impact both on the safety of the rink and the amount of fun that people can have.

Anything that impacts on the contact between the boot and the tile will, after all, result in a change in exactly how the skating is experienced.

Managing this is, thankfully, quite simple – sweeping.

Using a soft-bristle broom simply brushing aside the light shavings from the rink will help to keep it safe, slick and fit for use.

Note that all shavings can be disposed of with your recyclables so you may want to keep a small container near your rink for this purpose. 

Cleaning up with Conditioner

Over time the surface of the tile will start to scratch-up from the skate blades..

That’s a testament to the fun times spent on the ice and isn’t something to worry about.

PolyGlide Ice offers a “Slip” Surface Conditioner to be applied when cleaning, regardless of whether the tile is infused or non-infused, to help maximize the performance of the surface. (See video)

Simply mix with water and spray on the surface with a hand pump sprayer or cordless electric buffer to keep your surface clean and slippery!

So it’s imperative that this is checked afterwards for both infusion and for the durability of the tile after treatment.

Any residual liquid does need to be cleaned afterwards, however.

This can be achieved by simply moving the water off the rink and into troughs for collection or using a device such as a Vax.

Just be careful, again, that you are using materials that can’t damage the surface of the tile – this will create more problems in the long term.

Dirt, Wear and Tear

There will, of course, be dirt built up on the rink. This is inevitable of anything seeing regular human use.

There are fine bits of dirt on everyone, and the tiles make a good environment on which to cling and build up.

Similarly, trips and falls are part and parcel of skating, as are the occasional scratch or bruise, and so there’s always the potential for scuff marks on the ice.

Just as residual chemicals must be cleaned up, so must dirt.

Noticeable patches will give your rink a shoddy appearance and will also have the impact of reducing ease of movement across the tile.

Wear and tear also require attention – there is the potential for deeper gouges to be cut into the tile, and these must be remedied in order to maintain safe operation.

Of course, synthetic ice still provides advantages for the owner over the water-based alternative.

A Columbia Material Science and Engineering Overview report recongnizes the synthetic ice indistry as rapidly growing sector in future technologies.

If there’s a large amount of dirt to contend with, using a synthetic ice cleaning machine is easier and safer than conducting the same work on ice, which can easily be damaged by the brushes and chemicals used.

Synthetic ice is simply more hard wearing than natural.

Reaping the Rewards

The benefits of maintaining synthetic ice are clear to see.

According to an article by Interesting Engineering, "The goal of any synthetic ice is to have the lowest friction coefficient, or "gliding degree", and to have good grip (on the surface") which will result in better performance for every person on the ice.

Tricks can also make it appear and feel cleaner; for instance, mixing Dawn into the cleaning solution can provide a blue tint that gives it that super wintery feel.

There’s also the matter of environmental impact.

Climate change is a fact of life for every single individual, including those operating ice rinks.

So how ice-skaters can reduce their ecological impact, and whether synthetic rinks play into that is an important factor in developing and maintaining artificial rinks.

Maintaining Problematic Ice

Consider what it takes to maintain an ice rink.

First, water is required to freeze the surface.

Then, to maintain the freezing atmosphere rinks demand, a combination of carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter-based aerosols are used to support the atmosphere.

Similarly, the Zamboni rink surfacers responsible for resurfacing ice rinks also contribute large amounts of greenhouse gases.

As Inhabitat highlights, all of these factors contribute to a fairly serious environmental impact when it comes to ice rinks.

Furthermore, Inhabitat also notes the wide range of chemicals used to maintain the ice.

Ammonia and brine are commonly used concurrently to maintain ice temperature; the former is a big contributor to emissions, and the latter can cause untold environmental damage when improperly controlled.

More rink operators are moving to ethylene glycol, but this comes with toxic properties, too.

All of these substances risk entering the ecosystem when cleaning is undertaken, and even small emissions will, over time, contribute to significant environmental impact.

Synthetic ice is largely sourced from plastics, and this means there aren’t the same volume of gases being pumped out in order to maintain it, nor the water and chemical requirements.

However, the impact of plastics on the planet is well understood, from the emissions created by the production cycle through to the byproducts of cleaning.

So how can synthetic rink owners mitigate this risk?

 

 Improving Your Process

Keeping the quality of your rink up to scratch is best achieved through regular cleaning.

However, it’s far too easy to discount the impact of plastic and chemical-based shavings when combined with water overflow.

Minimizing plastic flows into water is an important task; according to the Natural History Museum, London, between 5.2 and 14 million tons of plastic enters the journal every year, much of it microplastics.

Synthetic rinks have an important role to play in reducing this burden.

For indoor properties, the most important step is to separate out cleaning tasks.

Brush your surfaces to remove dirt, residual plastics and shavings, and then bag them up; you can use a conventional vacuum cleaner for this, too, either by sweeping and then collecting or by vacuming the entire surface.

If you do, just be careful not to damage the surface; be gentle with the vacume..

Outdoors, it’s a little tricker. If your rink is not properly bounded, you can easily end up scattering residue into the natural environment or washing it over during cleaning.

The best way to mitigate this risk is to install a rink cover when not in use to ensure very little can escape.

If that’s not possible, consider cleaning from the outside in, to minimize the level of particulates being spread.

Minimizing Water Use

According to the EPA, American homes waste 900 billion gallons of water every year nationwide – that’s roughly 300 washing loads, per week, per household.

Part of being a responsible house owner is keeping that number down.

As ice-skating enthusiasts, you’ll already have made a significant improvement by eschewing water-based ice for synthetic surfaces, but there’s always more to be done.

One important way is by minimizing the amount of water used when cleaning.

Aside from resurfacing, which has a specific demand for the conditioner/water balance, it would help if you looked to be economical with water usage.

Clean in an organized manner, rather than simply blanketing the surface with water.

You’ll do a better job of keeping particulates controlled this way, and you’ll minimize your water usage.

How Cleaning Machines Help

A cleaning machine provides two key functions – it can remove surface shavings, and it can wash.

This kills two birds with one stone when it comes to cleaning your synthetic ice surface and in helping to save the environment.

The vacuming action, especially if used with a HEPA filter, will effectively remove particulates from the synthetic ice and ensure that the surface is properly fit for skating once again.

Secondly, the washing action of rink cleaning machines will be more exact than handwashing.

Being able to control the amount of water and detergent, and indeed conditioner for resurfacing, will minimize waste and also reduce the chance of any residual water being left on the surface that could, at a later time, impact your experience of the ice rink and create dangerous slicks.

Conclusion

Synthetic ice has significantly closed the gap when compared with the water-based alternative nowadays.

The experience that can be enjoyed by skating on plastic-based tiles is being enjoyed more and more worldwide, and that’s good news.

With the scalability of synthetic rinks, the experience is being opened to a wider range than ever before, too – who would have thought skating under tropical temperatures would ever have been possible?

Synthetic ice has the maintenance and ecological safety edge on its predecessor, too – if managed properly.

So when you invest in synthetic ice, make sure that you invest in proper maintenance and cleaning protocols at the same time.

This will ensure you can safely enjoy the ice, allow it to perform to its best potential, and finally provide the planet with a little breathing space.

 

Synthetic ice surfaces are no different than any other flooring products with the exception that you can ice skate on it after you've completed your synthteic ice installation. 

With this I mean that in order to install any typical flooring product such as ceramic tiles, hardwood flooring, flooring laminates or linoleum you must have a firm and flat sub-floor. 

This will help insure that your synthetic ice panels lay flat and the connections are virtually seamless.

Be sure to thoroughly clean your sub-surface area free of debris before installing your synthetic ice panels. 

If you plan on installing your ice on concrete flooring be sure to check for flatness first with a straight edge. 

Remember that concrete is not a manufactured sub-surface and any sudden dip or deviation can cause your panels to lift or “bounce”.

Should you have any issues with your concrete one easy solution is to lay down a DriCore plywood underlayment to even out the sloping before installing your synthetic ice. 

First test out the area by installing a few panels to check for flatness. 

If you are installing a larger outdoor surface that will be exposed to the elements a polymer tarp or underlayment can help with expansion.

This will also help prevent any buckling or raised edges on your surface by implementing this step before starting your synthetic ice installation.

 

 

1. Surface Solutions

Synthetic ice rinks can be installed virtually anywhere, anyplace at anytime and because of the cost of refrigerated natural ice, it truly is the ultimate green product substitute and the next best thing.

That being said, we included a quick few ideas here on how you can prep any outdoor space for your ice. 

Here’s a few quick outdoor solutions that will provide an adequate sub-floor for your synthetic ice installation:

Shed Deck (Wood)

Shed Deck - If you are considering installing your synthetic ice rink on grass or a slightly uneven surface you will need to install a sub-floor FIRST to make sure the subsurface is flat enough to support your rink. 

A simple way to achieve this is by constructing a "shed deck" by using exterior grade plywood on top of pressure-treated stringers. 

Using manufactured pressure-treated sheeting or similar flat materials will provide a good base for your rink surface.

 

 

Temporary Flooring (Plastic)

FastDeck – There are many different types of snap-together temporary event surfaces you can consider.

FastDeck temporary flooring has many applications, is strong yet still lightweight and easy to store. 

These polymer panels easily snap together with no need for tools or trained labor of any kind and can quickly be dissembled.

 

 

Staging (Metal)

Staging – In areas where extra provisions may need to be made (for example: Portable Staging over a swimming pool or open space) an aluminum or steel frame staging structure may the best solution. 

Of the three options this is clearly the most costly but may certainly makes sense if your rink project will be for an extended period of time not short term.

 

 

2. Expansion and Contraction Provisions

Much the same way flooring laminates require a gap around the perimeter synthetic ice must also be treated in the same way....like a "floating floor" that is allowed to expand and contract with temperature changes. 

To do this a slight gap must be made around the perimeter or outside edge of your rink.

Mechanical fasteners are NOT to be used to secure your ice in place as this will prevent expansion and contraction and stress out your surface.

 Making these provisions will help lessen stress on the surface especially on outdoor rinks in cold climate areas with large temperature "swings" between the night and day.

Dasher Boards

If you plan to install a Dasher Board System with your new rink it is advised not to install it on top of your surface as this could also restrict expansion.

Over the lifetime of the rink you may develop stress fractures by using this method and should be avoided when planning your synthetic ice installation.

here are many ways to create an expansion gap below the perimeter kickplate that creates a space for expansion and is virtually invisible.

Taking the time to “Pre-Plan” before beginning your rink project will pay off in the long term and help avoid unnecessary issues that otherwise may occur. 

Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions and ask questions if you’re not sure what is the best way to install your rink.

3. Preventive Maintenance

As with any outdoor backyard product preventive maintenace plays an importanant role in the longevity and upkeep of your synthteic ice rink. 

Sometimes season care is required for outdoor rinks depending on where you live and your surroundings.

Extreme Weather

One of the biggest enemies of synthetic ice is REAL ICE. 

During extreme cold weather freezing of the surface from ice build-up must be prevented.

A frozen rink will not be able to expand when temperatures rise which can stress-out the surface and can cause stress cracks over time if provisions are not made.

If the weather report calls for a heavy ice or snow storm when you know you will not be using your outdoor rink, it would be wise to cover or tarp your surface. 

Maintaining your rink over the long term, keeping it clean and allowing it to “breath” will insure it will maintain optimal glide and performance for many years to come.

 

 

 

4. Exposure

If you live in a region that is seasonal and have a rink that will be exposed to falling leaves this is the ideal time to keep your surface covered when not in use. 

Also, areas that may be exposed to sand or dust storms during different times of the year. 

A common sense approach with preventive maintenance will go a long way to keeping your rink in top shape while in use.

Tarp Options

When selected a tarp to cover your outdoor rink be sure to get one that is Poly Tarp protected from the UV sunlight. 

Also, you will want to opt for a light color or white tarp to help reflect the sun. 

Dark colored tarps will attract sunlight and create a greenhouse effect underneath the cover by raising the surface temperature.

This will expand your surface and could present issues for your connections or harbor a safe environment for mold to grow.

 

 

5. Cleaning Options

Synthetic ice rink maintenance is really no different than many types of flooring or hardwood surfaces in that it needs to be kept clean.

The main difference is the surface is white and dirt becomes more apparent over a shorter period of time. 

Here’s three basic cleaning methods and applications you may want to consider:

Hose Spray

When you start to see your panel connections (dovetail or tongue and groove) become more visible or pronounced, it’s probably time to hose it down. 

Don’t wait too long because it will only make the job that much more difficult. 

It won’t be long before you're able to ascertain how frequently you’ll need to clean your rink depending on the usage or traffic.

PH Neutral Soap

With an indoor rink you are limited to the amount of water you can use to clean your surface. 

To break-up the dirt apply a PH Neutral soap applied with a fine spray mist. 

Wipe clean with a flat micro-fiber mop until dry and repeat until the surface is clean.

Power-Washing

If you're guilty of neglecting your outdoor rink for a prolonged period of time and are in need of some immediate help, then power-washing is a perfectly fine option. 

Using a power washer is a great way to clean-up your rink "grout lines" at the connections and make your surface look new again. 

It's always a good idea to scrub-down your rink first to loosten the dirt before you start to powere-wash.

Conclusion

A little pre-installation planning will help make your rink project a successful one. 

Take out the time to consider all the costs and factors to make sure you limit the amount of potential issues that may arise before getting started.

The main thing is to be sure not to rush your installation, just follow these few simple guidelines and you’ll be happy you went the extra mile once you see your rink up and running!

Take a look at some of our most popular rink packages!

PolyGlide Ice - Home Ice Tiles

PolyGlide Ice - Pro-Glide Panels

 

Keep on Skating! 

Jim Loughran, PolyGlide Ice
www.polyglideice.com

 

Do you love ice skating but don't live near a rink?

Or maybe the weather is too hot or cold to enjoy a traditional ice skating session.

The ideal place to ice skate would be right in the comfort of your own home but how can you make that happen?

Have no fear, because with a little bit of work you can convert your garage (or any space) into a home synthetic ice skating rink!

Most skaters do not need a lot of space to train and advance their overall skills.

In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to make this happen.

Synthetic Ice

When most people think of ice skating, they picture a large rink with smooth, cold ice.

However, you can actually skate on many different types of surfaces.

Synthetic ice is made from special polymer material that is designed to replicate the feeling of real ice skating.

This material is often used in training facilities for figure skaters and hockey players because it provides a realistic skating experience.

The great thing about synthetic ice is that it can be used in any climate and doesn't require refrigeration like traditional ice rinks.

This means you can enjoy skating year-round in the comfort of your own home!

Plus setting up a home ice rink is much less expensive than building an outdoor rink.

Start with a Clean Slate

Well, it's finally time to get the garage cleaned out!

Something I think we all tend not to get too excited about.

First, you will need to motivate yourself to clean out the garage.

This may seem like a daunting task, but it's important to remember the result will be well worth it!

Plus, once you get started, it's not really as bad as it seems.

Set aside a day or two where you can focus on cleaning out the garage without any outside distractions.

Maybe utilize the time while you're working with a pair of headphones listening to some tunes or listening to an audible eBook that you've been putting off.

Next, you will need to gather some supplies.

A few trash bags, some old blankets or towels, and some cleaning supplies should do the trick.

Now it's time to start cleaning!

Begin by removing and emptying out all of the clutter from the garage.

This includes old toys, sports equipment, tools, and anything else that you no longer need or use.

You will need to clear out any shelving, bins, or other storage that is taking up space in your garage. 

This means getting rid of anything that you no longer need or use and have been hoarding.

If you haven't used something in over a year, chances are you don't need it.

So get rid of it and organize what's left!

Once the garage is completely cleared out, you can start sweeping and cleaning the floor.

Organize

Once you've gotten rid of all the unnecessary stuff, it's time to start organizing. 

You may want to consider investing in some plastic storage containers and bins so that you can keep the area organized.

This means putting things away and labeling them so you'll know where everything is when you need it which is the ultimate goal! 

You can also invest in some garage shelving to help utilize higher wall areas and spaces for storage.

The most important part of having a clean garage is to make sure it stays that way. 

This means taking the time to sweep and mop on a regular basis. 

You should also make sure to put away things after using them so they don't become cluttered again.

Measure your space

Once you have a cleared area, you can start measuring for your rink.

When measuring, be sure to allow space for your gear and a bench to put on your skates.

You will also want to leave some extra space around the perimeter of your rink so that skaters can move freely without fear of falling into anything.

Measurements are everything when it comes to installing a home synthetic ice rink.

You need to make sure that the space you are using is the correct size, or else you may find yourself with a rink that's too big or small.

It's important to know the purpose of your rink, who it's for and it's intended use.

That will help you determine the size of your rink to fit the space you have to work with.

Measure the length and width of the area where you plan to install your rink.

This is best done with a tape measure, but if you don't have one handy, you can always use a ruler or yardstick.

Area

To determine the total Area of space simply multiply Length X Width which will determine your total square footage.

For example:

• A typical empty 1-car garage measures 12ft wide by 22 feet deep = 264 square feet.
• A typical empty 2-car garage measures 20ft wide by 20 to 22 feet deep = 400-440 square feet.

Your total square footage equals the total area of floor space that you have available.

You would then need to subtract the square footage of the floor space that has been dedicated for storage to get a better dea of the overall available floor space.

Obviously ovehead bins or storage above 7-feet would not impact or impede on your floor space.

 

Ordering Your Rink Package.

When you're looking to buy a synthetic ice rink package, there are a few things you need to consider.

The first is the size of your garage, both the width and length as previously mentioned.

If the space you have available is somewhat limited, say under 150 square feet, you may want to consider using lightweight portable tiles instead of heavier, thicker panels though both would work.

Our PolyGlide Ice portable synthetic ice tiles do provide more of a cost savings as they can be boxed-shipped as opposed to freight shipped.

Our larger, thicker Pro-Glide panels are more rigid, require less seams to assemble and can be utilized for both indoor and outdoor use.

We put together a few common rink packages that are ideal for any garage or home ice rink:

PORTABLE STARTER KITS (1/4"X 24" X 48" TILES):

1 Kit (4X8)- 4 Panels (32 SQUARE FEET WHEN ASSEMBLED)

2 Kits (8X8) - 8 Panels (64 SQUARE FEET WHEN ASSEMBLED)

3 Kits (8X12) - 12 Panels (96 SQUARE FEET WHEN ASSEMBLED)

4 Kits (8X16) - 16 Panels (128 SQUARE FEET WHEN ASSEMBLED)

DEDICATED PRO-GLIDE "CUBE" (1/2" X 46" X 46" PANELS)

8 CUBES (*8X8) POLYGLIDE PRO-GLIDE PACKAGE 

12 CUBES (*12X16) POLYGLIDE PRO-GLIDE PACKAGE 

15 CUBES (*12X20) POLYGLIDE PRO-GLIDE PACKAGE

25 CUBES (*16X20) POLYGLIDE PRO-GLIDE PACKAGE

DEDICATED PRO-GLIDE "FULL" PANELS (1/2" X 46" X 92" PANELS)

PRO-GLIDE INFUSED FULL-SIZE PANEL (46" X 92")

Think about how often you plan on using the rink throughout the year and whether or not a portable option works better for you.

If you only plan on using it occasionally, then a package with fewer accessories may be the best option.

But if you plan on using it frequently, then you may want to consider a package that includes all the bells and whistles.

Also keep in mind, you can always order more in the future!

Now that you have a better idea of what's available regarding the different rink packages it's time to figure out what works best for YOU!

We offer plenty of options, so take your time and as they say, "Measure twice and cut once!"

If you're not quite sure and could use a little help, feel free to reach out to us anytime and we'll help walk you through it.

Installation Time

Installing synthetic ice tiles or panels are relatively an easy task.

Think of it as a flooring lego system that's easy to install and fun to use once you're done!

Take your measuring tape and mark with masking or painters tape where the center width or your rink will be.

To determine the center mark simply dived the width measurement of your rink by two (2).

Then do the same thing for the length to create a center-ice mark for your rink layout.

Then you will be able to determine if you center line should line up with the center of your panel OR the side seam of the panel.

You can lay it out both ways to see what works best for your overall rink layout.

Prep Work and Assembly

Make sure once again before installing your rink that the subsurface has been swept and/or vacumed thoroughly clean.

Be sure to thoroughly inspect the sub-floor for flatness as fixtures such as area drains sometimes has deflection and pitch in the concrete surface to allow for drainage.

If this is the case, you can prep the floor first with an OSB plywood underlayment to insure flatness for the sub-surface prior in installing your new rink.

It's important to note that your synthetic ice surface must be able to expand and contract and must not be mechanically fasted in any way to the sub-floor.

Synthetic ice flooring is very similar to laminate flooring with regards to the necessary prep work required to insure a proper installation.

Once you receive your new panels lay them flat on the floor to let them acclimate to the temperature in the room prior to assembly.

To begin assembly of your new home ice rink panels simply align two panels side-by-side along the dovetail connections and strike firmly with a heavy rubber mallet along the entire seam.

Continue along each seam until all the dovetail panel connections are locked in place and ready for skating!

Accessories 

Once your synthetic ice panels have been installed you can consider adding some fun accessories to spice-up your new rink!

For hockey players, keeping the puck on the surface is always a challenge if you have not installed some type of perimeter dasher system.

There are a few different types of dasher systems available on the market, so be sure to do your research and choose the one that best suits your needs.

For simple puck containment, a 4'X4" pressure-treated railroad around the perimeter will do the job and give your rink rustic look.

Another puck containment option is "The BounceBar" by PolyGlide Ice which offers a rebounding curb feature to help train AND keep your puck on the surface.

Once you have chosen a system, follow the instructions carefully to ensure proper installation.

Keep Your Parking Spot!

PolyGlide Ice, solid core synthetic ice panels are durable and built to last for many years.

There's no need to lose your garage parking space to accommodate your new rink project.

Simply cover your ice with a tarp or rink blankets to prevent oil or grease from dripping on the surface.

The weight of the car has no impact on the panel performance or guarantee throughout the lifetime of the panel.

This is what makes the average garage space the number one most popular location for many of our home ice rink customers!

Hit the Ice!

Now that your rink is built, it’s time to start skating!

Once your new surface has been installed you are ready for your first skate!

You will need a few strides to get used to the “feel” of your new rink.

Synthetic ice requires slightly more effort than natural ice but you'll soon see that you'll be able to make all the same maneuvers on your new rink!

Be sure to invite all of your friends and family over for a skate party!

With your new home ice rink, you can skate anytime you want, day or night!

Just be sure to keep your rink well-maintained so that it can be enjoyed for years to come.

Maintenance

Synthetic ice rinks do require regular maintenance depending on the amount of use and dirt that accumulates on the surface.

Keeping your rink free of dirt, dust and debris by using a cover is a great way to limit the amount of extra clean-up for outdoor rink.

Be sure to broom or vacuum your surface regularly to reduce the amount of shavings while skating (note: shavings are recyclable)

One good tip for hockey players is to use white tape on your stick blades to limit the amount of scuffing on your rink surface.

CONCLUSION

Now that you have all the information you need it's time to start considering your home garage rink project!

You'd be suprised on how quickly you can convert any space into your own home ice rink.

With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy lacing-up anytime throughout the year with unlimited ice time whenever YOU want it!. 

Be sure to check our our full line of rink packages to learn more about our products and how we can help you create your own home ice rink!

We have created a FAQ page along with videos to help you learn a little more about this versatile new product that is changing the way people utilizing their own persomal ice time.

So have some fun and start creating and we'll have you ice skating in no time!

What kid wouldn't want a little bit of Canada in their backyard in the shape of their own personal backyard ice rink? 

This is the ultimate backyard DIY project for any parent that can be shared by the whole family and enjoyed by all. 

It will also automatically put you on the list for the following awards:

• "Parent of the Year"
• "Parent of the Neighborhood" 
• "The Real MVP"
• "Super Cool Parent"

A project this size will keep you on these lists for years.

If these acknowledgments are too much to pass up, we need to ask you to pause.

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Start Your Backyard Rink Project With The Polyglide Pro-Glide Panel 

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You've come to this article to understand what you're getting yourself into, and that's understandable.

DIY ice rinks have a few moving parts.

Here's how to get things set up and what you need to consider before pulling the trigger. 

 

 

Understanding Backyard Ice Rinks

The backyard Ice rink has been around for decades.

Long ago, skaters had to depend on lakes and other bodies of water to freeze before lacing up their skates.

If these weren't available, they had to go to professional rinks, which were scarce and even expensive to use. 

While there are more professional rinks around today, there's now the possibility of building your own rink using some simple materials and tools.

Of course, rinks can take some time, so we recommend that you enlist a friend or two, regardless of the size. 

Rinks need three things: a dedicated space, lots of water, and the right weather conditions.

Backyard ice rink builders must have these tenets in place first before taking the next step.

 

 

Important Things to note

With backyard ice rinks, there's a Golden Rule:

Go big or go home. (Well, since you're already home, you can probably just go inside and get some hot cocoa.) 

Use as much space as possible as the project is already time-consuming.

You don't want a rink that's too small that you can't stretch your legs and build up some real speed. 

The goal here is not only to build something that's effective but reusable.

You want to easily disassemble your rink, store the components, and bring it back out for next winter. 

After confirming your geographical location and referencing the Farmers Almanac (to know when it's freezing time), start to outline the materials and price out what the costs are associated with starting your rink project.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Size

Yes, we said to go big, but you'll have to consider the age and sport of your skater(s).

Smaller skaters just starting only need enough space to perform a figure eight to work both their inside and outside skate edges.

Consider a bigger rink for more than one skater.

Larger rinks allow for stickhandling for hockey players or jumps for figure skaters.

2. Space

Assess how much dedicated space (square footage) you have for your outdoor (or indoor for synthetic ice) rink.

Using the total dimensions will help you draft a list of materials necessary to complete your rink project.

If synthetic ice is your best or only option, you may want to choose a solid core panel that will withstand outdoor temperatures over time.

More on synthetic ice later.

Keep growing your rink as your skater grows and continues to show an interest in their sport which will help keep your start-up cost to a minimum.

3. Survey

The next step is to measure your rink.

You'll need a combination of a tape measure, stakes, string, and a level.

Place stakes at each corner while connecting the line to measure your rink.

The string helps you to use a level to check the ground.

An uneven surface will lead to a poor skating experience.

If there is some uneven ground, you'll need some extra material to compensate.

Keep this in mind. 

With those particulars confirmed, it's time to get your materials.

 

4. Materials

Here's what you'll need:

• Several pieces of 2 in. X 12 in. X 8ft. Prime lumber. Since you know the exact length and width of your rink, you can purchase enough board to make your rink walls. 

• Extra lumber is necessary for parts of the rink that is uneven. These walls may need to be slightly higher.

• Several concrete stakes to secure each piece of lumber. Each will go into the ground and connect to the board with screws. 

• Each piece of wood needs securing at the seams. Metal mending plates work well here.  

• L-shaped metal brackets for the corners.

• A large roll of white plastic or tarp. This tarp is the foundation of the rink and holds the ice securely. White reflects the sunlight versus another color like black, which can absorb light and melt your rink.

• Enough screws to hold a small house together. 

• Rubber bumpers that will cover the tops of the walls. These will prevent possible injury. 

• We can't emphasize enough that you measure the location first. This simple step saves you time and money.

5. Barrier Walls

There are rink-building companies that provide rink walls made of plastic.

These rink walls have pegs that connect, removing the need for mending plates.

If you're only looking to keep the puck on the surface and want to save money, check out "The BounceBar" by PolyGlide Ice.

Wood walls are very effective and reusable but run the risk of absorbing water, so the choice is yours. 

6. Installation

With all your supplies ready to go, it's time to install.

It would help if you had your measurements already in place when it's time to put the rink walls together. 

• Use the mending plates to connect one board to the other. Stand the board up and use the stakes or brackets to keep the walls upright. You should have a friend who can help with the brackets and ensure the rink stays level. Start with the length and then move on to the width and corners. If you're using plastic walls, lay them out and connect them using the manufacturer's mechanism.

• Each corner needs at least one L-shaped bracket to hold it in place. Use the screws and a handheld drill to get them installed. Move on to the other length and final width to complete your rectangular rink.

• In some cases, the backyard is uneven. When the rink fills, it can bring the ice to the top. You'd need to install an additional board above or below to compensate. Measuring in advance would ensure you purchase the extra material necessary for this change.

• With the rink walls secure, it's time to place the white plastic. Make sure the area is clear of any debris that can puncture the plastic. Roll it out and cover the inner rink. 

• A commonly overlooked step is ensuring there's enough to drape over the walls of the rink. The walls and ice place extra weight on the plastic. At least one or two feet is enough to prevent the plastic from slipping into the rink. 

• Now, it's time to fill your rink. Get your hose, place it in the rink and turn the water on. The rink can take at least 8 hours to fill. Water will flow to the lowest areas first, then to the higher parts of the rink. You'd want at least 3" of ice, so be patient. 

• It's time to get those feet wet! Check the liner periodically to remove any large creases or bubbles which can impact your ice. 

• Now we wait! It can take at least two days for the water to freeze, depending on the weather. Once it's done, it's time to skate!

7. Challenges

Building the rink sounds easy and fun, but there are some challenges you'll encounter along the way.

Understanding how to navigate these obstacles is essential for a wonderful skating season.

These include:

• Climate
• Landscaping
• Timing
• Maintenance
• Minor details

Factors to Consider

If you live North of the US, backyard rink cost border, you actually have a shot at an opportunity for some thick ice for a few months out of the year should mother nature decide to smile on your rink building dreams.

Heading South into the States, the ice time duration starts to melt depending on which way the wind blows from January through February. 

As you head South of Route 80, synthetic ice becomes a primary consideration as the actual duration of sustained ice seriously starts to dwindle.

The rink building project itself may take longer than the lifespan of the rink, which you may wind up branding as a one-day "Winter Classic."

Traveling further South becomes a polymer paradise for Artificial Ice as the only option unless you prefer to mortgage the house for an ice compressor, piping, and brine and 100 hours of labor (forget it).

Synthetic Ice: The Difference Maker

Even if the weather is not in your favor, you can still skate.

Synthetic ice panels are made of a unique polyethylene material that connects and forms a smooth skating surface. 

The material is infused with a special compound that allows for fantastic skating with reduced friction.

The Benefits of Going Synthetic Include:

Ease of Installation: Once you have your dimensions, you purchase the number of panels needed for the rink.

The panels are shipped to your home, and you can have a fully installed rink in less than an hour.

If you include the time to build the walls, it can take about 2-3 hours. 

Cheaper than Refrigerated Ice: Refrigerated ice can cost tens of thousands of dollars in installation and maintenance costs.

Synthetic ice is a one-time purchase. 

Reusable: Ice panels are easy to clean and maintain.

A soft brush and warm, soapy water are all you need to care for your rink.

If ice forms on the rink due to a storm, you can shovel the top layer, use hot water to melt the additional ice, then clean it again.

Once you're done, you can skate again!

Time is On Your Side: With backyard rinks, the earlier you start, the better.

There's a higher chance of the ice freezing, which will last longer.

If you started late in the season, synthetic ice ensures you can skate well into spring.

You Can Scale Over Time: Panels at a specific size means you can increase the size of your rink as needed. 

Timing is Everything

Backyard ice rinks work best at the beginning of winter as it preserves the health of your lawn.

Lawns become dormant at the beginning of winter, making it the perfect time to lay down the components for a rink.

Much later in the season and you run the risk of ruining your lawn.

That's an added cost later in the year you could avoid.

 

 

Rink Maintenance is Often Overlooked

Wintertime could be unpredictable, and the changing weather can impact the quality of your rink.

Snowstorms can add layers that can make skating impossible.

You'll have to shovel out the excess snow, then use warm water to resurface the rink.

Snow buildup will happen several times during the winter, so be prepared. 

Even when snow does not build up, rain can freeze on the rink.

To resurface your rink by misting the surface with warm water.

You'd want to do that multiple times, avoiding over-soaking any one area.

There are rink resurfacers on Amazon, or you can do a DIY resurfacer.

Thanks to objects that melt it, your ice won't stay the same level throughout the year.

Anything from a puck left on the ice to a leaf can absorb energy from the sun.

Each can melt into the ice, disrupting the smooth surface.

Make sure to clean the surface after use.

If an object melts the ice, pack some snow in the groove, then use water to help freeze it. 

Don't Skip the Minor Details

A rink is not complete without some added details to make it feel authentic.

If you're making a hockey rink, you can add a centerline by spray painting a piece of PVC or other plastic red or blue.

Lay down the colored line before filling the rink.

Also, consider dasher boards for the inside of the rink. Dasher boards line the walls so hockey players can have a smooth skating experience. 

Skating is fun in the evenings, but you lose sunlight fast at this time of year.

So you may need floodlights so that the kids can tire themselves out well into the night.

Floodlights encourage your neighbors to come over and skate, so be careful when you're turning them on and off!

Invest in goalposts, nets (so you don't lose a window), and an area where everyone can stay warm.

Think about these features in advance, so you can get them all done beforehand.

Make it a Team Rink Project

Think about making your backyard rink a team project and enlist the help of family members and friends as volunteers that would surely enjoy lacing up and skating on your rink.

If your construction costs exceed your budget, perhaps other teammates and their families would help you raise the necessary funds to complete your rink project if all will benefit.

The skating community, be it hockey or figure skating, is dedicated to their related sports and can be pretty creative in fundraising ideas to make any rink build project a reality!

For instance, you can have an ice skating party or event covering several days.

Each person pays a cover charge, which goes towards building the rink. 

Conclusion

A DIY backyard ice rink project can feel like a big undertaking.

It can be a breeze as long as you prepare a budget, get the right supplies, and have some help.

However, some factors are out of your control, like the weather.

You'll need to navigate the snow or storms should they come while you're waiting for the rink to freeze.

Rinks also need continued maintenance for a fantastic skate.

A synthetic ice rink is a better option for warmer climates or shorter winters.

You can install it without the hassle and start skating almost immediately.

The other rink components remain; however, your synthetic ice replaces the water. 

If you need help with setting up your synthetic ice, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for help.

We love building backyard outdoor rinks and can help you avoid many of the mistakes that are common with the project. 

 

Are you thinking about a backyard ice rink?

If you’re a skating fanatic like we are or have kids that play hockey or figure skating, the thought must have crossed your mind a few times.

It’s possible – and in some cases, easy – to build an ice rink in your backyard.

The thought of lacing up your skates and stepping outside (with bumpers on, of course) and onto the rink seems too good to pass up.  

Backyard ice rinks have been around for decades, and now, you have several options at your disposal.

At the same time, the process can become costly and time-consuming if done incorrectly.

We’ll go through some do’s and don’ts so you end up with an at-home ice skating solution that everyone will love. 

Types of backyard ice rinks 

There are a few options available for a backyard rink.

The one you choose will be based on factors like weather, space, building ability, and budget.

Here are the options to consider: 

Snow and water

Yes, you can build an ice rink with just snow and water.

If it has snowed and built up a large enough mound of ice, you can dig out a big enough space, using the snow as rink walls.

Fill the area with water, then let the weather get to work.

Once the temperature is consistent, you can skate for weeks.

A cheap, practical option, but messy with too many variables involved. 

Tarp and plywood

If you are good with your hands, you can consider crafting your own rink with some simple hardware items and Mother Nature.

This method requires a large enough tarp or plastic lining to cover the backyard ice rink.

Then, you’ll build the rink walls using plywood and steel brackets.

Fill the rink with a couple of inches of water and wait for freezing temperatures.

Add in a quick spray with hot water, and you have a smooth, skateable, at-home ice rink.

This is the OG method and the most popular one for backyard rinks, but it does take some building know-how.  

Skating rink kits 

Think of the tarp and plywood method but with all the materials in one place, ready to go.

There are several companies selling DIY rink kits.

The lining, walls, brackets, and other necessary tools come in one package.

Follow the instructions, fill the rink with water, and you can have a backyard skating option.

The biggest challenge is choosing the right provider—quality matters. 

Synthetic Ice tiles/panels/kits

Synthetic ice rinks are growing in popularity thanks to their affordability, ease of installation, and durability.

These are polyethylene tiles or panels that are skateable.

You place them on your designated spot, connect the boards, and you have a rink!

Synthetic ice is also easily scalable.

Choose between our Home Starter Kits and Larger, bigger panels:

• Pro-Glide Infused - Full Panel (1/2" X 46" X 96", 80 lbs. per)
• Pro-Glide Infused - Half Panel (1/2" X 46" X 46", 40 lbs. per)

These panels are easy to assemble and will have you ice skating in no time in virtually any location.

Refrigerated ice rinks:  

The rinks you see your favorite NHL team using?

Refrigerated rinks.

These rinks use the same concept it takes to keep your home AC or refrigerator cool using water, coolant, and refrigeration machinery.

Refrigerated rinks were only for more extensive, commercial spaces, but now there are several at-home options.

While these rinks give the closest professional feel, they are the most expensive and need time and expertise to install and continuous maintenance.

  

Backyard Ice Rink Benefits  

Choosing to build a backyard rink is a no-brainer.

For instance, you can skate at any time in the safety of your home.

It is also a great community-building tool.

If you have neighbors or kids that like hockey or ice skating, they can enjoy it too.

Backyard rinks are also easy to install, with many rinks or materials easy to access and set up.

You also have more time to train, get stronger, and build a competitive advantage with your rink.

If you’re ready to install a rink, you’ll have a few questions.

Here are some DOs and DON’Ts that prepare you for at-home skating on your new backyard rink:

DO consider the weather.

Weather conditions play a significant role in building a backyard rink.

What are your winter weather patterns?

Can you rely on consistent temperatures?

Is there constant snow or rain?

These factors will determine your choice of the rink.

For instance, if you want to build a rink but can’t rely on consistent weather, a synthetic or refrigerated rink may be the best choice.

If you want to skate through the year, synthetic is the only option.

The other methods are great for a consistent winter season, but even these are becoming shorter and more sporadic due to climate changes. 

 

DON'T skip the design process.

We often notice that rink owners overlook the other pieces that make a backyard space unique.

So, take some time to design your space.

For instance, you will want a longer, rectangular rink or a square one.

Lights, goal posts, nets, and bumpers for safety are other accessories that will turn your rink from good to great.  

DO make sure you’re on level ground.

A common mistake from rink builders is installing on uneven surfaces.

Most backyards are not entirely level.

If you overlook this, you’ll have a poor skating experience.

For rinks that need water, a sloped backyard can make the ice thinner in some areas.

If you’re installing synthetic ice, the uneven surfaces can cause falls or damage to the panels.

Check that the yard is level first. Use these steps to check the grade of the yard.

You may need some thin sheets of plywood to compensate for uneven surfaces.  

DON'T compromise on quality materials.

There are several rink providers on the market.

Some focus on quality items, ease of use, or versatility.

There are also others on Amazon that you can get with a few clicks.

However, some are low-quality materials that can cost more in the long run.

For instance, an ice rink kit might have poor quality lining or rink walls.

Others may have synthetic ice which is not made of High-Density Polyethylene, may break down, lose its effectiveness, or require constant application of a Slip Surface Conditioner.

Take some time to research before choosing your rink.  

DO consider rink walls or rebounder bars.

If you choose a natural or refrigerated ice rink, walls are required.

However, for synthetic ice, you don’t need rink walls to start skating.

On the one hand, this is a great advantage if you want to reduce costs.

However, rink walls are great for safety.

Who wants to fall over the edge if you’re playing hockey?

It also stops your puck from flying everywhere.  

DON'T forget about safety.

With ice skating, safety is paramount.

Falls and collisions can happen, especially with hockey.

If you’re building a skating rink for your kids, you want a space where they can skate without constant supervision.

Installing foam on rink walls is an excellent example of a safety measure.

It would be best if you also cleared the area around the rink to avoid injuries.  

DO enlist some help.

Building a rink can be time-consuming and, in some cases, requires some handyman abilities.

If you’re building a rink with water, you’ll need someone to help install rink walls and place the liner.

For refrigerated rinks, you’ll rely on the provider to install the rink, but if you’re DIY, don’t do it alone.

The advantage of synthetic ice is that you can install the rink without help.

A soft mallet is enough to set up the rink.

You should get some help anyway since it’s fun to set up your rink with a friend! 

DON'T forget about maintenance.

The best skating experience will require maintenance of your rink.

For backyard rinks with water, snow and ice can pile up on the rink.

You’ll need to resurface the rink with hot water.

Synthetic ice rinks are easier to manage but do need to be cleared of dirt and shavings.

In some cases, you’ll need to resurface the rink with conditioner.

Set a schedule to clean and maintain the rink, with the right tools to make it happen.  

DO have fun!

When you’re in the process of building a rink, the anticipation builds as you get closer to the end.

That feeling when you first touch the ice is priceless.

You’re making the rink to have fun!

Don’t forget to enjoy it and look for ways to mix things up so you can get the most out of your investment.

Invite friends and neighbors over.

Try different activities like curling or host an ice movie night.

Focus on fun, and you’ll enjoy the rink for years to come.  

DONT wait!

If you're an ice skating enthusiast, beginner, or just want to have fun with your friends and family then learn how to ice skate at home!

There are so many rink options you can consider: basement rink, garage rink, deck rink, patio rink, rooftop rink, travel rink, spin rink....the list goes on and on.

Our PolyGlide Synthetic Ice has added diversity to ice skating in both affordability and access.

You are only limited by your own creativity and ideas on what you can accomplish with your skating.

It’s time to skate!  

There are several considerations when building a backyard ice rink.

During the winter, people gravitate to the plywood and tarp or rink kit methods.

If you’re willing to invest the energy in maintaining the rink, it can be a truly fantastic experience.

However, synthetic ice is becoming the go-to for at-home ice skating simply because it's easy to use, durable and scalable.

Our synthetic ice has helped hundreds of homes transform their backyard into a winter skating staple.

Follow the do’s and don’ts of backyard rink building, and you can have one too.

Check out all of our rink packages to choose the ideal rink for you home.