Info & Tips

We can't help but think about how we could do our part and explain how you can go green with synthetic ice. 

Some recent statistics show that we have a long way to go to help our environment.

The energy consumed in homes contributes to almost one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions.

More than 8 million people die every year due to air pollution.

So what do these things have to do with ice skating?

Skating involves putting on some boots with blades and moving across the ice.

It may not seem like it, but ice skating also impacts the Earth in its own way.

As a company focused on serving skaters around the country (and the world), we know firsthand what it takes to run a large ice rink, and we know what it takes to start your own ice rink at home.

As the saying goes, every drop fills the bucket.

Regardless of your niche, there is something you can do to help. Y

You can go green with synthetic ice.

Here are ten tips that can help you do your part to stay green and nurture your environment while still enjoying your time on the ice.

 

1. Invest in Energy-Saving Bulbs For Your At-Home Rink

Since the 2020 pandemic, there has been a rise in at-home skating rinks.

With public and private rinks closed, skaters needed some way to train or enjoy their favorite pastime.

These at-home rinks, like their larger counterparts, take up their fair share of energy.

For instance, the family could install floodlights for skating at night if the rink is outdoors.

There may be other lighting options for indoor skating as well.

Installing energy-saving lightbulbs is one of the simplest (and best) ways to go green while skating.

Eco-friendly light bulbs can save up to 75% of energy consumption compared to incandescent light bulbs.

Swap them out on your floodlights or in the room for your indoor rink.

You’ll even save some money on the electric bill!

2. Manage Energy Consumption When You’re Not Skating

Going green means taking care of your environment, even when you’re not skating.

After packing up your skates for the day, make sure to do your best to keep energy consumption at a minimum.

Start by switching off your eco-friendly lights when you’re done. 

If you have a refrigerated ice rink, you’ll need to consume large amounts of energy even when you’re not on the ice.

The ice rink has to stay on to keep the rink frozen, similar to the refrigerator in your kitchen.

It’s constantly removing heat and adding cold through its compressor and chiller.

Over the winter months, your ice rink can consume lots of energy.

Make sure to invest in an energy-efficient refrigeration system.

Get sound advice from the service provider, making sure to select the equipment that saves energy and helps the environment, even when it’s not in use.

 

3. Opt For A Home Synthetic Ice Rink Instead Of Refrigerated

If you’re concerned about the carbon footprint of a refrigerated rink, why not go for something else?

A synthetic ice rink is a durable, polyethylene material that you can skate on with regular metal skates.

Synthetic rinks are quite popular for malls and special events.

Today, companies like ours have optimized these rinks to fit almost any space.

The rink comes in panels that connect like puzzle pieces and can work on most flat surfaces.

That means no energy consumption, costly maintenance, and a healthier environment.

Some refrigerated ice rinks are chilled with ammonia or R-22, both of which can be toxic.

Leaks can sometimes go undetected, sending harmful gases into the air.

These can also require more energy to pump through the rink (though there are more cost-effective options like brine or glycol).

Opting for synthetic instead of refrigerated is the ultimate green approach to ice skating at home.

4. Natural Rinks Are Great, But You Can Save Water.

Okay, so you’ve decided to ditch the refrigerated rink and go for a natural rink instead.

Natural rinks use the elements to freeze water, starting at the “first freeze” during winter.

To make a natural rink, you’ll have to build a large frame, fill it with water and let the elements do their thing. 

While it’s a lot more energy efficient than a refrigerated rink, there is still a large amount of water needed to fill the rink.

The average American home of four uses about 260 gallons of ice water a day.

A standard ice rink can take about 10,000 gallons or more.

Switching to a synthetic ice rink can save gallons of water in filling and resurfacing your rink. 

 

 

5. Encourage Friends And Family To Skate On Your Home Rink.

If you have an at-home rink, nothing’s better than having fun with your family playing hockey or figure skating.

But you should also invite your friends!

Not only is it fun to build relationships and competition on the ice, but it’s also a great way to go green.

Rather than everyone going to separate rinks or using energy in their separate spaces, they can all save energy by skating on your rink instead.

6. Support Your Local Business For Equipment And Accessories

Whether you have a synthetic ice rink, refrigerated, or natural, you need more than ice to skate.

Do you have the proper ice skates?

If you’re playing hockey, you’ll need pucks, sticks, goals, and other training equipment.

Where do you get your stuff?

You can hop online and buy your stuff on Amazon, which can add to your carbon footprint.

Or you can support your local skate business!

Not only can you help your local business, but you can also get a little greener reducing the distance it takes to get your gear.

 

 

7. Consider recycling or donating old skates and equipment.

Recycling is one of the best ways to impact your environment.

According to Eco-Friendly Habits, “for every one ton of recycled paper, 17 trees, 2 barrels of oils, and 4,100 kilowatts of energy are saved.”

On the flip side, we produce millions of tonnes of plastic waste each year.

If you have used skates or equipment, you can find ways to recycle or reuse your equipment.

Or maybe you’ve outgrown your gently used gear. 

Start by looking for organizations that take sports equipment donations.

Or you can find ways to recycle or dispose of your gear sustainably. T

ake things a step further and gather used equipment from your friends and teammates that you can donate to others that need your help.

8. Use Green Or Energy-Saving Techniques When Maintaining Your Gear.

Taking care of your gear is another essential part of being a skater.

You’ll have hockey clothing, figure skates, and other pieces of equipment.

You can find simple ways to go greener while taking care of your gear. Use an energy-efficient washer and dryer. Clean your gear with organic cleaning products.

If you need to resurface your synthetic ice rink, you can use our non-toxic, environmentally safe slip surface conditioner.

These are simple ways to stay green and clean!

9. Save Time, Energy, And Money By Investing In A Skate Sharpener.

Sharpening your skates is a critical part of skating.

You’ll need to keep them sharp, especially when you’re using synthetic ice.

To do so will take you time and energy to head over to your local shop.

Over time, sharpening your skates can add up.

If you’re skating several times a week, consider investing in your own home sharpener.

It seems like a small step, but it can help you be just a bit greener.

 

 

10. Support Sustainable Skating Equipment And Brands

Finally, you can do your part by investing in sustainable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly products.

For instance, some brands don’t involve animal skin or products in their materials.

You can also try hockey uniforms or figure staking uniforms that use sustainable materials or make sure to lower their carbon footprint.

Take the time to research and choose the brands that align with your choices. 

Conclusion

No matter what you do, there’s a way to make the Earth a better place.

We continue to use more power and plastics than we need and everything we do can have a long-term impact on the environment.

Some of the simple ways you can start is finding ways to recycle, reuse, save energy, and support those doing the same. 

One of the best ways ice skaters can do this is to opt for synthetic ice.

Synthetic ice saves significant energy compared to refrigerated ice and water compared to traditional rinks.

At Polyglide Ice, we could do our part, like providing non-toxic, environmentally friendly products to our customers.

You’ll also have the opportunity to skate longer throughout the year and invite others to your rink.

What are some of the ways you’ll stay green? 

Take a second and check out 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

 

Have you seen curling on TV and you're not sure what it is? It's an amazing sport that requires skill and critical thinking. Best of all, you can now enjoy it with your own home curling rink. Here's why you should take on the sport today.

Read more

Wouldn't it be great to be able to learn to become a great skater on your own home ice skating rink?

The Challenge of Excelling at Ice Skating 

We love ice skating in all its forms and creating a home skating enviornment with synthetic ice would certainly be ideal.

Skating these last few years, like everything else, has been a challenge.

You need to get your skates and gear and find a local ice skating rink to practice or play with your friends unless of course you have your own.

You could create the ultimate home environment into your own skating sanctuary with synthetic ice tiles. 

We’ll give you some fun tips on how you can "Bring the Rink Home". 

It’s Time to Improvise with Synthetic Ice Panels

What are synthetic ice panels?

These are specially made panels that imitate the feeling of ice.

Don’t be fooled.

Skating on synthetic ice is not akin to using your rollerblades.

You use your actual metal blades on a high-quality, ultra-dense, polyethylene material.

Synthetic ice panels have been around for several years.

In fact, it’s the same material that spaces like malls and hotels use to set up skating rinks for the holidays.

These panels are smaller and interlock so that you can skate on any flat surface.

That means you can take them home and get a little creative. 

Using Synthetic Ice Tiles at Home vs. Natural ice

A common question that arises is, “Why not create a DIY ice skating rink at home?”

Without a doubt, this is a great option.

In fact, with some elbow grease and a little creativity, you can create a large, natural ice rink that can last for years but it does have some drawbacks. 

If you decide to go with synthetic ice tiles instead, you get all the benefits with none of the hiccups.

For example:

Weather is Not a Problem

While natural rinks feel amazing, to create one, you need ideal conditions.

For instance, you must have a few consecutive days at a steady temperature for your rink to freeze.

That means time is of the essence.

Furthermore, you’ll need to shovel off snow, slush, and freezing rain.

Synthetic ice tiles aren’t dependent on the weather and can clean with a simple wipe or soft broom. 

You Save on Water and Other Materials

To create a natural ice rink, you need water. And lots of it.

You can spend a day filling your rink and several hundred gallons of water, with the hope that it freezes well.

You need to have a tarp for the weather, plywood boards, and poles to keep everything in place.

With synthetic ice, all you need is to purchase the number of tiles for your space and Rebounding Dasher Curbs to cordon it off with synthetic ice tiles.

These can be used for years to come without having to waste precious time and resources.

Easy to Set-up and Uninstall

Setting up a natural rink makes excellent use of your environment.

But it can be a task to set up and take it down.

You’ll need a little help with measuring, setting up the walls, and filling up the rink.

With synthetic ice tiles, you can set up by yourself with just a soft mallet to interlock the panels.

When you’re done, you can break it down and store it away (but who will want to do that when you can skate all year!).

It’s Safer for Your Kids

Most parents love that their kids are crazy for hockey. But playing at a local rink can bring some safety concerns.

Older kids could be a bit rough, and parents tend to worry about stray pucks flying everywhere.

By using your home environment, you have a more controlled space where they can have fun.

Furthermore, if you’re still a bit concerned about heading out due to the ongoing pandemic, you can safely skate at home in your own bubble. 

A Great Way to Release Some Energy

If the kids have a little energy to burn, they can put on their skates and have some fun!

Ice skating, figure skating, and hockey are great ways to burn off some energy.

And if you want a way to stay in shape, you can get a great workout on your synthetic ice skating rink.  

 

 

You’ll Get Better at Skating

The more hours you put in something, the better you get at it.

Ice skating is no exception.

If you or your kids want to get an edge on the competition, having space to practice will quickly improve your speed, strength, and stickhandling skills.

While everyone is resting, you’ll be working.

How to Take Advantage of Your Environment

Now it’s time to put on your thinking cap and see how you can make the most of your surroundings.

Opting for your own synthetic ice skating rink gives you the advantage of setting up almost anywhere.

Make sure to measure your space so you have the necessary tiles for your area.

For uneven surfaces, you’ll need additional plywood to have a smoother skate.

Here are some ways to make the most of your space.

 

 

1. Set-up a Backyard Ice Skating Rink

This is one of our favorite locations to set up a rink.

People often use their backyards for natural, DIY ice skating rinks because they’re spacious.

We love space when it comes to skating though you really don't need a lot!

With as little as 200 square feet, you can set up a space for hockey training or a manageable enough rink to practice figure skating.

You can go larger if you have older kids or have practice matches.

Having a level surface is critical, so check grassy areas and use plywood if needed to keep things even.  

 2. Use Your Driveway

Sometimes, all you have is your driveway!

Park the cars in the street or the garage and get your tiles down to start skating.

You’ll have significantly less space compared to the back yard.

However, you can still get a nice sized rink if you have a large area.

You can even get creative and use your front lawn!

3. Skate on Your Deck

Decks are flat surfaces created outdoors and connected to your house.

They are usually made of high-quality wood and elevated from the floor on concrete or wooden pillars.

Decks are great for lounging in the summer but can double as your skating rink all year round!

Decks are some of the best places for an ice skating rink since they are usually large spaces with level floors.

All you’ll need to do is set up your rink based on the dimensions of your deck.

4. Garage Ice Arena

Probably one of the most popular spaces for a home ice skating rink is right where you park your car (or store all your possesions....the Garage! 

It's the ideal location that provides the nesessary space just enough to practice your edge work while away from the riink AND stay warm! 

The great thing about synthteic ice is that the polymer plastic is strong enough to park your car on it with no damage to the surface.

Just remember to cover your rink first to prevent dirt, oils and debris from mucking-up your rink.

 

5. Sport Court Conversion

If you have a backyard basketball court or tennis court, you can quickly convert it into your rink for the holidays and beyond.

Since these have flat surfaces, you can easily place multiple tiles in any shape you like so you or your family can start skating.

To have the best of both worlds, you can invest in a pad or covering where you can still play basketball or tennis while having your rink in place. 

6. Turn Swimming into Skating

Earlier this year, our friends at the Faze Clan mansion took our tiles and created a skating runway around their pool.

That gave us an idea.

Why not cover your pool in ice! During the cold months, swimming will be at a minimum.

It’s a great way to use the space by installing a synthetic ice rink.

If the pool is shallow, you can drain it and install the rink on the pool floor.

This can save you money on energy and water!

Place a sub-layer of foam or board to protect the floor of the pool.

You can go over the pool, but this may be a bit more difficult.

You’ll need to create a sturdy structure to hold everyone safely before placing the skating panels.

Speak with a contractor or structural engineer for this option. 

 

 

 7. Take it to the Roof

Sometimes we don’t have space in our environment to create large rinks.

Some people live in apartment complexes or other living arrangements where space is a premium.

Why not take advantage of the space on the top floor?

Set up a synthetic ice rink on the rooftop area away from the ledge.

It will feel fantastic skating closer to the clouds, or even under the stars!

Conclusion

If skating is as important to you as it is to us, it makes sense to make the most of your environment.

Using synthetic ice tiles, you have the versatility to set up almost everywhere while still having a skating experience comparable to real ice.

From your deck, pool, and even the street, you and your family can have fun skating again!

If you need advice on measurements and set up or need special pricing, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

 

Throughout the winter season, millions of Americans think about dusting off their skates to have some ice skating fun.

Yes, it's freezing cold at times, but it's an opportunity to figure skate, ice skate, play hockey, or your favorite ice games.

Over the years, a new skater emerged from the hoards of ice skating enthusiasts and professionals.

This new skater wants convenience and affordability while having a positive impact on the planet.

The result has been the development of portable synthetic ice skating tiles.

You can now get your very own synthetic ice rink in a box.

A synthetic ice rink in a box is a set of tiles or panels set together to form a large or small rink.

You'll use your actual metal blades for hockey, figure skating, or recreational skating.

Synthetic ice is excellent for people who don't have access to natural ice or wish to have a personal or commercial rink at a significantly cheaper cost.

We've developed our tiles using the latest in synthetic ice technology that offers optimal glide and performance.

You'll be set up and ready to skate on these lightweight, reversible tiles in a just a few minutes.

 

 

Here's What Your Ice Rink In A Box Will Look Like

When you order your synthetic ice, you'll be excited to get started.

Your delivered package is literally a rink in a box.

Each Starter Kit Box comes with four panels covering 32 square feet, and each panel weighs about 10 lbs.

You'll be surprised at how accessible and easy it is to set up your ice rink-in-a-box will be.

However, before you 'add to cart,' you should know a few things so you can get the most out of your experience.

1. It's Close To The Real Thing.

Why should I want to skate on synthetic ice?

Many potential customers have this thought when thinking about an at-home or commercial rink.

In the past, if you wanted an ice rink, you would need lots of water, materials for the rink walls, and cold weather (aka the First Freeze).

If that were not an option, you would opt for the very expensive refrigerated ice rink.

Today, it's more accessible thanks to synthetic ice products.

Synthetic products did not just stand still since their inception.

The technology and materials used to make these tiles as close to the real thing as possible.

A difference would be the degree of friction you'll get that's almost non-existed with natural ice.

However, technology has evolved to make it as close to the real thing as possible.

With the best products on the market, the friction is just about 10%.

Forgoing 10% friction for a convenient, durable skating option sounds like a no-brainer.

 

2. You Should Know What You're Using It For

With a synthetic ice rink, the skating possibilities are almost endless.

If you have a clear idea of the purpose of your rink, you'll be able to work out other factors we'll mention soon.

Here are some common reasons you'd want your synthetic ice rink in a box:

• You want to start or restart a recreational skating hobby.
• In a house of skating kids, you need practice space.
• You're an ice hockey athlete who needs to work on specific skills.
• You're a figure skater that needs a space to practice or train others.
• You want a large rink for your business or community without the hassle and expense of refrigerated ice.

Whatever the reason, getting clear on why you need it means you'll get maximum enjoyment from your rink.

 

 

3. You Should Know Where To Set It Up.

Where do you plan to install your synthetic ice rink?

Before getting your ice rink in a box, you should have an idea of where you'll set it up.

What would be disappointing is if the area is not available, has multiple uses, or is not structurally sound for your rink.

You'd want your rink on a flat, hard surface like a spare room, den, garage, or playroom.

An uneven ground leads to a poor skating experience.

Make sure to check that the sub-flooring is flat with no large dips or offests in elevation.

If it isn't, you'd need to invest in some Birch or OSB (Advantech) plywood to act as the base for your synthetic ice.

If your looking for a permanent, outdoor rink, our larger Pro-Glide panels are an ideal option and durable enough to face any weather.

Wherever the set-up, make sure to protect it from heavy foot traffic as it will only make your surface harder to keep clean. 

Knowing where you want to set up will also determine if you're going to purchase tiles or panels, which we will cover later.

 

 

4. You Should Know Your Measurements.

Just as important as the location is a measure of the area.

A simple tape measure is enough for you to determine if your ice rink in the box can fit in the designated space.

If you're taking up the corner of a room, garage, or just a part of your living room space

simply multiply your length X width and divide by 32 to determine how many boxes you may need

(Example: 12ft long by 8ft wide = 96 SF / 96 divided by 32 = 3 Boxes).

However, if you want a larger rink, you'll realize that you need more than one ice rink-in-a-box.

For instance if you have a large backyard or commercial space in which you want to place a more prominent rink you may want to opt for our larger Premium grade Pro-Glide panels.

5. You're Not Limited To An Ice Rink-In-A-Box

This article is about getting your first ice rink-in-a-box, but that might not be enough in some cases.

For rinks that will experience heavy use or for commercial use, you'll need a heavy-duty product. You can choose from our panels that are heavier, thicker, and more durable.

Each weighs about 80 pounds for the full size and covers about 30 square feet. Some panels are half the weight and square footage.

With just a few full-sized panels, you can create your dream rink, perform indoor skating classes at a studio, or add to your business to increase foot traffic.

Please note that the budget is significantly higher than a rink-in-a-box and will require freight shipping to your location.

 

 

6. You May Consider A Surface Conditioner.

Buying synthetic ice tiles does not mean you can set them and forget them.

These tiles will need maintenance to continue performing at a high level.

Over time, especially with heavy use, the tiles can accumulate dust and dirt from foot traffic.

To keep this from happening, you'll need to clean and recondition your tiles or panels.

Think of it as resurfacing your ice rink with hot water.

Get some Slip Surface Conditioner to apply on a clean surface occasionally along with a PH neutral soap.

How often you'll need to apply the conditioner depends on how often you use the rink.

If the skating experience starts to decline, then you'll know it's time to reconditione the surface.

The conditioner is easily accessible and made with bio-degradable, non-toxic ingredients.

7. There Are Other Helpful Accessories To Consider.

To get a finished rink appearance, consider including some practical accessories.

For instance, you can add our new perimeter BounceBar (Rebounding Dasher Curb) for hockey players to help keep the puck from straying off the surface.

Other accessories to keep in mind include our "Slip Peel & Stick Tape" to keep your surface from sliding along with other training aids.

 

 

8. Budget For Shipping And Taxes.

A common mistake is failing to account for shipping costs, shipping timeframe, and taxes.

The sales taxes vary by state, so you should keep that in mind when getting your ice rink in a box.

Also, if you're opting for our Larger Pro-Glide panels, understand these panels are shipped on a pallet and would require freight shipping.

9. It's Built To Last.

Are you worried if you'll need to replace the tiles soon?

That's a common concern when purchasing your first tiles or panels.

However, the technology behind rinks has evolved to improve the durability of these tiles.

On average, tiles can last ten years, even with heavy use. In addition, most come with a 5-year warranty, which speaks to the quality of the tiles.

That being said, you can expect your synthetic ice to serve you well for many years.

10. You'll Have Lots Of Fun.

It won't hurt to take some time to think about how much fun you'll have on your rink.

To this day, we still have lots of fun setting up and skating on our rinks, and we know you will too. So invite neighbors, family members, and teammates to your space.

And if you're looking at this from a commercial perspective, your customers will appreciate that you took the time to add this fantastic winter pastime.

 

 

Conclusion

Are you ready to bring the rink home?

Is it time to build your own commercial rink?

You can start with four panels and take it from there.

Getting an ice rink in the box is a simple yet effective way to ice skate.

Before your first purchase, remember the basics - location, space, use, and hidden costs.

If you're still struggling to decide or need more information, our team is eager to help.

We know once you get it right, you'll love skating on our synthetic ice as much as we do!

Simply fill-out our quote request form and we'll get started on drafting your free quote with the latest discount offers we have available!

For additional information or request a quote simply Click Here

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

PolyGlide Ice - Home Ice Tiles

PolyGlide Ice - Pro-Glide Panels

 

 

Give it a try

If you want to create lasting memories for your home, consider investing in synthetic ice.

This type of skating surface can be used by anyone, from beginner to expert skaters, plus it's a great way to keep active during the winter months.

Synthetic ice is also perfect for parties and family gatherings.

Installing synthetic ice in your backyard is a great way to build lasting memories together while keeping everyone active and entertained.

Read on for more information on how to get started.

Create Fun Ideas

Building family memories is one of the best things about having a synthetic ice rink in your backyard.

Here are some examples of how families have enjoyed their rink:

• Birthday Parties - One family had a skating party for their daughter's birthday and invited all her friends. They had a blast playing games and taking turns skating around the rink.
• Open House - Another family held a holiday open house and invited all their friends and family to come skate on their synthetic ice.
• Winterfest - It was a great way to get everyone together and enjoy some festive winter fun.
• Lessons - A family with young children use the synthetic ice rink as an opportunity to teach them how to skate. The parents can help them learn while also spending quality time together.

Every Spring when the winter thaw begins and it's time to begin your annual spring cleaning.

Once we get done with the interior and the outside temperature begins to warm up the garden becomes the main priority.

While surveying the landscape you notice your pool cover is filled with water that you know you'll eventually have to get to.

That will have to wait for a much warmer day as the thought of a 54 degrees spring dip seems more like a polar bear plunge.

The actual amount of time you use the pool will be about three months if you're lucky ....beginning towards the end of June and ending when the kids return to school after Labor day.

 

Economic Sense

The backyard ice rink you made for the kids has thawed and you're left with a giant fish bowl that soon will be hatching mosquitoes.

The thought of installing a year-round synthetic ice rink has crossed your mind but the overall cost does not quite appeal to you.

Then you think of the reason why you built the rink in the first place to give the kids something to enjoy at home during the cold winter months.

When you think about it the reason why you had the pool installed was to enjoy the yard and stay cool during the hot summer.

When you look at your receipt for the 12' x 24' x 4ft Oval pool you noticed you paid $3,200 for the installation.

Then just add water......hours cleaning, filtering, backwashing, adding chemicals, and winterizing.

Then you take a look at the synthetic ice estimate you received for roughly only 65% of the cost, zero maintenance with the exception of cleaning.. ..and can be used year-round you realize that's not so bad!

Conclusion

As you can see, synthetic ice rinks offer many different installation options and applications, unlike traditional refrigerated ice.

The cost of owning and operating a synthetic ice rink is a huge saving in itself and provides unlimited ice all year long.

The Pro-Glide panel by PolyGlide Ice provides an ice-like feel and was built to endure the cold winter months and hot summer days.

Please take a minute and scan through our website to see all of the different rink package options that are now available to anyone who loves the idea of skating in their own home environment.