Sunday, December 28, 2008

Build Your Own Backyard Skating Rink!

By Bambi Turner

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.

If there are no skating rinks near your home, consider building your own backyard skating rink. It'll be a great way for the family to play together without having to leave the house, and it's easier than many people think.

Portable 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.

Backyard rinks come in many shapes and sizes, so every family can find the perfect rink for them. There are versions as small as a child's wading pool and as large as a full size hockey rink, as well as everything in between. These rinks can be used by family and friends, but also are a great addition for holiday parties or neighborhood get togethers.

Since 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.

When 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.

Prices of these rinks can vary, but expect to pay $50-100 for smaller versions and up to $400 for larger models. These rinks can be used year after year, and are very durable.

When 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. - 16463

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