Can I turn my backyard swimming pool into an ice rink?
Converting a backyard swimming pool into an ice rink is a great way to encourage winter fun and exercise. An ice rink can be used for fun, practice and winter sports like hockey.
What are the benefits of having an ice rink above pool?
Ice quality. You will have better ice because the rink is above the pool as opposed to being on the warm pitched earth surface. Here is how this works. The pool cover will act as a vapor barrier and will keep the warmer water from underneath from heating the ice rink.
Can you put ice in a pool in the winter?
It is best done in areas that experience steady freezing temperatures for months in a row so the ice depth is stable. Freezing the water in a pool does not damage the pool and can actually protect the pool's surface during the winter months. Winterize all pipes and pool equipment the same way you would every autumn.
How to build an ice rink?
The platform should be level within 2 inches to keep the water load at a minimum. Then, side walls are put up around the stage to form a rink enclosure. Finally, a one piece ice rink liner will cover the entire enclosure. Now with the rink filled, patiently wait for the freeze.
Can you ice skate on a frozen inground pool?
0:031:41Can You Skate On A Frozen Pool? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou should definitely never skate on a frozen swimming pool first of all swimming pools don't freezeMoreYou should definitely never skate on a frozen swimming pool first of all swimming pools don't freeze solid i mean the top layer is freeze solid.
How do I build a cheap backyard ice rink?
1:165:58How To Build a Backyard Ice Rink | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe have these mending plates for the flat seams. And then we have these nice corner brackets to reMoreWe have these mending plates for the flat seams. And then we have these nice corner brackets to re to secure the outside.
How many gallons of water does it take to make an ice rink?
It takes between 12,000 and 15,000 gallons of water to form a hockey rink surface.
How do I keep my backyard ice rink frozen?
Before you get any cracks, or when you fix any holes or cracks you have in the ice, and it's cold enough and going to stay cold enough to keep your ice frozen, you should put many "thin" layers of water/ice on the rink, letting each layer freeze before adding another layer.
How deep should a backyard ice rink be?
To hold the average adult, the ice on your rink needs to be at least 3 inches thick to avoid cracking.
Do you need a liner for an outdoor rink?
You do not need a plastic liner or tarp if you are making an old fashioned backyard ice rink (traditional). In order to make ice, you simply pack snow, flood the snow surface with water and allow it to freeze. You can make this traditional backyard ice rink with or without boards.
How thick is NHL ice surface?
The jersey is sometimes called a sweater because, during hockey's early years, players actually wore sweaters and not the mesh-like jerseys of today. How thick is the ice? Ice is approximately 3/4" of an inch thick and is usually chilled at 16 degrees fahrenheit. The thicker the ice, the softer and slower it becomes.
What is NHL ice made of?
0:315:00How It's Made - Hockey Rink - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRoom they are a powerful compressor pumps refrigeration fluid usually methanol or saline throughMoreRoom they are a powerful compressor pumps refrigeration fluid usually methanol or saline through pipes running underneath the rinks floor.
How do you layer a ice rink?
Water normally freezes from the top down and it also expands as it freezes. Therefore, if you put too much water on the surface and it starts to freeze, it will first freeze the top and you'll have your base ice, a layer of water and the top layer of fresh ice. Three layers; base ice-water-top ice.
How long does it take 4 inches of ice to freeze?
Ice may form quickly when temperatures tumble, but it takes more time than you might think for ice to reach the four-inch thickness that experts recommend. On average, it takes four days of below freezing temperatures to form ice that is safe. Also, this guideline is for ponds and lakes.
How cold should it be to flood a rink?
1. Wait until the frost is into the ground at least 2 inches and be sure the weather will remain below -4º (24ºF) for several days before attempting to flood. 2. If snow is available, create a wall on perimeter of rink.
How do you make a homemade ice rink?
1:038:40How To Build a Backyard Rink - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBasically you just need about four to six inches of water above wherever that level line is so ifMoreBasically you just need about four to six inches of water above wherever that level line is so if you don't call a guy you're going to need more lumber.
How to protect pool tiles from coping?
Install weighted water bags, sand bags, or specially designed polymeric energy absorbing panels (Link–a–Rink® panels) around the perimeter of the pool to hold the blanket in place and protect the tiles and coping.
Can you freeze water in a pool?
Allowing the water in a pool to freeze is not damaging to the pool, and actually protects pool surfaces. If your pool is located in Canada, the Northern U. S., New England, the Great Lakes states, or some areas of the Midwest, and you have at least two months of the year where daily temperatures average below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, you might want to consider converting your outdoor swimming pool into a ice rink for the winter.
Is it safe to have a frozen pool?
A frozen backyard swimming pool can be a convenient, safe, supervised location for recreational skating, figure skating, hockey drills, and even racing remote control toy cars.
How long does it take to install ice in a house?
Breaking down the ice system to store away for the summer and installing the ice system in preparation for the winter fun is both equally labor intensive and takes nearly two weeks to complete. And, we do it twice every year.
How often do you condition ice at a resort?
Once the ice has formed and frozen to the depth and thickness desired, we will then start to condition the ice until it is “show” ready. Our team of engineers at the Resort have to condition the ice every day. In some cases, the ice may be conditioned 3-4 times per day for skating events and shows.
What is the lagoon pool?
In the late fall of 2016, the “lagoon” pool was poured and set. Soon after, the construction of the ice rink took shape. A company from Canada called Custom Ice designed the ice system specifically to the shape of the lagoon pool. What makes the system unique is that it’s like having a pool within a pool. You can sit in the 20-person hot tub or swim in the indoor/outdoor pool while watching folks skate on the lagoon in 180-degree views.
Where is the best ice skating rink in New England?
The RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain has one of the best ice skating rinks in New England. Sorry, Dad! Just like ice skates, technology has changed how we make ice. I recently had the opportunity to chat with Will Harding, who is the Chief Engineer at their RiverWalk Resort, about what makes the on-site ice rink so unique.
When was ice skating invented?
Ice skating was brought to North America by Scottish immigrants in the late 18th century and has since become a favorite winter pastime and sport for millions of people every year. I have fond memories of ice skating as a child.
Where did ice skating originate?
The history of ice skating is a bit murky, but many people believe that it originated in the Scandinavian countries over 5,000 years ago, which would make sense because those countries have some pretty good hockey players! Based on old drawings in literature, some believe that it may even date back to the Middle Ages.
Can you sit in a hot tub at the Lagoon?
You can sit in the 20-person hot tub or swim in the indoor/outdoor pool while watching folks skate on the lagoon in 180-degree views. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations.
Why is ice better in a pool?
Ice quality. You will have better ice because the rink is above the pool as opposed to being on the warm pitched earth surface. Here is how this works. The pool cover will act as a vapor barrier and will keep the warmer water from underneath from heating the ice rink.
Why is it colder under a rink?
That same concept applies…it is colder under the rink because it is shaded. Another consideration for better ice is that the platform will be level. A rink built on grass has to negotiate several inches of ground pitch. The ground pitch causes temperature gradients in the ice that cause cracking.
Does a rink have to be built on lawn?
On a basic rink built on lawn, the earth actually warms the water. Freezing water on a rink built on lawn is a tug of war between the earth’s warm ground surface trying to heat the water and the cold ambient air working to freeze it. With a rink above a pool, this tug of war of freezing does not exist.
Is a rink above a pool a one time investment?
The material investment is mainly a one-time investment and the reoccurring cost of set up should be less the 2ndyear than it was the first year because all of the wood cuts and field decisions will have been already completed. A rink above a pool is a great investment in family fun that transforms your pool area to a winter wonderland.
Can you put pavers around a pool?
Most in-ground pools have a nice patio surrounding so they are well suited for this project. If your pool is surrounded by pavers, it likely can also be done but extra care will be required to spread the base load.
Can a rink above a pool freeze?
With the rink above the pool, temperature gradients will be minimal and it will also be likely that the rink water will freeze 100% throughout. Seldom does a typical backyard rink freeze 100% across. Conclusion, ice quality is better on a rink above a pool. Transformed!!
How to protect pool from water damage?
Place the water or sand bags around the pool's perimeter on top of the blanket. This will hold the blanket and protect the surrounding coping, tiles and deck from damage.
How much ice do you need to skate in the ice skate park?
Be sure that there is at least 4 inches of ice before allowing groups to skate.
Can you turn a pool into an ice rink?
Converting a backyard swimming pool into an ice rink is a great way to encourage winter fun and exercise. An ice rink can be used for fun, practice and winter sports like hockey. It is best done in areas that experience steady freezing temperatures for months in a row so the ice depth is stable. Freezing the water in a pool does not damage the pool and can actually protect the pool's surface during the winter months.
Can you put trusses on a pool?
Before laying down the vinyl pool blanket, you can install trusses along the width of the pool for additional support. This may help create a sturdier and more even skating surface. Trusses are available at most pool supply shops or online.
Supplies: Closing Pool For Winter
There are two paths you can take: you can purchase a winterizing chemical kit or you can buy each individual item. Here’s a handy list of everything you might need when closing your pool:
How To Close A Pool
Whether you’re dealing with an in-ground pool or you’re closing an above ground pool, this process is all about ensuring both cold and nature don’t wreak havoc on your pool.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to close a pool, you can ensure your pool is ready to face the winter. Remember that even a mild winter can cause problems for pools if they’re not winterized.
