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2012-11-16 3:15 PM

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Elite
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Minnetonka
Subject: Backyard Rink....

I'm making a 30' X 60' (ish) skating rink in my backyard this year.  It's my first one, I plan on buying a liner and some 2X12's...  

Has anyone ever built one?  What should I look out for ??



2012-11-16 3:43 PM
in reply to: #4501225

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Champion
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, Minnesota
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Subject: RE: Backyard Rink....
No idea, but I think we should have a BT skating party!!!
2012-11-16 3:50 PM
in reply to: #4501225

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Backyard Rink....
Good Idea!  I'll let you know when it's done...  
2012-11-16 4:24 PM
in reply to: #4501225


301
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Subject: RE: Backyard Rink....

I have a small lake in the backyard that we flood.

Get a nozzle for your house with a big handle that you don't have to hold down all the time so you can operate it with gloves. Flood with cold water mostly but every once in awhile use a coat of warm water to give you that nice smooth surface. We use something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Orbit-XL-Stream-Spray-Nozzle-56130/dp/B0013I970C/ref=sr_1_190?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1353104667&sr=1-190

Figure out how in fact you'll get a hose outside of your house to flood and a good way to store said wet hose when it is in the house(you'll have to flood for it to be viable). Our laundry room window is on the side of the house. We can use the laundry room window to pass the hose in and out. We hang the end of the house in the sump pump so that we don't end up with a puddle on the floor, and we installed a hose holder in the basement.

Pick a spot where you're okay never having grass again. I've had many a friend who struggles with grass come spring time after a rink.

If you are worried about folks lifting the puck and hitting things make yourself some pond hockey goals out of wood. It'll keep the puck on the ice. http://www.uspondhockey.com/page/show/239295-build-an-official-usphc-pond-hockey-goal

Have fun! You'll be the coolest guy on the block.

2012-11-16 5:11 PM
in reply to: #4501225

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Expert
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Alexandria, MN
Subject: RE: Backyard Rink....
When making ice remember to do a little at a time.  When we flood the indoor rink in Alex, it's about an 1/8th to a 1/16th of water at a time.  If you put too much down at once you'll get air bubbles and crappy ice.  
2012-11-16 8:40 PM
in reply to: #4501378

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Veteran
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Maple Grove
Subject: RE: Backyard Rink....

Climbinggonzo - 2012-11-16 5:11 PM When making ice remember to do a little at a time.  When we flood the indoor rink in Alex, it's about an 1/8th to a 1/16th of water at a time.  If you put too much down at once you'll get air bubbles and crappy ice.  

This^^^ Patience is key with this. Getting too much water on at once makes for crappy ice.



2012-11-19 9:17 AM
in reply to: #4501225

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Elite
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Minnetonka
Subject: RE: Backyard Rink....
awesome, thanks folks...  I can run a hose right out of the laundryroom, and store hose there also.  It already has a floor drain.  Looking forward to it!  I'll post picture when complete...  As for the grass...  Well, less to mow next year I guess...
2012-11-27 10:15 AM
in reply to: #4501225

Regular
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Chisago City
Subject: RE: Backyard Rink....

I've flooded tons of outdoor rinks.  Make yourself one of these

http://www.backyard-hockey.com/2010/01/18/how-to-build-a-homeboni-aka-rink-rake/

and resurfacing the rink becomes an enjoyable chore.  Like everyone else has said be patient and you will end up with a fantastic rink.  Let me know if you need me to address any specific questions you may have.  I used to flood outdoor home rinks for a part time job a few years back.  

2012-11-27 1:20 PM
in reply to: #4511555

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Elite
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Minnetonka
Subject: RE: Backyard Rink....
cav90 - 2012-11-27 10:15 AM

I've flooded tons of outdoor rinks.  Make yourself one of these

http://www.backyard-hockey.com/2010/01/18/how-to-build-a-homeboni-aka-rink-rake/

and resurfacing the rink becomes an enjoyable chore.  Like everyone else has said be patient and you will end up with a fantastic rink.  Let me know if you need me to address any specific questions you may have.  I used to flood outdoor home rinks for a part time job a few years back.  

Love the Homeboni..  The liner is currently in route, I will be flooding this weekend in 1" or so increments (Provided it stays cold).  I'll PM you if anything comes up...

2012-11-28 1:46 PM
in reply to: #4511882

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Master
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Minnetonka, Minnesota
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Subject: RE: Backyard Rink....

Have you seen the latest weather forecast?  Might want to wait a bit....

        • Friday
      • High35
      • Low32°
        • Saturday
      • High45
      • Low31°
    • Sunday
  • High48°
  • Low36°
2012-11-28 3:27 PM
in reply to: #4513721

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Elite
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Minnetonka
Subject: RE: Backyard Rink....
ejshowers - 2012-11-28 1:46 PM

Have you seen the latest weather forecast?  Might want to wait a bit....

        • Friday
      • High35
      • Low32°
        • Saturday
      • High45
      • Low31°
    • Sunday
  • High48°
  • Low36°

 

Yeah, I told the kid we might be swimming in it instead of skating on it..   That's good though, it gives me time to make sure everything is in place..  My neighbor made a big brick pizza oven in his back yard this summer, so I'm going to make a logo for him and give him some advertising space on the rink...



2012-11-28 3:49 PM
in reply to: #4513922

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Champion
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, Minnesota
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Subject: RE: Backyard Rink....
I feel bad saying this, but I sincerely hope that it's never cold enough to do your rink.  In fact, the prep you've done might seal the deal!
2012-12-05 11:39 AM
in reply to: #4513963

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Elite
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Minnetonka
Subject: RE: Backyard Rink....

BikerGrrrl - 2012-11-28 3:49 PM I feel bad saying this, but I sincerely hope that it's never cold enough to do your rink.  In fact, the prep you've done might seal the deal!

 

I'm ignoring you.....

2012-12-05 2:55 PM
in reply to: #4523117

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Champion
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, Minnesota
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Subject: RE: Backyard Rink....
SoberTriGuy - 2012-12-05 11:39 AM

BikerGrrrl - 2012-11-28 3:49 PM I feel bad saying this, but I sincerely hope that it's never cold enough to do your rink.  In fact, the prep you've done might seal the deal!

 

I'm ignoring you.....

Not doing a very good job

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