Backyard rink thread.
Might as well tap into the collective mind of CP for backyard rink thoughts, ideas and suggestions.
I'm going for a 10' x 20' job. First year trying. Ground is level enough to take that with about a 3" slope at most.
Plan is:
Get 2x10x10 s and brace them lengthwise with wood and do the corners with deck joints to make the frame.
Place a tarp on the ground, place frame over the tarp, wrapping the tarp over the outside of the frame and into the middle. Fill with water. Plan is that the weight of water will hold the tarp in.
I've also been told to throw some grass seed under the tarp but don't know if the seeds will still be viable after the winter. Whatever, doesn't do any harm. Also been told that once the water thaws in the spring get the tarp up as quick as possible.
Some people suggested the packing snow technique, and spraying water on top but I've been told that one thaw in the middle of the winter will wreck the rink.
Might think it is a bit early (I'm in Ottawa) but one of my neighbours says that he throws his out in the middle of October and had his kids on ice at the start of November last year. Personally, I'll wait until all the leaves are down.
Anyways ...... thoughts/critiques?
|