It’s a fantastic feeling to lace up your ice skates and playing your favorite ice sport or skating with your friends on a home synthetic ice rink.

Ice skating has not lost its popularity.

In fact, it’s a great way to exercise, connect, or train with your friends, especially in the winter.

Synthetic ice panels are an alternative for those without access to a natural ice rink and can be installed virtually anywhere.

These are powerful polymer panels infused with compounds that create an amazing skating experience.

They’ve since evolved from commercial to personal use, so more and more persons are investing in ice rinks for various reasons.

If you’re one of those people, you’re probably thinking about where you can install your panels.

If you’ve skated before, you may be a bit skeptical. You’ll come to see the advantages when compared to the real thing.

Why Synthetic Ice vs. Natural ice?

Synthetic ice has steadily risen in popularity in the last few decades.

Compared to regular ice, there are a few advantages.

For starters, many see ice skating as a seasonal activity.

Synthetic ice allows you to train all year round.

The technology around synthetic ice has improved over the years, so materials like our infused panels feel just like skating on the real thing.

Most of all, synthetic ice allows you to be flexible.

You can set up in a variety of spaces and easily install or remove the panels.

With these advantages in mind, here are some places and surfaces to install your next skating rink.

Factors To Consider Before Installation.

If you’ve been thinking about setting up your rink, one major step is devising a plan of action.

An outline saves you time, money, and you’ll be far more satisfied with the outcome.

First, think about where you will be installing you and its purpose.

Write down any potential problems you’ll encounter, which will help you make more sound decisions.

Here are some factors to get you started:

• For your home: What will you use the panels for? Hockey? Ice skating? Recreational? How often will you use the rink? What’s your available space? Are there neighbors or any building restrictions you need to consider? If it’s for your children, think about classes and equipment.

• For Business: When setting up synthetic ice for commercial use, you will need to provide other services like ice skate rentals and even initial classes. You also need to think about maintenance if you expect a steady stream of persons using the ice. Ensure you protect yourself and your company from any liabilities; consider running a waiver past a lawyer. Most of all, it should make financial sense. You should be able to weigh the pros and cons of install and if it will add value to your existing products and services. 

• For Public Use: Yes, synthetic ice can be used in a public space! Public planners, for example, may decide to install an artificial rink for the holidays. In this case, will the rink be indoors or outdoors? Will it be easily accessible to the public? Chances are, a public rink will be for recreational skating. However, you may get figure skaters or persons trying out ice sports like curling. In this case, consider a durable custom design for your panels that will last as long as you need it to and beyond. 

With your plan in mind, here are some familiar places you can set up your ice panels. 

In Your Backyard

If you have a large backyard, it’s a perfect fit for your rink.

When it comes to home installations, backyard outdoor rinks are quite popular among customers.

Measure your space to give you a clear idea of the number or size of panels you will need. 

Synthetic ice needs a hard, flat surface so you can get the best skating experience possible.

If your backyard has a lawn or firm dirt surface, that's a good start.

However, make sure that the surface is as level as possible.

This may mean adding some 3/4" OSB interlocking plywood flooring for an even skating experience. 

 

 

Deck Or Rooftop

What we love about a deck or rooftop is the hard, flat surface readily available.

You can set up your panels in different formations without compromising your skating.

Decks will provide you a smooth, outdoor skating experience for training or fun with your family.

Rooftop areas are the same; if you have a flat surface and easy access, it could be a peaceful place to ease the day’s stress.

However, keep in mind that a rooftop rink may be a bad idea for kids unless there are proper safety precautions in place.

Both rooftops and decks also have limited space, so your rink will be significantly smaller than a backyard one. 

 

 

In the Basement, Attic, Or Spare Room.

An enclosed space in the home, like the basement, attic, or spare room, is an ideal space to consider.

The indoor rink means you can set up your rink to your exact specifications while creating a safe environment for your skaters.

An indoor space also means you can skate at times convenient to you.

Indoor spaces can cost a bit less since you won't need to install walls for your rink. 

Set Up Your Garage

A garage is a popular space for an ice rink.

You have a versatile indoor space, and you can pop the door for some fresh air while you skate or train.

If your garage is in use, you need to consider purchasing rink blankets so you can park your car on the surface and protect it from dirt and debris.

This is a common question we get from customers.

Our synthetic ice panels are durable enough for a car, but you should take some precautions before parking.

Cover the panels with a tarp or mat so the vehicle won’t scuff or stain your tiles. 

Skating In The Driveway

Why not take your ice skating outside?

While the driveway is a temporary site, you can set up and skate outdoors when the weather is on your side.

Some driveways have a sloped design.

Find the spot that's level throughout.

If needed, use added ply under your panels to give you a more effortless skating experience,

At The Gym Or Training Ground

Are you looking for an innovative way to use a spare room in your gym?

Set up an indoor skating rink!

Skating is a great way to build strength, balance, and endurance.

Gym goers will enjoy the new way to work out.

Gym owners can include skating lessons for an additional cost, curling, or indoor hockey matches to build community.

The same goes for a training ground.

You may have basketball, football, and even swimming facilities.

You can add a synthetic ice rink to help athletes improve their field performance by doing something they've never done before.

For Your Next Event

Since the pandemic, outdoor, "open-air" events have increased in many regions as event planners continue to get creative.

More and more engaging events that generate foot traffic contiunue to be trending.

You may want to consider planning a synthetic ice rink for your next event or business in the coming year but be sure to plan well in advance.

Your event can be ice skating themed while bringing awareness to your cause.

You can even try a Joint Venture with the synthetic ice developer.

Make sure to have safety protocols in place so people can still have fun during these strange times.

 

 

Add To Your Business For The Holidays.

A synthetic ice rink can prove to be a sound business investment.

If you’re looking for a way to diversify your income or improve your customer experience, consider installing a rink.

You can use part of your parking lot, event space, or even your showroom floor for customers to have fun while shopping.

If you're considering a rink as another form of income, you will need to outsource help to manage the rink and rental skates. 

Parks, Community Centers And Public Spaces

Public spaces are a great place to set up a large rink.

When you think of public spaces, massive rinks like Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, or Millenium Park in Chicago come to mind.

These are all seasonal spaces that draw tourists and huge crowds.

You can get the same effect in a smaller, intimate public space.

Consider setting up a synthetic ice rink at a park, community center, or outside one of your town’s landmarks.

During the winter holidays, a rink can bring the community together, and community leaders can host events that foster fun and teamwork.

You can even turn it into a community event, letting local businesses sell their goods.

Make sure to get expert help with installation and spread the word.

You’ll be the talk of the town!

CONCLUSION

We hope that we’ve got the gears in your mind turning.

With synthetic ice panels, there are numerous ways you can incorporate ice-skating into your home, business, or public space.

Ice skating at any level is a great way to stay in shape, have fun, and build community.

Polyglide’s range of synthetic ice panels fits seamlessly into any of these scenarios.

Contact us for advice on installation surfaces and locations today.