When Should I Set-up my YardRink?

The best time to set up your YardRink is when temperatures are consistently forecasted to remain below freezing for at least 3–5 days, but before the ground has completely frozen and you are ready to fill and start building ice.

Installing your rink before the ground freezes makes it much easier to drive the stakes into the ground and secure the rink properly. This is typically late Autumn for most regions. If you wait too long and the ground freezes solid, installing the stakes can become difficult but not impossible.

As winter approaches, begin monitoring your local forecast for:

• Daytime temperatures near or below 32°F (0°C)
• Overnight temperatures well below freezing
• A stretch of 3–5 consecutive days of close to or below-freezing weather

These conditions will help the water begin freezing and allow you to start building your ice surface.

While it may be tempting to set up your rink as soon as temperatures begin dropping, filling the rink too early can result in repeated freeze-thaw cycles that slow ice formation and may require additional maintenance.

Waiting for a sustained period of freezing temperatures gives you the best chance of creating a strong, consistent base layer of ice.

Many YardRink owners install their rink shortly after the leaves have finished falling. This helps reduce cleanup and allows you to take advantage of the first extended stretch of freezing temperatures.

Once your rink is installed, you'll be ready to add water and start building your ice surface.