How to Drain Your Backyard Rink: Fast & Easy Guide
12.03.2025 ... Just cut a few holes in the liner. Honestly I've tried to save liners and they're so full of dust dirt and debris that they've been sitting in ....
Draining your backyard rink correctly is just as important as the initial flooding process, and doing it the wrong way can turn your beloved skating surface into a muddy mess. Improper drainage leads to persistent standing water, which creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes and causes the ground underneath to develop soft, spongy spots. These uneven patches not only ruin the skating experience but can also become trip hazards, especially for younger children. The goal is to remove the water efficiently while protecting the integrity of your lawn and the surrounding landscape.
Preparing for the Drain
Before you even touch a hose or start pumping, preparation is key to a smooth process. You need to determine where the water will go once it leaves the rink; simply letting it flow straight into the street can overwhelm storm drains and carry contaminants into local waterways. It is best to direct the water into a grass area or a designated drainage area where it can be absorbed without causing erosion. Having your tools ready—such as a submersible pump, garden hoses, and absorbent materials—saves time and prevents the frustrating realization mid-drain that you are missing a critical piece of equipment.
Using a Submersible Pump
A submersible pump is the most efficient tool for removing water from a rink with significant depth or when you need to drain the area quickly. These pumps are designed to be placed directly into the puddle, moving large volumes of water without the hassle of priming. When selecting a unit, ensure it has sufficient power for the square footage of your rink and check that the power cord reaches a safe, dry outlet. To operate it effectively, lower the pump into the deepest part of the rink and position the discharge hose so the water is directed away from the foundation of your home.
Siphoning with a Garden Hose
For smaller rinks or shallow puddles, a traditional garden hose siphon is a cost-effective and reliable solution. This method relies on gravity and requires no electricity, making it a practical choice for many homeowners. The process involves priming the hose by filling it with water and then creating a seal with one end inside the rink and the other end lower than the surface of the water. Once the flow begins, the water will continue to move downhill until the rink is completely empty, provided the discharge point remains lower than the source.
Protecting the Grass and Soil
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is draining water directly onto the grass in a concentrated area, which can lead to thatch damage and soil compaction. The high volume of water can literally drown the grass roots, while the weight of foot traffic on wet soil creates hard, impenetrable layers. To mitigate this, move the discharge hose frequently to distribute the water across a larger area. If possible, drain the rink into a gravel channel or a dry well to prevent the grass from becoming a muddy bog.
Tips for Preventing Ruts and Erosion
- Avoid creating a single muddy path by changing the discharge location regularly.
- Place plywood planks or heavy-duty tarps over soft ground to distribute weight evenly.
- Use landscaping fabric in high-traffic areas to prevent soil from pulling up and sticking to shoes.
- Reseed any bare patches in the spring to ensure a thick, resilient lawn.
The Final Steps
Once the bulk of the water is gone, the rink floor will likely be a mix of slush and compacted ice. At this stage, resist the urge to simply shovel the slush away, as this can leave behind residue that stains the concrete or damages the grass. Instead, use the remaining water to your advantage by sweeping the area with a stiff broom to push the slush toward the discharge point. This ensures that the surface is left as clean and level as possible, preventing puddles from forming the next time it rains.
Storing Equipment for Next Season
Proper maintenance of your drainage equipment ensures it is ready when the next winter season rolls around. After pumping, rinse the pump and hoses thoroughly to remove any debris or mineral buildup, and allow them to dry completely before storing them in a cool, dry place. Coiling the hoses neatly and protecting the pump from extreme temperatures will extend their lifespan significantly. Taking the time to care for your tools now means you’ll spend less time troubleshooting and more time skating when the ice returns.
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