When families start considering a backyard ice rink, one of the first questions is whether to buy the equipment or rent a professionally installed rink.
At Polar Bear Rinks, we focus on complete seasonal rentals that include installation, spring removal, and summer equipment storage. For families who want skating at home without handling setup and teardown, renting can be a great fit.
Here’s what our backyard ice rink rental packages offer and what to consider when comparing renting with buying.
1. Equipment and Installation in One Package
Buying rink equipment and renting a professionally installed rink cover different needs. With a DIY purchase, you handle planning, setup, spring teardown, and storage yourself.
A Polar Bear Rinks rental combines equipment with professional installation, initial fill assistance, spring removal, and seasonal storage. The value is in the work we handle for you.
For a comparison of the options, read How Much Does a Backyard Ice Rink Cost in Minnesota?
2. Perfect for First-Timers
Not sure if a backyard rink is right for you? Renting is a great way to test it out before committing to a purchase. You’ll get the full Polar Bear Rinks experience — delivery, installation, and removal — without worrying about long-term storage or ownership.
3. No Storage Hassles
One of the biggest challenges of owning a rink is figuring out where to store it in the off-season. Renting eliminates that problem entirely. When the ice melts, we remove the rink and store it for you — no garage clutter, no shed space required.
4. Full-Service Experience
When you rent a rink from Polar Bear Rinks, you don’t just get the equipment. You get the full service package:
Delivery to your home
Professional installation
End-of-season removal
Off-season storage
That means you get more time skating, and less time worrying about setup and teardown.
5. An Easier Return Next Winter
If your family enjoys its first winter with a rink, renting makes it easy to continue the tradition. We store your equipment over the summer and return to install it for your next paid rental season.
Returning-season pricing is lower than first-year pricing because we reuse your rink equipment. If you’re considering a different size or layout, contact us to discuss availability, yard suitability, and pricing.
Should You Rent or Buy?
Buying equipment can suit families who want to own their rink and handle installation, removal, and storage themselves.
Renting is a good fit if you want those jobs handled for you. With Polar Bear Rinks, you get a professionally installed seasonal rink while remaining responsible for routine snow removal and ice resurfacing.
Read Backyard Ice Rink Rentals: How They Work for a closer look at the process.
Bring Skating Home This Winter
Explore our backyard ice rink rental packages to compare options and pricing, or request a yard consultation to find out what works in your backyard.