- I live in Florida, will this rink
work here?
The
rink works on the principle of water freezing below 32°F (0°C)
to create ice. The rink will work for people who live in the northern
states and Canada - or those ordering for a friend or relative who
lives in those areas.
-
How does this rink work?
The
Ice N' Go rink solves your construction problems by providing you
with a "complete" kit that allows you to easily and quickly
build the frame work that holds the water. Everything is in one
box including the frame components, the liner, and a special cap
system to protect the liner from skate and shovel cuts. No need
for tools and there will be no un-included items to buy. A detailed
set of written instructions and an instructional video to show you
how to assemble your new rink step by step is also included.
- Does
the ground have to be 100% level?
Rinks
can be built on uneven ground. The instructions with the kit will
show you how to level the border to compensate for the drop. It's
very easy to do - but the greater the drop, the more preparation
will be needed. Backyard rinks can have a maximum 10" drop
from the high to low side - "municipal" rinks can handle
an 8" drop.
We HIGHLY recommend that before you do anything,
you carefully measure the slope (slant, tilt, grade or drop) of
your yard to make sure that you select the most level site.
-
How long does it take to set up?
The
first time you set up the backyard rink and get it ready to fill
up with water it will take an average of 1 to 2 hours on "level"
ground. If the ground is not level, it will require additional time
to adjust the frame to make it level. A "municipal" size
rink could take from 6 to 8 hours depending on the size.
- How
thick does the ice have to be?
A
minimum of 2 inches thick for the ice to stay solid and hold the
weight of a 300 lb person is required. For the municipal rinks,
we recommend at least 3 inches.
- Does
the Ice N' Go ruin grass?
No! Neither
the PVC tubing nor the specially composed polyethylene liner will
affect the grass. Grass is dormant during the winter so covering
it in that period has no negative side effects. The only way to
damage the grass would be to leave the plastic liner on the ground
too long after the winter is over.
-
How fast will the water freeze?
For
a depth of 2 inches*, here are the general guide lines:
(-20° F ---- 20 Hours) (15°F ---- 2-5
Days)
(-15° F ---- 1 Day) (30°F ---- 5 Days)
(0° F ---- 2 days) (32°F ---- Will
not freeze)
*Water always freezes from the ground up.
NOTE: Nothing, repeat, nothing can be added to the water
to make it freeze faster.
- What
should I do if there is an air pocket?
Fill
the pocket with slush and allow to freeze.
- Should
I build a rink on the ground or on the snow?
Yes
to both. It's easy to build the kit on a good snow base because
all you do is hollow out a space and insert the kit assembly, but
you should only do this in a region where you have a consistent
snow base, otherwise if the snow melts out from under the rink,
it could cause a mess. For those regions with little or no snow,
just set up on "clean" ground. Ideally the best places
to set up a rink is on surfaces such as tennis or basketball courts
or sport courts because there is virtually no requirement for leveling.
- Will
the skates cut up the liner?
We
have a liner protection system using flexible ribbed PVC caps that
snap over the frame to protect the liner from shovel and skate cuts.
Just in case, your installation box includes a liner repair kit.
Replacement liners and protective caps are also available.
- How
do you maintain or resurface the ice?
We
recommend the "Ice Groomer", which is an ice-resurfacer
you connect to your hose and pull behind you to get a great, smooth
surface. As an alternative, you can spray or flood a very thin layer
of water using your hose. For bumpy areas, we suggest softening
it up with hot water and then smoothing it out with a flat piece
of metal like a trowel. Cracks can be filled with warm water and
smoothed over.
- What
happens at the end of winter?
Simple.
When it starts to thaw, most of the water will evaporate over a
few days or if you still have a lot of water because of a heat wave,
open up the rink at the lowest level and slowly let the water drain
out. Carefully take the rink apart, dry off all the parts and put
them back in the box until next year. To avoid ruining the grass,
remove the liner before spring.
- Do
I need a large area for a full size rink in order to skate well?
No.
Even if you only have room for a small, your family can enjoy hours
of skating enjoyment. Larger rinks will accommodate a greater number
of skaters safely as well as a greater variety of activities and
games.
- When
is the best time to install my Ice N' Go?
Anytime
following the onset of cold weather is a good time to install your
rink. It is best to fill the liner once it is in place to prevent
accidental damage from high winds or animals. Walking on the liner
with the wrong shoes or over sharp objects left underneath can cause
damage.
- Can
I "Over-Flood" the rink?
Yes.
Too much water can cause the water to freeze in slivers. We recommend
thin applications repeatedly. Ensure the water has frozen between
floods.
- Should
I use hot or cold water to flood?
Cold
water builds up the ice depth. Hot water makes for a stronger, smoother
ice surface. Hot water floods are recommended prior to skating.
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