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Ice N' Go Backyard Ice Skating Rink |
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Frequently Asked
Questions |
I live in Florida, will this rink work here?
How does the
Ice N' Go backyard ice rink work?
Does the ground have to be 100% level?
How long does it take to set up Ice N' Go?
How thick does the ice have to be?
Does the Ice N' Go ruin grass?
How fast will the water freeze?
What do I do if there's an air pocket?
Can I build an Ice N' Go backyard ice skating rink on the ground
or on snow?
Will the skates cut up the liner?
How do you maintain or resurface the ice?
What happens at the end of winter?
Do I need a large area for a full size rink to
skate well?
When is it the best time to install my Ice N' Go?
Can I "Over-Flood" the rink?
Should I use hot or cold water to flood?
Answer:
The rink works on the principle of water freezing below 32°F (0°C) to create ice. People that live anywhere other than the northern states and Canada should stop right here - unless you are ordering for a friend or relative who lives in those areas. Anything south of New York, Ohio, Iowa, etc. is too warm.
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How does the Ice N' Go rink work?
Answer:
Just about everybody who has tried to build their own ice rink knows that the "vision" you started out with and the result you got were probably far apart. Now you're looking for an easier solution.
The Ice N' Go solves your construction problems by providing you with a "complete" kit that allows you to easily and quickly build that frame work to hold 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 to use tools or buy truckloads of lumber. We include a detailed set of instructions and an instructional video to show you how one is set up.
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Does the ground have to be 100% level?
Answer:
Ice N' Go rinks can be built on uneven ground. The instructions with the kit show you how to level the border to compensate for the drop. It's basically easy to do - but the greater the drop, the more preparation you will need to do. Backyard rinks can have a maximum 10'' drop from the high to the 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, drop, or whatever you want to call it) of your yard to make sure that you select the most level site.
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How long does it take to set up an Ice N' Go?
Answer:
The first time you set up the backyard rink, it will take an average of 1 to 3 hours on "level" ground and get it ready to fill up with water. If the ground is "un level", it will require additional time to adjust the frame to make it level.
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How thick does the ice have to be?
Answer:
A minimum of 2'' (two inches) for the ice to stay solid and hold the weight of a 300lb person. For the municipal rinks, we recommend at least 3'' (three inches).
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Does the Ice N' Go rink ruin the grass?
Answer:
NO! Neither the PVC tubing nor the specially composed polyethylene liner will affect the grass. The grass is dormant during the winter. The only way the grass is ruined is if you leave the plastic liner on the ground too long after the winter is over.
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How fast will the water freeze?
Answer:
For a depth of 2 inches*, these are some of 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 -------- Water will not freeze
* Water freezes from the ground up.
NOTE: There is nothing you can add to water that will make
it freeze faster.
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What do I do if there's an air pocket?
Answer:
Fill the pocket with slush and allow to freeze.
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Can I build an
Ice N' Go
ice rink on
the ground or on snow?
Answer:
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 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.
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Will the skates cut up the liner?
Answer:
No! 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. Your
Ice N' Go includes a liner repair
kit. Replacement liners and protective caps are also available.
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How do you maintain or resurface the ice?
Answer:
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.
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What happens at the end of winter?
Answer:
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 the
spring.
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Do I need a large area for a full size rink in order to skate well?
Answer:
No. Even if you only have room for a small
Ice N' Go, 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.
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When is it the best time to install my
Ice N' Go
backyard ice rink?
Answer:
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.
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Can I "Over-Flood" the rink?
Answer:
Yes. Too much water can cause the water to freeze in "Slivers."
We recommend thin applications repeatedly. Ensure the water has frozen
between floods.
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Should I use hot or cold water to flood?
Answer:
Cold water builds up the ice depth. Hot water makes for a stronger, smoother
ice surface. Hot water floods are recommended prior to skating.