Ice Rink Maintenance Tips and Tools
Ice rinks need constant maintenance to work correctly with any game. If you are an ice rink owner, you must know the struggles of maintaining ice rinks is not relatively easy, and most of the time, you require professional help. Aside from that, it would help if you learned the basics of holding a rink on your own.
Ice rink maintenance depends on the type of rink; only some of the rinks are the same. Rinks are designed according to the demands of games; for example, skating ice rinks have a soft top layer to avoid cracks when a player lands after jumping. On the other hand, ice rinks for curling competitions must be grooveless.
In this article, I will explain some tips and tools to help maintain the ice rinks independently.
Different Kinds of Ice Rinks
Different kinds kind of games require differently designed ice rinks with variable structures. The consistency and structure of ice are carefully fabricated for a smooth game layout. If we set the system aside, the temperature for different gaming ice rinks is also different.
Properly maintaining the ice rink depends on carefully studying the rink and its structure. Generally, the tools and tips used are the same except for the top layer. Here is a table of different kinds of ice rinks that will help your basic knowledge.
| Sport | Required Ice Temperature | Ice Consistency |
| Figure Skating | 24°F to 27°F (-4°C to -3°C) | Smooth and Even |
| Ice Hockey | 22°F to 24°F (-5.5°C to -4°C) | Firm and Resilient |
| Speed Skating | 18°F to 20°F (-8°C to -6.5°C) | Hard and Smooth |
| Curling | 23°F to 25°F (-5°C to -4°C) | Pebbled and Level |
| Ice Dancing | 24°F to 27°F (-4°C to -3°C) | Smooth and Consistent |
| Broomball | 22°F to 25°F (-5.5°C to -4°C) | Even and Durable |
Ice Rink Maintenance Checklist
All kinds of ice rinks have an essential checklist of tips that will help you to maintain ice rinks regularly. You have to be careful about the ice rink’s surface because you can make money from them. Following these tips will make it easier for you to get ice rink maintenance training on your own.
Regular Inspection
Amusement parks and recreational ice rinks are used all day, requiring regular inspection, even daily. It depends directly on the use of the rink; the more the rink is used, the more frequent its review will be.
Look out for cracks, uneven ice, bumps, debris and mud grains on the surface of the ice. Early detection will repair cost low and eradicate the damage quickly.
Proper Water Application
Water application on the surface of ice rinks can help keep the upper layer’s consistency. You can use Zamboni or ice resurface to apply/spray thin layers of water on the ice surface easily. Instead of a few thick layers, apply many thin layers to make it more long-lasting.
Temperature Control
Controlling the temperature of ice is essential to keep the overall surface of ice intact. Usually, the general temperature to keep ice rinks frozen is around 26°F (-3°C).
You can use a temperature-controlling system that regulates the temperature without melting the ice or over freezing it. It helps to keep your rink frozen. Temperature control is an integral factor in the book of how is an ice rink maintained.
Resurfacing Routine
Resurfacing is extremely important to maintain the out layer of ice well for the game. Resurfacing allows to remove rough patches, grooves, and debris. A smooth surface is essential for a suitable match; otherwise, it will impact players’ performance, causing hurdles.
Sealing Crack
Crakes are the top most undesirable factor on any ice surface. They tend to make the game dangerous by cracking further or acting as an obstacle.
Filling small cracks is more accessible by applying water spray or slushed ice. Big shots will need more serious attention to fix them. Outdoor ice rinks are most likely to form cracks, so outdoor rink maintenance may require more crack-sealing drills.
Proper Ice Thickness
Ice thickness is another factor that needs maintenance regularly. Using rinks over time induces scratches and tears that reduce the thickness of the ice.
Thin ice is not ideal for skating, ice hockey or any other game. The thickness depends on the type of rink and game; the perfect thickness must be around 1-2 inches.
Ice Rink Maintenance Equipment
You will need tools and specialized equipment when it comes to skating rink or hockey rink maintenance. Rinks are enormous, and it is impossible to maintain them manually, like spraying water from a gardening hose or something. There is a proper tool to help you with this process.
Zamboni or Ice Resurface
This machine resurfaces the ice, tearing the topmost layer littered with debris or bumps. It will resurface the new underneath layer, which will be smoother. Zamboni works perfectly well for both natural ice rinks as well as for synthetic ice rink maintenance.
Ice Edger
Ice edger plays an essential role in trimming the edges of the rink; it does not impact the game in any way. This practice ensures the neat look of the ice rink, saving the edges from breaking and chipping off the ice.
Ice Scraper
Before you start the process of resurfacing, you will use Ice Scraper to clear the surface of an ice rink. This machine helps you remove ice or snow from the rink’s surface, leaving the original cover to resurface.
Snow Blower
A snow blower is an essential tool during pond ice rink maintenance. It removes the snow from the rink’s surface, keeping it clear from forming any uneven particles or structures on the surface. A transparent cover is essential for a safe skating environment.
Ice Rink Maintenance Cost
Ice rinks are luxury gameplay platforms with various sports played on them. They are exciting recreational spots to have fun with friends and family. There is no doubt that ice rinks generate a lot of profit if they are operational in a good market, but the maintenance cost also comes with gain.
Ice rinks are pretty expensive to construct and maintain than other kinds of recreational businesses. According to the data collected from various ice rink owners, ice rink maintenance takes $2,000 to $4,000 per month, including refrigeration systems.
Conclusion
These tips would have helped you get basic knowledge about ice rink maintenance. Ice generates a lot of profit, but maintaining them requires quite an effort and investment. A sound refrigeration system is critical to keeping ice rinks intact and in their best working conditions.
Remember that ice rinks are sensitive playing grounds requiring regular checks and balances.
