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Ice N' Go F.A.Q.'s - Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a listing of the most frequently asked questions. Please read through everything here before making the decision to purchase an ice rink. If you still have questions, please give us a call! 1-800-356-3056.

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I live in Florida, will this rink work here?
How does this ice rink work?
Does the ground have to be 100% level?
How long does it take to set up?
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?
Should I build a rink on the ground or on the snow?
Will the skates cut up the liner?
How do you maintain or resurface the ice?
What happens at the end of the winter?
Do I need a large area for a full size rink in order to skate well?
When is the best time to install my Ice N' Go?
Can I "Over-flood" the rink?
Should I use hot or cold water to flood?

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. top of page 

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. top of page 

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. Click Here for How-To Instructions   top of page 

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.  top of page

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.
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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.  top of page

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.  top of page

What should I do if there is an air pocket?
Fill the pocket with slush and allow to freeze.  top of page

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.  top of page

Will the skates cut up the liner?
We have a liner protection system that snaps 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.  top of page

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.
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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.  top of page

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.  top of page

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.  top of page

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.  top of page

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.  top of page