What are the basic requirements to install an ice rink?
Rinks require a firm ground, compact and mostly level. If the floor is not level, set in place a wooden platform to achieve a smooth horizontal surface.
Secondly, an electrical connection is required to feed the cooling machine. You will need a standard electrical supply near to the rink, If you cannot provide this you can opt to arrange a power supply by renting a generator (also available through N-Ice) or as a last resort arrange a new supply. If you decide to request a new electrical supply, we recommend you apply your power company at least three months prior to installation. The minimum requirement is a 250 A / phase supply.
Finally, the site requires connection to a water feed near the rink in order to create the ice.
What sizes are rinks available in?
In principle, we can create any size to suit your needs, it will be necessary for a site visit by a N-Ice Real Ice specialist to survey what options are available on the site. Larger cities typically choose larger rinks. The width-length ratio is usually 2:1. Different ratios are possible as rinks are available from 10 x 20 meters with no limits for the biggest rink though you must be aware that the bigger the rink, the higher the energy and water consumption.
How many people can simultaneously skate on the rink?
Although each installation differs, we recommend a maximum capacity of one skater per 4m2 of floor space. For example, an ice rink 15 x 30 meters, 450 m2 simultaneously could skate safely around 110-120 skaters.
How long does it take to build an ice rink?
The ice rink can be installed in just one day. To generate and set the ice requires 2 or 3 days depending on weather conditions irrespective of track being located outdoors, or indoors.
How thick must have ice?
Most rinks use a 3-inch thick (about 7 - 8cm). A much thinner ice could cause fractures in the ice and a with a thicker surface it consumes more energy through cooling machine and could cause deficiencies in freezing the uppermost layer of ice thus creating pools of water.
What is the power and water consumption of an ice rink?
The power consumption is related to the cooling capacity required by the fridge unit to maintain the rink as frozen ice. The power of these machines chillers, typically range from 200 kW to 1,500 kW or more. For a rough estimate of the power consumption of the installation, please contact us with the size of the rink and the time of hire, we can calculate the consumption (approximately). Also, these details can be revisited again if you decide to alter the size of the rink and the required cooling capacity. With regards to water consumption this is about 75 Litres/m2 to generate a uniformed layer of ice at about 8 cm thick.
How far can the fridge unit be from the ice rink?
The closer the fridge machine is to the ice rink, the more efficient it is in energy consumption, as the coolant temperature is not lost between the fridge and the rink. If the Fridge Unit is far from the track, more power is required to maintain the temperature through the joining pipe work, though, each project is different and we can adapt the installation to suit as we have had rinks were the machinery is 10 feet away, to rinks were the machinery Is 75 meters from the rink.
What can be done to consume less energy?
For tracks installed outdoors, we recommend the use of tents or canvas roofs to retain cold temperature thus reducing power consumption (although not a requirement). In hotter climates the use of the tent will prevent direct heat from the sun on the ice and cooler so the plant would not have to work at full load so there is less consumption. Furthermore, if the weather permits, you can choose to turn off the chiller plant at night and on again first thing in the morning, this is can be done automatically. The humidity, wind and direct sunlight are all factors that affect the rink high humidity is one of the big factors that can affect the outermost layer of ice and could create pools of water. It is important to note that once we have solidified the ice, electricity consumption is greatly reduced when the fridge only has to maintain the temperature of the existing ice surface but it will vary according to its surroundings.
What if it rains?
If the track is installed outdoors, the rain water on the track is going to freeze. If it rains continuously, we advise not to open to the public as the rink conditions are not ideal for skating. There would be a layer of surface water. Excess water on the ice causes the surface is to become too slippery and therefore inviting accidents.
What if it snows?
We recommend removing the snow continuously to avoid too much ice to form on the surface, creating an irregular layer or rough surface or increasing the thickness of the ice.
How many people are required to manage the rink?
We suggest a minimum of 2 people at any time. Though, everything will depend on the size of the track and the place of installation. The bigger the rink the more people could be required at peak operating times
How many rental skates do I need?
We will suggest the amount and the most suitable sizes of skates for distribution, according to the size of the rink you want to install. In addition, we include all components necessary for the proper management of the track, skate rack, rubber floor rental area, tills, Ice surface cleaner, skate sharpening, etc.
What are the basic safety rules of the rink?
We will provide you with a poster stating the safety standard regulations for skating rinks. We also recommend most importantly that all skaters wear gloves, all users skate in the same direction, no competitions, racing or skating too fast or pushing the other skaters or rink users. It is important to have a first aid kit present in the area. It is always recommended that there is least one monitor/senior person on the ice who can teach, assist and monitor its users. Or be ready to go on to the rick to attend to any incident that may occur. It is important to have a PA to give information to skaters as necessary or give any notice of shift/band changes, animation, search for a missing child etc.
Do you require monitoring of the facility?
It is necessary that the rink is policed by a security person to prevent theft or damage during the night while the facility remains closed to the public. During the day, the staff of the track can handle any incident. The security person must be available from the first night of assembly.
What advertising elements can be installed in the ice rink?
The environment of the rink can offer many possibilities for advertising space for sponsors. First, you can take advantage of the perimeter fence of the ice rink, both internally and externally. Then there is the possibility of placing advertising banners around the rink and freeze the primary sponsor logo within the ice surface itself.
The recommended material for advertising on billboards is vinyl that sticks directly to the board. The vinyl for the fence is the same and must measure 140 cm long (the length of each section of fence) and 74 cm. high for advertising inside the barrier fence. The banner/Logo must be delivered to those responsible for the rink on the first day of assembly so it can be set within the layers of ice. This is often an eye-catching advertising method.
You can also place inflatable, kiosks, promotional stands, kiosks, logo projections for the night plus refreshment stalls, food or whatever else you fell will create a good environment.
How long should skating times be and how much do we charge?
In most of the rinks, the price to skate is from 3 to 7 Euros per person, including the skates, depending on the time the user is on the ice. Additionally, if the user does not bring gloves, you can sell for 1 Euro. (These gloves are bought from China and cost around 40 cents a pair). Skating times each group can range from 25 minutes to 1 hour although this is your decision we recommend around 30 minutes per session. You can buy the ticket in advance, setting timetables for each session. For children under 12 years, we always recommend the use of helmets and protective knee and arm pads, which we can also provide for you to hire or sell.
What maintenance is required for the ice rink once installed?
The maintenance program of rink is fairly easy you just have to shovel away any snow on the surface and apply a thin layer of water after daily use to get a perfect surface for the next day.
From what age children can skate?
Usually, the minimum age stipulated for ice skating is 5 years old, provided they are accompanied by an adult or that there is a monitor available to accompany them during their session.
How long does it take to dismantle the ice rink?
According to the weather, the ice may melt completely within four days to two weeks. Though, if required so you can hire a machine (heat pump) to accelerate this process.
For any other questions or advice please call us.
Tel.: +44 (0)1704 509 888
Email: infouk@niceskating.com
