The objective is to manage these key variables:
| Variable | Benefit Category |
| Ice Hardness – keep new harder ice or use old conditions | Users/ Maintenance |
| Ice Temperature – ditto above and | Energy Use |
| Flood Temperature – try transitioning to 10 ° C (50 ° F), slowly is OK! | Energy Use |
| Flood Quantity – less is better, try for 100 – 110 USG (380 – 416 liters) | Energy Use |
| Humidity – adjust for colder flood water | Energy Use |
Start with normal slab temperature and 10-20 °C (50-68 °F) flood water. Use a boom spray, resurfacer or hose with a misting nozzle when building the ice. Flood quantities must be thin – thinner floods will lay flatter, freeze faster without beading and provide a stronger more durable ice surface than typical thicker flooding. Make sure each layer is completely frozen before applying the next layer. This will ensure a strong bond between layers and will allow for an easier building process. If freeze times become excessive as thickness builds or if beading occurs reduce flood quantity further. In general, the flood water should freeze in 1-1.5 passes of the resurfacer.
PLEASE NOTE: Utilizing thin floods beyond the line sealing is an investment in the ice surface your users and you will benefit from for the whole season; for enjoyment, maintenance and energy use. It is win win!
After 2 weeks begin to raise the ice temperature, usually 1 ° C (2 ° F) at first, wait another week and adjust ice temperature upward to desired hardness.
In rinks where heaving is not an issue and ice thickness exceeds 1" (2.5 cm) ice thickness can be reduced due to the denser more durable surface. This will also reduce energy costs. Always follow local/association guidelines.
Trying RinkSense out before re-building the lines
Shave and clean the surface thoroughly and follow the procedure as outlined above. Aim to shave as much as the time budget allows the minimum being the amount to try out and maintain a new surface.
Note: Approximately 65% of the energy savings can be accomplished with shaving down ¼” (0.6cm). Please note, however, that achieving clarity and a higher ice temperature may not be possible.