Postby kevmac » Tue Feb 12, 2013 1:42 pm
As Joe stated, your shallow areas (as well as those in direct sunlight) will melt first. The top layer of ice will slowly turn to a slush of ice pellets and eventually melt. The water from the melting ice is going to find it's path of least resistance to the low spots. You can hasten the process by scraping the slushy ice pellets off the top of your ice allowing the sun and warm air to access the thicker ice. The ice along the melting edge is also more fragile and can be 'smashed' with a heavy boot (suggest work boots, not sneakers) allowing it to melt quicker.
If you plan on saving your tarp for next season, find your lowest spot and remove a couple of boards so that the water has a place to exit. If you don't plan on saving your tarp, cut it at various spots. In the past I have also taken an axe to the ice and toss it about the yard where the sun is shining.
And if you are in a real hurry to get rid of the ice, remember that warmer water melts ice so run your hose on it. If you are one of those 'hot water' lovers, you could get through this ice pretty quick on a warm day.
Cheers
Kevin
Making Backyard Rinks from 1999-2015
Twitter: @kevmac_5 or @macisaac_odr
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