Time to fill?

[JDW]

Not bad for a days work, liner in, rink filled, ice forming. All in all it went a lot easier than I expected for my first time especially working alone. Before going to bed I checed it and had a thin skim of ice, clear ski and falling temps. This morning it didn't look to bad, a little rough since we got a little light snow early this morning, but it's windy so it's not sticking. The ice felt solid with a few wet spots along the edges. It's -6 this morning, perfect. Stuck at work now so I can't check on it until later tonight.

[HaleSkater]

She's gorgeous!! Congratulations!

[Joe]

Beauty!

[JDW]

Thanks guys, now if mother nature would just cooperate. We keep getting a 1/2" here and there and then 2" snow. Try to keep it cleared off as much as possible. Got up to 37 last night, now it's below freezing again and snowing. Probably have a mess tomorrow. Odd thing I have noticed is that the deeper end 6" is freezing faster than shallow end 4". Could this be do to the ground not being frozen. I can put my weight on the deep end but hear some cracking so I don't go any further. The shallow end I can't even come close and still see a couple small wet spots on the edges. Gonna be cold again for the next few days with occasionally snow flurries. I hate lake effect snow!!!

[Danny]

Are there any negatives to filling even if the temperatures aren't where they need to be? I think I'd rather fill it while its 40 degrees instead of waiting till its 25 and sitting out there with a hose. I'f im going to be enduring freezing temps, I want to be skating when I do, not dumping water.

[wilsondmw]

I think......the Deep end tends to freeze first...i think the proximity of the ground keeps the shallow end warmer...kinda like how Bridges tends to ice up before anything else....

[JDW]

I'll have to remember this for next year. Maybe I will put more water in next time and see what happens.

[YooperHockeydad]

JDW,
I have 12 inches of ice in my deep end and 5" inches in my shallow end. My shallow end is totally frozen but my deep end there is still six inches of water. I don't think theres a formula. Best of luck with the lake effect snow tomorrow, I would maybe suggest spaying some of it down if you can. It could possible thicken up your ice base instead of insulating it.

[kevmac]

@Danny - I always fill prior to the freezing temperatures hit because I don't want to be dealing with running water over ice (my fills are always gradual since they are off the well) and I also hope to be skating before everyone else! :-)

[JDW]

Hope everyone is having a good thanksgiving. Lake effect snow finally stopped. I have 1 1/2 - 2" of ice with water on top and then 6" inches of snow slowly melting into the water. What's my bes
t bet to save things?