1. The Traditional Hot Water Method

Facts:

• Hot Water is ideal for building ice because air is more soluble in Cold Water than Hot Water

• The application of Hot Water requires operators to drag a large hose onto the ice surface

• Extra staff are needed to keep the hose in motion to prevent it from melting through the ice

• Hot Water creates a secure bond which resists large ruts and potential injuries

Problems:

• Labour intensive

• Unsafe

• Expensive

• Inconsistent

2. The Common, Corner-Cutting Method

Facts:

• The same process as the Hot Water but with Cold Water

• Eliminates the need of extra staff

Problems:

• Poor ice quality, resulting in injury-causing ruts and excessive snow

• Requires energy consuming temperature adjustments to overcome the insulating factor caused by trapped gases

• Cold Water produces “cloudy” ice due to trapped gases

• Adds to the dehydration of the ice, creating a softer surface

Note: Resurfacer flooding leads to the same problems as Cold Water process because excessive amounts of water left on the surface will absorb air as it freezes. Furthermore, flooding requires a substantial consumption of energy.