SPORTWAVE Resources
Practical ice-rink knowledge for better project decisions
This resource centre is built for clients, municipalities, architects, operators and project teams who need to make informed decisions about seasonal and permanent ice facilities.
The purpose is not to repeat product brochures. Each guide explains what to compare, which technical inputs matter, where common mistakes occur and what information is needed before a reliable solution can be selected.
Start with the decision you need to make
| If you need to decide… | Start here |
|---|---|
| How to plan a seasonal rink | Seasonal Ice Rink Planning Guide |
| Whether to rent or buy | Ice Rink Rental vs Purchase |
| Which ice-floor technology to use | EPDM vs Concrete vs QuartzPhalt® / IcePhalt® vs SkateWay® |
| How much refrigeration is required | Ice Rink Refrigeration Sizing Guide |
| How to reduce energy consumption | Ice Rink Energy-Efficiency Guide |
| How to maintain the rink correctly | Ice Rink Maintenance Checklist |
Planning & Projects
Use these guides before equipment is fixed. They help define the operating model, site constraints, ownership strategy and information required for a realistic proposal.
How to Plan a Seasonal Ice Rink: Site, Power, Timeline and Equipment
Explains rink capacity, site area, base conditions, electrical supply, refrigeration location, mobile technology, resurfacing, skate rental and installation timing.
Ice Rink Rental vs Purchase: Which Model Makes Sense?
Compares rental, ownership and hybrid models using number of seasons, site stability, storage, installation labour, service capability and lifecycle cost.
Related: Ice Rink Rental, Mobile Ice Rinks, Design & Engineering and Projects.
Ice Rink Technology
The floor technology should follow the operating model. Seasonal removal, permanent construction, off-season use and custom geometry lead to different solutions.
EPDM, Concrete Slab, QuartzPhalt® / IcePhalt® or SkateWay®?
Compares EPDM mats, AST IceBox, concrete slabs, AST’s asphalt-based permanent rink concept and AST SkateWay® by seasonal flexibility, permanent use, custom geometry, hydraulics, storage and lifecycle operation.
Related: Mobile Ice Rinks, Permanent Ice Rinks, Multifunctional Ice Rinks and Ice Worlds & SkateWays.
Refrigeration & Energy
How to Size an Ice Rink Refrigeration System
Explains ASHRAE verification ranges, heat-load components, outdoor exposure, ice temperature, resurfacing, hydraulics, electrical constraints, redundancy and heat recovery.
How to Reduce Ice Rink Energy Use Without Sacrificing Ice Quality
Shows how ice temperature, thickness, radiant heat, humidity, pumps, resurfacing, controls and heat recovery influence lifecycle consumption.
Related: Refrigeration Systems and EasyCHILL.
Operation & Maintenance
Ice Rink Maintenance Checklist
A working checklist for ice condition, thickness, refrigeration, hydraulics, resurfacing, boards, skates, humidity, energy trends, seasonal start-up and shutdown.
Related: Service & Maintenance, Operator Training and Resurfacing Equipment.
A practical reading path for a new project
- Define the operating model — permanent, seasonal, rental, event or multifunctional.
- Check site constraints — area, base, electrical power, water, drainage, plant location and access.
- Select the ice technology — EPDM, IceBox, permanent slab, QuartzPhalt® / IcePhalt® or SkateWay®.
- Calculate refrigeration and hydraulics — do not select cooling capacity from square metres alone.
- Plan operation — boards, resurfacing, skates, visitor flow, controls and staffing.
- Evaluate lifecycle energy and service — setpoints, heat recovery, monitoring, maintenance and spares.
AST technical documentation
For manufacturer drawings, brochures and technical product documentation, use AST’s official download library. SPORTWAVE uses these documents together with project-specific engineering rather than treating brochure data as a final design.
- AST Downloads — current brochures and technical documentation.
- AST Ice Rinks — mobile, permanent and rental technologies.
- AST Dasher Boards — leisure and professional board systems.
Relevant documents are linked from individual SPORTWAVE solution and equipment pages where they support a specific technical decision.
Technical updates that affect project decisions
New products and project references are added to SPORTWAVE only when they materially change selection, engineering or operation. Current examples include AST developments in custom ice geometry, professional board systems, energy management, reusable ice graphics and mobile-rink handling equipment.
For current manufacturer developments, see AST News. SPORTWAVE technical guides remain the primary reference for project-selection logic.
Have a specific project rather than a general question?
Use the guides to understand the main decisions, then send SPORTWAVE the project location, approximate dimensions, intended use, operating period and known site constraints.
Request an ice-rink proposal or contact SPORTWAVE with a technical question.