Refrigeration for Hockey Rinks: Guide to Ice Rink Refrigeration

Refrigeration systems are at the core of every ice hockey rink. They maintain the ice surface quality essential for optimal skating performance, safety, and energy efficiency. A subtle imbalance in temperature, humidity, or equipment reliability can compromise ice integrity and rink operations. Whether you manage a community arena, a municipal facility, or a private rink, understanding how refrigeration systems work, how they're designed, installed, maintained, and upgraded, is fundamental.

This comprehensive guide breaks down ice rink refrigeration principles, equipment, costs, refrigerants, and maintenance best practices. We also highlight modern hockey rink refrigeration system trends, environmental considerations, and trusted ice rink refrigeration technicians, particularly Enns Industrial Refrigeration, a top industrial refrigeration services provider across Ontario. From Toronto to Kitchener‑Waterloo, they bring expertise in installation, troubleshooting, and retrofits.

Key takeaways

• Ice rink refrigeration comes down to managing heat transfer via chillers, refrigerants, brine or glycol loops, and control automation.
• System costs vary widely—from initial installation in the millions to maintenance and energy decisions that determine long-term value.
• Natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO₂ are increasingly favoured for environmental and efficiency performance.
• Preventive maintenance, proper slab design, and control systems are critical to maintaining reliable ice.
• Enns Industrial Refrigeration offers trusted, local support for hockey rink refrigeration installation, maintenance, and upgrades throughout Ontario.

How ice rink refrigeration systems work

At the core of every hockey rink is a refrigeration system built to extract heat from the ice surface and maintain ideal freezing temperatures for high-performance play. These systems function on the basic principles of the refrigeration cycle—a process that transfers heat away from the ice pad and releases it into the outside environment.

The system begins with evaporation, where a refrigerant absorbs heat from a secondary fluid, such as brine or glycol, within an evaporator. This process cools the fluid, which is then pumped beneath the rink’s concrete slab. The refrigerant, now warmed slightly by the absorbed heat, continues to the compressor, where it is pressurized. Compression raises both the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant vapour, preparing it for the next stage.

The hot, high-pressure refrigerant then moves to the condenser, where it is cooled, typically with the help of a dry cooler or cooling tower. This step releases the heat into the outside environment, and the refrigerant condenses into a liquid form. The final stage is expansion, where the liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve. This reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, making it ready to repeat the cycle.

This loop enables consistent cooling of the secondary fluid, which circulates through a network of pipes embedded in the concrete slab. As the fluid moves, it continuously removes heat from the ice surface, keeping the rink frozen and ready for use.

What is the refrigeration system for ice rinks?

Ice rink refrigeration systems fall into two main categories: direct and indirect.

• Direct systems involve circulating the refrigerant itself through the pipes embedded in the slab. While this method was common in the past, it is now rarely used due to safety concerns and strict environmental regulations—especially when ammonia is involved.
• Indirect systems are more common and safer. These systems use a secondary fluid, typically a brine or glycol solution, which absorbs cold from the refrigerant circuit and then travels through the slab piping beneath the ice surface. This separation reduces the risk of refrigerant leaks and makes the system easier to maintain.

Key components in a modern ice rink refrigeration system include:

• Compressor or chiller plant: The engine of the system, responsible for initiating and sustaining the refrigeration cycle. Facilities may use ammonia, CO₂, or synthetic refrigerants, depending on size, regulation, and environmental goals.
• Evaporator: This heat exchanger allows refrigerant to absorb heat from the brine or glycol, cooling the secondary fluid before it’s circulated under the ice.
• Piping network: Durable, embedded tubing systems distribute cold evenly across the entire slab surface.
• Control systems: Advanced sensors and automation platforms help regulate temperature, humidity, pressure, and scheduling—ensuring ice quality and energy efficiency.
• Heat recovery systems: These components capture waste heat from the refrigeration process and repurpose it for hot water, heating spaces, or melting ice shavings, further improving system efficiency.

System configurations vary widely based on facility size, geographic location, local regulations, budget, and long-term sustainability plans.

How do they keep hockey rinks cold?

Keeping an ice rink cold is not as simple as flipping a switch. It requires a precisely engineered system that continually removes heat and responds to changing conditions inside the rink.

The process starts with brine or glycol circulation. Chilled secondary fluid is pumped through the concrete slab under the ice surface. As it moves, it absorbs and carries away heat, keeping the ice cold and stable.

This process is aided by continuous monitoring and control systems, which rely on sensors embedded in the slab and throughout the building. These sensors measure key parameters like slab temperature, surface conditions, and humidity levels. The system automatically adjusts flow rates, refrigeration cycles, or airflow to maintain optimal ice quality.

Preventing heat gain is just as important as removing heat. High-quality insulation beneath the concrete slab reduces thermal transfer from the ground. Low-emissivity ceiling panels and airtight building envelopes help prevent radiant and convective heat gain from above and around the ice surface.

Humidity control is also critical. High humidity leads to condensation, fog, and soft ice. Dehumidifiers and dedicated HVAC systems remove excess moisture from the air, improving ice conditions and player safety.

Finally, these systems are designed for continuous operation. Ice rinks generally operate 24/7, especially during hockey season, which means refrigeration systems must be dependable and robust—ready to handle load changes without failure.

How to cool an ice rink efficiently

Efficient cooling in an ice rink isn’t just about turning the temperature down. It involves a series of smart design choices, proper startup procedures, and ongoing maintenance practices.

To begin, the system must be commissioned properly. When starting up for a new season or after repairs, ice is built gradually in thin layers to ensure a uniform freeze. This helps avoid cracking and improves long-term performance.

The secondary fluid—typically a brine or glycol mixture—needs to be maintained at the correct concentration. If it becomes too diluted or contaminated, it loses efficiency and may freeze or corrode the piping system. Regular testing helps keep the fluid in optimal condition.

High-efficiency components also make a major difference. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) allow pumps and compressors to run only as needed, reducing energy consumption. Energy-efficient motors, well-insulated piping, and low-emissivity ceiling materials all contribute to reducing load on the system.

Heat recovery systems are increasingly common. Rather than dumping excess heat outdoors, rinks can use that energy for hot water, locker room heating, or other facility needs—cutting costs and environmental impact.

Modern rinks are increasingly adopting remote monitoring platforms, which allow operators or service providers to track system performance in real time. This enables faster diagnosis, predictive maintenance, and fine-tuning for energy savings.

For the most reliable results, it’s wise to work with a qualified refrigeration contractor. Enns Industrial Refrigeration, for example, provides professional system upgrades that improve performance, reduce costs, and extend equipment life across Ontario.

How cold does it have to be for an ice rink to freeze?

Creating and maintaining ice starts with bringing the slab down to a cold enough temperature for water to freeze, and then keeping it there.

Typically, the concrete slab needs to be cooled to around −7 °C to −9 °C (19 °F to 16 °F) before water sprayed over the surface will begin to freeze effectively. This forms the base layers of ice, which are built up gradually to the desired thickness, usually around 1.25 to 1.5 inches (3 to 4 cm).

Once the ice is formed, the surface temperature is usually maintained between −4 °C and −6 °C. This provides the best balance for hockey, giving skaters enough grip while preserving a hard, fast surface.

The time it takes to freeze a rink varies. A full freeze can take 48 to 72 hours, depending on ambient temperature, humidity, building insulation, and the capacity of the refrigeration system.

Outdoor or poorly insulated rinks may require lower operating temperatures or longer freezing times, as ambient heat and sunlight can counteract cooling efforts.

How does ice not melt in ice rinks?

Although it may seem counterintuitive, ice rinks are constantly fighting against melt. Even in cold environments, internal lighting, body heat from spectators, and equipment all introduce heat into the space. Preventing the ice from melting requires a system that’s always ahead of this heat load.

The cold brine or glycol circulated beneath the slab pulls heat downward and away from the ice, while insulation beneath the slab ensures minimal heat intrusion from below. This thermal barrier is essential in keeping the ice stable and preventing it from softening.

Inside the rink, humidity must be carefully controlled. If the air is too moist, condensation will form on the ice and surrounding surfaces. This moisture creates a slushy surface and leads to faster melting. Dehumidification units and proper airflow prevent this.

Ambient temperature control is equally important. Rinks use HVAC systems to regulate indoor temperature, often keeping it in the 10–15 °C range to reduce radiant heat from lighting and spectators. Air handling systems are designed to keep the temperature stratified, so the air directly above the ice remains the coolest.

Finally, system redundancy ensures that even if one component fails, others can pick up the slack. Backup compressors, emergency generators, and alarms protect against catastrophic melt events caused by mechanical failures or power outages.

What refrigerant is used in hockey rinks?

The choice of refrigerant plays a major role in both the performance and environmental impact of an ice rink refrigeration system. In Canada, facility managers must also consider evolving regulatory requirements related to refrigerant use.

Ammonia (NH₃)

Ammonia is one of the most common refrigerants used in professional and municipal ice rinks. It is a natural refrigerant with zero global warming potential (GWP) and excellent thermodynamic properties, meaning it transfers heat very efficiently. However, ammonia is also toxic and flammable at certain concentrations, which makes strict safety measures essential. Systems using ammonia must be installed and maintained by trained professionals, and facilities must follow all relevant safety regulations, including gas detection and emergency ventilation protocols.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

Carbon dioxide (R-744) is gaining popularity in newer facilities due to its low environmental impact and high efficiency, especially in colder climates. CO₂ systems operate at much higher pressures than traditional systems, requiring specialized equipment and training. While the equipment can be more expensive up front, CO₂ is non-toxic, non-flammable, and very energy-efficient, which makes it a solid long-term investment. Many Canadian rinks are now converting or building with CO₂ systems to align with low-GWP goals.

Synthetic refrigerants (HFCs and HFOs)

Synthetic refrigerants, such as R-404A, R-507, and newer HFO blends, are still used in many small to mid-size rinks, particularly older systems. These refrigerants are generally easier to manage and have lower initial costs, but many have high GWP values. Canada’s climate regulations are phasing out many high-GWP refrigerants under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. As a result, rinks using these systems may need to consider retrofitting or transitioning to low-GWP alternatives.

Hybrid or combination systems

Some facilities use a combination system, where a natural refrigerant like ammonia or CO₂ is used in the primary cooling loop, and a synthetic refrigerant or secondary fluid handles local distribution under the slab. These systems balance performance, cost, and safety in complex facility setups.

No matter the choice, working with a qualified contractor is essential to ensure proper system design, refrigerant management, and compliance. Enns Industrial Refrigeration has extensive experience managing ammonia, CO₂, and synthetic systems, helping facilities across Ontario meet both performance and regulatory requirements.

What chemical is used to freeze ice rinks?

Contrary to popular belief, ice rinks don’t use a single “freezing chemical” to create ice. Instead, the system is designed to remove heat from water until it freezes naturally, using carefully engineered thermal transfer methods.

The actual freezing happens through indirect cooling, where chilled fluid is circulated under the rink surface through a network of pipes embedded in a concrete slab. This fluid—usually calcium chloride brine or glycol—absorbs heat from the slab, which in turn cools the water above it until it solidifies.

Secondary fluids: Brine and glycol

• Calcium chloride brine is commonly used in municipal and larger rinks. It is effective at low temperatures and relatively cost-effective, but it can be corrosive if not properly monitored.
• Glycol solutions, such as propylene glycol or ethylene glycol, are more commonly found in community and indoor rinks. They are safer for enclosed spaces and easier to manage, though they may have slightly lower heat transfer efficiency compared to brine.

Ice surface additives

While refrigerants and fluids work behind the scenes, some rinks also use surface sprays or conditioners to improve ice quality. These may include biodegradable agents like lanolin or surfactants to reduce friction or improve hardness for specific sports. These are applied in small amounts and don't affect the freezing process directly but enhance surface performance.

Ultimately, the “chemical” used to freeze a rink is a combination of refrigerant in the primary loop and a secondary heat transfer fluid in the rink slab system—supported by strong design, insulation, and control systems.

What is the glycol in ice rinks?

Glycol is a type of antifreeze used in many indirect refrigeration systems as a secondary fluid. It circulates beneath the ice surface and absorbs heat from the concrete slab, which has direct contact with the ice layer. Glycol systems are particularly common in indoor or smaller rinks where ease of maintenance and safety are priorities.

Types of glycol

• Propylene glycol is the safer option for recreational or public rinks, as it’s non-toxic and considered food-grade. It’s commonly used in situations where there's any risk of incidental exposure to the ice surface.
• Ethylene glycol is more efficient from a heat transfer perspective but is toxic and requires additional safeguards. It’s often used in industrial settings with lower risk of human contact.

Advantages of glycol

Glycol provides several benefits in ice rink systems:

• Freeze protection: Unlike water, glycol remains fluid at sub-zero temperatures, ensuring consistent flow even in extreme cold.
• Corrosion resistance: When properly formulated, glycol systems include inhibitors that protect against pipe degradation.
• Heat transfer stability: Glycol offers good thermal conductivity and retains efficiency over wide temperature ranges.

Maintenance and lifecycle

Over time, glycol can degrade due to oxidation, pH shifts, or contamination. It's critical to test the fluid regularly to monitor concentration levels, acidity, and the presence of corrosion by-products. If left unmanaged, degraded glycol can lead to reduced efficiency, pipe damage, and operational problems.

Rinks often turn to professionals like Enns Industrial Refrigeration for regular fluid testing, glycol system recharging, and safe disposal services. Their expertise ensures that glycol systems remain efficient, environmentally safe, and compliant with local guidelines.

How much does a hockey rink refrigeration system cost?

The cost of refrigeration in a hockey rink can vary significantly based on system type, size, location, and features. Understanding the cost breakdown helps facility owners and municipal planners budget more effectively and evaluate long-term value.

Cost to install a hockey rink refrigeration system

A new ice rink refrigeration system typically costs between $1 million and $2.5 million or more. This includes the refrigeration plant, brine/glycol loop installation, control systems, and integration into the building’s mechanical infrastructure. Factors that influence cost include:

• Type of refrigerant (e.g., CO₂ tends to be more expensive up front)
• Size of the ice surface (e.g., NHL regulation vs. community size)
• Custom control and automation systems
• Insulation and slab construction requirements

Operating costs of a hockey rink refrigeration system

Ice rink refrigeration systems are energy-intensive. Electricity for compressors, pumps, and dehumidifiers can account for 5–10% of a facility’s total energy usage. Additional ongoing costs include:

• Routine maintenance
• Refrigerant or fluid top-offs
• Seasonal shutdown/startup procedures
• Emergency service if equipment fails

Hockey rinkrefrigeration retrofits and upgrades

Older rinks often need upgrades to stay efficient and compliant. Common retrofits include:

• Switching from synthetic refrigerants to CO₂ or ammonia
• Installing VFDs and energy-efficient motors
• Upgrading control systems or adding remote monitoring
• Implementing heat recovery systems

These retrofits typically cost between $200,000 and $800,000, depending on scope. While this represents a significant investment, most upgrades provide a return through reduced energy bills and lower maintenance costs within 5 to 10 years.

Government incentives for hockey rinks

Canadian facilities can benefit from federal and provincial rebate programs for energy-efficient upgrades and low-GWP refrigerant adoption. These incentives can offset 10–30% of retrofit costs, depending on the program.

Working with trusted refrigeration professionals in Canada

Budgeting is only part of the equation. You also need accurate design, safe installation, and proper long-term planning. Industrial refrigeration contractors like Enns Industrial Refrigeration bring decades of experience in the Ontario rink sector. Their transparent quotes, reliable execution, and long-term service support help facility operators make smart, sustainable investments.

Design and maintenance of ice rink refrigeration systems

The long-term performance of an ice rink’s refrigeration system depends heavily on both the quality of the original system design and the consistency of maintenance throughout its life cycle. A well-designed system can last decades, but only if supported by routine upkeep, seasonal procedures, and periodic upgrades.

Slab and piping design

The foundation of every rink is its ice slab, typically made of reinforced concrete. Embedded within the slab is a piping network through which chilled brine or glycol circulates. Proper slab design directly affects ice quality and refrigeration efficiency.

• Concrete depth is typically between 7 and 10 centimetres (2.75 to 4 inches), which allows for even freezing and sufficient load support.
• Pipe spacing is usually set between 10 and 16 centimetres on centre, ensuring even temperature distribution across the ice surface.
• Insulation beneath the slab is critical. High-performance rigid foam insulation (such as extruded polystyrene) prevents ground heat from rising and minimizes refrigeration energy waste.

Precision during slab construction ensures the ice remains level and that heat transfer occurs uniformly. Poor slab design or insulation can lead to soft spots, increased energy use, and more frequent resurfacing.

Refrigeration control systems

Modern rinks rely on automated control systems to maintain consistent temperature, humidity, and equipment performance. These systems continuously monitor:

• Slab temperature
• Surface ice temperature
• Brine/glycol flow and pressure
• Refrigeration load and compressor cycles
• Humidity and dew point

By analyzing this data in real time, the system can automatically adjust refrigeration output, fan speed, or pump rates to maintain optimal conditions—reducing energy waste and wear on equipment.

Routine inspections and servicing

Even the most advanced system needs hands-on maintenance. Standard maintenance includes:

• Monthly visual inspections for leaks, pressure anomalies, and signs of wear.
• Seasonal chemical testing of brine or glycol to check for acidity, contamination, or corrosion risks.
• Refrigerant leak detection and system recharging, if necessary.
• Pump and compressor inspections, including oil changes and belt adjustments.
• Sensor calibration to ensure accurate performance feedback.

Partnering with a trusted refrigeration service provider ensures these tasks are completed correctly and on schedule. Enns Industrial Refrigeration offers custom service plans tailored to rink usage, age, and technology, ensuring reliability across all seasons.

Seasonal startup and shutdown

The transition periods—starting up in the fall and shutting down in spring—are particularly important. A poorly executed shutdown can lead to:

• Pipe freezing and cracking
• Fluid degradation
• Mould or mildew in the slab or building structure

Startups should include cleaning and inspection of components, flushing and topping off of fluids, and a staged ice-building process. Enns Industrial provides full seasonal commissioning and decommissioning support to make these transitions smooth and risk-free.

Modern trends in hockey rink refrigeration

The ice rink industry has seen a wave of innovation over the last decade, driven by rising energy costs, sustainability goals, and regulatory changes. Facility owners and municipalities are adopting smarter, cleaner, and more efficient technologies to reduce their operational footprint and improve reliability.

Natural refrigerants gaining ground

Natural refrigerants like CO₂ (R-744) and ammonia (NH₃) are becoming the standard for new rink builds and major retrofits. These substances offer:

• Ultra-low global warming potential (CO₂ has a GWP of 1)
• High heat transfer efficiency
• Improved energy performance, especially in colder climates

In Ontario, more rinks are transitioning away from older HFC-based systems to future-proof their operations and meet Canada's environmental targets.

Heat recovery integration

Rather than wasting the heat expelled by the refrigeration process, many modern rinks now recover and reuse that heat. Applications include:

• Domestic hot water for showers and washrooms
• Building heating, especially in adjoining change rooms or seating areas
• Ice melt pits, which reduce the need for electric or gas-fired heaters

Heat recovery can cut energy use dramatically, and with current government rebates, it's a financially viable upgrade.

Smart controls and remote diagnostics

With the rise of IoT (Internet of Things) technology, rinks now benefit from cloud-connected control systems. These platforms:

• Monitor system performance in real time
• Detect anomalies before they lead to breakdowns
• Allow technicians to adjust settings remotely
• Provide long-term energy and maintenance reporting

Operators can receive alerts by email or phone if something goes wrong, and service teams like Enns Industrial can often diagnose issues remotely—reducing downtime and preventing costly failures.

Renewable energy and hybrid support systems

Some facilities are pushing innovation even further by combining refrigeration systems with geothermal loops or solar pre-cooling systems. These systems help lower the base load on compressors, improving energy performance and reducing reliance on carbon-intensive sources.

While still relatively new, hybrid systems show great promise for community rinks, especially in areas where electricity costs are high or green infrastructure incentives are available.

Smarter partnerships

Facilities are realizing that managing refrigeration in-house is often impractical. Working with specialized contractors like Enns Industrial Refrigeration gives rink operators access to cutting-edge technology, real-time service, and compliance expertise. This partnership approach streamlines operations and improves cost certainty.

Ice hockey rink refrigeration services you can trust

Choosing the right refrigeration partner is one of the most important decisions a facility manager can make. Ice rink systems are complex, high-cost, and mission-critical—especially in Canada, where hockey is more than a sport; it’s part of the culture.

That’s why many Ontario rinks trust Enns Industrial Refrigeration.

Full ice rink refrigeration service project delivery

Enns Industrial offers end-to-end services for rink refrigeration, including:

• System design and consultation for new construction or replacement projects
• Installation of ammonia, CO₂, glycol, or hybrid systems
• Commissioning and startup support, ensuring systems operate efficiently from day one
• 24/7 emergency service, including rapid-response teams across Southern Ontario

Hockey rink refrigeration services and support

With decades of experience in rink systems, Enns handles:

• New rink builds
• Retrofits and refrigerant conversions
• Control system upgrades
• Preventive maintenance and fluid management
• Refrigerant compliance and leak detection

They understand not only the mechanical side of rink refrigeration but also the operational realities—like keeping ice in top shape during tournaments, practices, and community events.

Hockey rink refrigeration repair and installation services across Ontario

Enns Industrial Refrigeration provides hockey rink refrigeration services in Ontario, including:

• Hockey rink refrigeration services in Toronto, Mississauga and the GTA (Greater Toronto Area)
• Hockey rink refrigeration services in Kitchener-Waterloo
• Hockey rink refrigeration services in Guelph
• Hockey rink refrigeration services in Hamilton
• And surrounding communities

Whether you manage a small-town arena or a multi-rink facility, their regional teams can provide fast, personalized service.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about hockey rink refrigeration

What temperature should the ice be in a hockey rink?‍

Ideal ice surface temperature is typically between −4 °C and −6 °C. Slab often maintained at −7 °C to −9 °C during freezing phases.

How often should a refrigeration system be serviced?‍

Preventive checks are recommended monthly, with full-season inspections and startup/shutdown service. Specialists like Enns can custom-tailor maintenance schedules.

Are CO₂ refrigeration systems safe?‍

Yes, when properly engineered and installed with certified personnel and CO₂ detectors. Enns Industrial ensures all safety codes and best practices are met.

Can refrigeration heat be reused?‍

Absolutely. Heat recovery systems can capture and repurpose rejected heat for hot water or heating. Many rinks now incorporate this for efficiency gains.

Which refrigerant is most energy‑efficient?‍

CO₂ and ammonia rank highest in efficiency and environmental performance. Specific facility needs and compliance constraints determine final selection.