Personally I use a submersible sump pump running through 1 1/2" line to do the job but I only maintain a small portion of the pond (Maybe 100'x100') since shovelling any more then that would give me a heart attack. Certainly a 3" gas pump would be more efficient and a whole lot faster but without owning one the rental costs might be prohibitive for each time you want to fix the ice. The tough thing is keeping it shovelled all the time so you don't end up with soft spots or snow freezing in/crusting over etc. and wrecking your surface. Never had much problem with voids... at worst the ice settles down a bit and you get some cracking. Depending on the weather conditions it can be alot of work to maintain.... so when you get it right make sure to skate your a$$ off.

Like Scott mentioned, a hose from the house is not nearly enough water unless you only want a 10x10 area or it is REALLY warm out that day and mother nature helps you out. (If it is really cold it will just tick you off trying to use one)

Owner/Builder of Ottawa Canada's first official off-grid home.

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