Tarpon:

My advise FWIW is to get a gasoline powered or electric pump. We have tried for a couple years without success to maintain a smooth skating surface. Tried a high volume hand pump but couldn't pump enough water to flood a 75' x 40' area without having a heart attack. Ice is fairly permeable and the water doesn't spread out as far as we thought it would. Unfortunately we are only 10 miles east of Lake Michigan and the lake effect snow seems to pile up 6-10 inches a day in January and February. You shouldn't have to work as hard in Mt. Pleasant, good luck.