I'm not at all familiar with an ice skating rink but just from frozen stock tank experience I'd say 1/2" was far too much water at one time.  The volume of water keeps it from freezing between the original ice layer and the ice that is formed on the surface.  As the water cools, an air layer is formed so your new ice is not bonded to the original ice, but just crusted on top.

As another posters said, I'd think spraying water on in thin layers which freeze almost immediately would be the best way to build it up.  Keeping it smooth probably will be a problem.

Please keep us informed on what you find.