Ice Melt Calculator - How Much Deicer Do I Need?

Application rates vary by product. Rock salt needs about 4 lbs per 100 sq ft for light ice. Calcium chloride requires 2-3 lbs per 100 sq ft. Sand/grit blends need 5-8 lbs per 100 sq ft for adequate traction. These rates increase with colder temperatures and thicker ice.

Magnesium chloride is the safest chemical deicer for pets. Sand/grit blends are the safest overall since they contain no chemicals. Rock salt and calcium chloride can irritate paws and are toxic if ingested. Always wipe your pet's paws after walking on treated surfaces, regardless of the product used.

Rock salt (sodium chloride) becomes ineffective below about 15F (-9C). At that point, it cannot lower the freezing point of water enough to melt ice. For colder conditions, switch to calcium chloride (works to -25F) or magnesium chloride (works to 0F).

Calcium chloride works at much lower temperatures, melts ice faster, and requires less product per application. However, it costs 3-4 times more per pound. For moderate climates with temperatures above 15F, rock salt is the more economical choice. For extreme cold, calcium chloride is worth the extra cost.

Yes, some products can. Rock salt can cause surface scaling on concrete, especially new concrete (less than one year old). Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are generally safer for concrete. Avoid all chemical deicers on new concrete -- use sand/grit instead for the first winter.

Reapply after each snow or freezing rain event. One application before a storm plus one after shoveling is typical. In ongoing freezing conditions, you may need to reapply every 12-24 hours. Do not over-apply -- follow the recommended rates.

No. Sand provides traction on icy surfaces but does not melt ice. It works at any temperature and is safe for pets, plants, and concrete. The downside is cleanup -- sand accumulates and needs to be swept up in spring. Sand/grit blends sometimes include a small amount of salt for mild melting.

Store in a sealed, airtight container in a dry place like a garage or shed. Chloride products are hygroscopic (they absorb moisture from the air) and will clump into a solid block if left open. Properly sealed, most products remain effective for 2-3 years.

Application rates vary by product type. Rock salt needs about 4 lbs per 100 sq ft for light ice. Calcium chloride is more concentrated at about 2-3 lbs per 100 sq ft. Rates increase with thicker ice and colder temperatures.

Magnesium chloride is generally the safest for pets among chemical deicers. Sand/grit blends are the safest overall since they contain no chemicals. Rock salt (sodium chloride) and calcium chloride can irritate paws. Always wipe your pet's paws after walking on treated surfaces.

Rock salt (sodium chloride) is effective down to about 15 degrees F (-9 degrees C). Below that temperature, it becomes much less effective. For colder conditions, use calcium chloride (effective to -25 degrees F) or magnesium chloride (effective to 0 degrees F).

Calcium chloride works at much lower temperatures (-25 degrees F vs 15 degrees F for rock salt), melts ice faster, and requires less product. However, it costs 3-4 times more per pound. For moderate winters, rock salt is more economical. For extreme cold, calcium chloride is more effective.

Apply ice melt BEFORE a storm when possible for best results. Spread evenly using a broadcast spreader or by hand. Do not over-apply -- more product does not mean faster melting and wastes money while harming vegetation. Follow the recommended application rate for your product type.