What kind of ice melt should I get?

When it comes to melting snow and ice, people have different needs.

Some just want the most inexpensive way to melt, which is plain sodium chloride, also known as rock salt or halite. This product is usually available as a 25 pound or 50 pound bag.

Others are concerned about melting the snow/ice quickly and keeping it from refreezing or melting in extreme temperatures. For these needs, we recommend calcium chloride. It comes in the form of pellets or flakes. QuikJoe is a calcium chloride product in the pellet form. Calcium Chloride melts at extreme temperatures, all the way down to -25 degrees F. It does not leave a powdery residue and has a lower application rate than other de-icers. Calcium Chloride also does not chemically harm concrete.

Another need is for a safe product to use around pets, children and vegetation. A magnesium chloride product is usually recommended to those with this type of need. It is safe for pets to walk on and will not harm their paws. It is also safe for people to touch during application. Due to magnesium having one-third fewer chlorides that calcium the chances of damaging plants by leaf burn or root toxicity are greatly reduced. Magnesium is also safe for concrete and will melt ice down to -25 degrees F.

There are many products that are available that mix these de-icing chemicals to provide a product that has a mix of these benefits. For example, Polar Express Ice Melt is 80% Sodium Chloride, 15% Calcium Chloride, and 5% Potassium Chloride. This results in a low cost ice melter that is safer on concrete than 100% Sodium and will melt down to a lower temperature than 100% Sodium Chloride.