As winter draws near, it’s time to stock up on ice melt. If you’re not sure which product or products to choose, here are several popular ice melt options customers rely on and why they’re effective.

MAG Ice Melting Pellets

Using a magnesium chloride-based ice melt, like MAG Ice Melting Pellets, minimizes the risk of damage to turf and ornamentals due to runoff or pile-up. This is because they contain fewer chlorides than other ice melt products. In fact, MAG magnesium chloride pellets are three times less toxic than table salt.

In addition to being safe around vegetation, MAG pellets are less corrosive and degrading to concrete or metal surfaces, and are not harmful to children and pets. The product can melt ice at temperatures as low as -13˚F, too. See our blog post on MAG pellets to learn more.

Safe-T-Salt

A sodium chloride ice melt product, like Morton Safe-T-Salt, is a cost-effective choice and one of the most common rock salts available. Safe-T-Salt is widely used and is safe for use on driveways, parking lots, streets, and some walkways. Morton advises customers not to use Safe-T-Salt on brick or flagstone walkways with mortar joints, as it could cause damage.

Safe-T-Salt is not as fast-acting as other products, but it does its job well. It does leave residual, however. With the possibility of runoff and/or pile-up, it’s a good idea to take preventative measures to protect sensitive areas from salt damage.

Peladow

Peladow, a calcium chloride product, is quick and effective. It attracts moisture and generates heat, a combination that gets surfaces clear fast at bitter temperatures. -25˚F to be exact.

Since Peladow acts very quickly and at lower temperatures than many other products, it’s a great option if you’re located in a region known for extreme winter temperatures. Peladow pellets are safe for use on steps, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and roads. As we mentioned previously, be sure to protect any sensitive areas before applying an ice melt product.

5 Below

Advanced Ice Solutions’ 5 Below Ice Melt is an effective, economical ice melt product. Its sodium chloride base, calcium chloride flakes, and magnesium chloride coating all work together to melt ice and snow quickly, down to -5˚F. 

5 Below is safe for use on asphalt and concrete, but do not use 5 Below on concrete less than one year old. Avoid using the product on precast concrete steps, precast masonry steps and walkways, brick, or exposed aggregate, as the product could damage those surfaces.

20 Below

As the name implies, 20 Below Ice Melt Plus CMA melts ice all the way down to -20˚F. In addition to everything 5 Below contains, 20 Below has a higher concentration of calcium chloride, and adds potassium chloride and calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) to the mix to help melt ice and snow at even lower temperatures. Follow the same application precautions as 5 Below.

Preventing Damage

While ice melt products themselves don’t harm concrete, both natural and deicer-enhanced freeze and thaw cycles can damage newly poured concrete and low-quality concrete. It’s not just concrete that can be at risk, though. Be sure to consult each product’s SDS and label for application instructions and which surfaces to avoid applying the product on or near.

Be aware of the potential effects of ice melt products on turfgrass and ornamentals, too. Residual can damage turf if preventative measures aren’t taken. It’s important to note that damage is more likely to happen when products are over-applied, so be sure to follow application rates closely. See our blog on preventing salt damage for more information.

Choosing A Product

You’ll want to choose a product that’s compatible with your area’s winter temperatures, your budget, and other factors. Your ATS rep can offer tailored advice and suggestions to set you up with the right product.

Reach out to your ATS rep today and get out ahead of the snow and ice!