When it comes to melting ice, there are several different deicing products that you can choose from. One option that you may be considering is water softener salt, which is usually made from sodium chloride.
We all love a multitasker but it’s important to weigh all the factors before throwing any bag of salt onto your driveway or sidewalk to start melting that pesky ice. In this article, I’ll explore the properties of water softener salt and how it works to melt ice. I’ll also discuss the pros and cons of using water softener salt as a deicing product, and provide some tips for using it safely and effectively.
Will Water Softener Salt Melt Ice?
Water softener salt, most commonly made from sodium chloride, can be used to melt ice.
When any type of sodium chloride is added to water, it lowers the freezing point of the water, which means that the water will remain liquid at a lower temperature. This property of salt is what makes it effective at melting ice. This is true whether you are talking about common table salt, rock salt, pool salt, or water softener salt.
Water softener salt is generally effective at melting ice, but it may not work as well as some other deicing products specifically created as deicers. It is important to note that water softener salt is most effective at temperatures above 20°F (-7°C). At very low temperatures, it may not work as well at melting ice. A better choice is to select a product that was designed for sidewalks and driveways. We review, contrast and compare ice melting products in this article: Best DeIcer – Which Salt to Choose for the Job.
Still, sometimes you are in a pinch (pun intended) and you need to make your walkways safe to use before you can go out and buy some deicer. If the only salt you have on hand is water softener salt to melt ice, read on to learn more.
Is Water Softener Salt Effective at Melting Ice Compared to Other Deicing Products?
Water softener salt is a sodium chloride product that many households have on hand because they need to maintain a water softener system. While it can melt ice and is relatively inexpensive, it is not the best product for the job.
Water softener salt can be effective at temperatures above 20°F or so. Water softener salt may be an acceptable substitute for melting ice if you live in a place with milder temperatures, but you may want to consider using a different product if you are dealing with extremely cold temperatures … looking at you, Minnesota! If you are a geek about graphs like I am, here is an interesting set of graphs about salt concentrations, temperatures and how much ice can be melted using just salt.
Another issue is that many people use water softener salt in the form of pellets, as pictured in our featured image. Frankly, throwing big salt pellets on the icy ground may temporarily make things worse instead of better. Walking on hard, rounded pellets that are 1/2 to 1 inch in size is probably a bad choice. Instead, if you use water softener salt in crystal form, you will get far better results. For more about types of water softener salt, see A Guide To Water Softener Salt: Pellets, Blocks, Cubes or Crystals.
How Do You Apply Water Softener Salt To Melt Ice on a Driveway or Sidewalk?
For anyone who has had to melt ice on a driveway, you know the process is fairly simple and straightforward…really, the most difficult part is clearing the snow so that you can get to the ice. To apply water softener salt to melt ice on a driveway or sidewalk, follow these steps:
- Clear Snow – Begin by clearing any snow or ice from the surface. This will help the salt to come into direct contact with the ice, which will make it more effective.
- Scatter Salt & Evenly Distribute – Scatter the water softener salt over the icy surface. You can use a salt spreader to help distribute the salt evenly, or you can simply sprinkle it by hand. Be sure to apply the salt in a thin, even layer. If the only salt you have is in the form of pellets, you could try scattering a few of them and try to crush the pellet with your heel to make the salt safer to walk on until it dissolves into the ice (brine).
- Wait A Bit – Finally, allow the salt to work its magic. It may take a few hours for the salt to melt the ice, depending on the temperature and the thickness of the ice. You may need to apply more salt as needed.
- Shovel – After a few hours you will have a snowy slush in areas that you will need to shovel down towards the road so that it can drain into your community or municipal sewage drainage system.
- Repeat – You may need to apply more salt as needed and possibly shovel more snow if you are in the middle of a storm. Staying on top of it is really the best solution.
If it gets particularly cold you may notice that the water softener salt you’re using will start to be ineffective. If this happens you will want to switch to a product more suited for colder temperatures.
What Precautions Should I Take When Using Water Softener Salt as a Driveway Deicer?
Any salt can be harmful to grass and plants as well as contribute to rust when it splashes onto a vehicle. Here are a few precautions that you should take when using water softener salt to melt ice:
- Use The Right Amount Of Salt – It is important to use water softener salt sparingly, as it can be harmful to plants and grass when used in large amounts. Try a small amount, then re-apply as needed.
- Be Careful When Applying Salt – When applying water softener salt, be sure to use caution. Wear gloves to protect your hands, and take care not to slip or fall on the icy surface.
- Keep Salt Away From Plants And Grass – Water softener salt can be harmful to plants and grass when used in large amounts. To avoid damaging your landscaping, be sure to apply salt only to the areas where it is needed and avoid getting it on plants and grass. Once you get some melting, shovel the slush or ice chunks away from landscaped areas and towards locations where it will drain to your storm sewer drainage.
- Avoid Using Salt On Certain Surfaces – Water softener salt can be rough on concrete surfaces and may cause them to become damaged over time. Decorative concrete work or surface treatments like tile can be the most affected. If you are concerned about damaging your concrete driveway or sidewalk, you may want to consider using a different de-icing product.
- Follow All Safety Precautions – Be sure to follow all safety precautions when using any de-icing product. Wear protective gear, such as gloves. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and storage, and be sure to keep de-icing products out of the reach of children and pets.
Can Water Softener Salt Be Harmful To Certain Outdoor Surfaces?
Water softener salt can be harmful to certain outdoor surfaces when used to melt ice. One of the main ways that water softener salt can damage outdoor surfaces is by causing them to become grooved or pitted over time.
When salt is applied to a surface, it can react with the surface material and cause it to break down or wear away. This can lead to rough or pitted surfaces that are unsightly and potentially dangerous to walk on.
Concrete
Concrete surfaces, such as driveways and sidewalks, are particularly susceptible to damage from any salt. The salt can react with the concrete and cause it to become rough or pitted, which can make it more difficult to walk on and can also reduce the lifespan of the surface.
Asphalt
Asphalt surfaces may also be damaged by salt, although this type of damage is typically less common. Asphalt may show some discoloration as the salt lodges into tiny holes and pockets within the asphalt surface.
You can minimize some damage by making sure you only use as much salt as needed and keep it limited to the areas you are deicing. After you’re done, make sure you shovel or sweep the leftover slush down to the end or your driveway and towards sewage drains. Finally, if you are concerned about damaging your outdoor surfaces, you may want to consider using a different de-icing product.
Outdoor Tile
If you have areas of outdoor tile, salty water can seep under the tile and may act as a solvent to loosen the tile adhesive.
Can Water Softener Salt Be Used to Melt Ice on a Roof or Gutters?
Water softener salt can also be used to melt ice on a roof or in gutters, but it is probably not your best option. Here are a few things to consider before deciding to using water softener salt to melt ice on a roof or in gutters:
- The Potential For Damage – Water softener salt can be rough on certain surfaces, and it may cause your roof or gutters to become pitted or rough over time. If you are concerned about damaging your roof or gutters, you may want to consider using a different deicing product.
- The Risk Of Slipping – When using water softener salt to melt ice on a roof or in gutters, it is important to be mindful of the risk of slipping. Wear appropriate footwear and take care to avoid slipping and falling. Some people just stay safely on the ground and toss the salt up onto the roof and into the gutters.
- The Potential For Staining – Water softener salt can sometimes leave behind a white residue when it dries, which can be difficult to remove. If you are concerned about staining, you may want to consider using a different de-icing product.
- Landscape Damage – As the snow and ice melt, and combine with the salt, the brine solution will wash down through your downspouts. It is common that downspouts drain to your yard or grass lawn, so a concentration of salt may damage vegetation or even kill it.
Overall, it’s important to use caution when using water softener salt as a deicer. Be sure to take all necessary safety precautions. If you are unsure about whether water softener salt is the right deicing product for your needs, it is a good idea to consult the product manufacturer or a professional. Always consider how the water and salt are going to drain from the place you apply it to whatever is “downstream”.
Is Water Softener Salt Safe For Pets To Walk on After It Has Been Used to Melt Ice?
Not really. Anyone who has watched a dog limp, hold up a paw and shake it, or whimper after having walked through salt deicer of any kind knows that salt is not pet safe. It is also possible for pets to ingest salt if they lick their paws or the ground after walking on a salted surface.
If you have pets, or you are considerate of pets walking through the neighborhood on your sidewalks, the only real solution is to use a pet safe deicer.
For suggestions on deicers that are better for pets than salt, see Best DeIcer – Which Salt to Choose for the Job.
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Looking for other substitutes for melting the ice on your sidewalks until you’ve had time to buy some purpose-made deicer? Breaking the Ice: How Pool Salt Can Melt Ice On Your Driveway gives one other suggestion. Since pool salt is also sodium chloride – with a slightly different formulation, it will be similar to water softener salt as a substitute for melting ice.
