Application Rates: What Type of Salt Should I Use?

If you need to have bare pavement, the type of salt you choose will be based primarily on the temperature of the pavement. After you’ve shoveled, consider pavement temperature to make an informed decision on what type of salt to use or an alternative if it is too cold. 

See Pavement Temperatures and Effects for more details on why pavement temperature matters for salt application and how to measure it.

Most deicers contain sodium chloride which is only effective down to about 15 degrees. Look at the ingredients and check for a practical or effective melting temperature listed on your deicer to determine the deicer’s lowest melting temperature. 

For deicers that are a blend of salt types, the melting temperature will vary based on the main ingredients. 

Table modified from "Lowest practical melting temperature", Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.