The Benefits of Liquid Deicing: A Smart, Eco-Friendly Shift
Liquid deicing offers better performance, lower cost, and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional rock salt.
Introduction
Across the U.S. and Canada, more properties are adopting chloride reduction goals and pushing for eco-friendly snow removal standards. Liquid deicing is already gaining traction as the best solution to meet these changes.
The shift isn’t a question of if—it’s a matter of when. Contractors and site managers who adopt liquid now will be ahead of the curve.
Salt vs Liquid Deicer: The Cost and Efficiency Advantage
There’s nearly a 2:1 cost difference when comparing salt to liquid. But the labor side is where the savings really stand out.
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Labor savings: One operator using liquid can cover up to three times more area than one using a salt spreader.
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Faster reloads and coverage: Liquids require fewer refills and allow more consistent application.
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Reduced overapplication: Precise spraying avoids waste and cuts down on double coverage.
Long-Term Savings from Pretreatment
Treating lots in advance with liquid brine creates residual coverage that cuts down on how much salt is needed during follow-up treatments.
In a 200-acre lot, pretreating with liquid can reduce the next application by 50 to 60 percent. This can add up to over $5,100 saved per full event, not counting additional efficiency gains on sidewalks using liquid blends in place of bagged products.
Pros of Liquid Deicing:
Cons:
VSI Example: From Caution to Confidence
Over a decade ago, VSI gave clients the option to stick with rock salt or try liquid deicing. The majority stayed with what they knew, but a few allowed us to use what we felt was best.
Within a year, those who tested liquid saw cleaner surfaces, faster melting, and reduced janitorial issues. Four years later, during an unexpected return to granular products due to equipment failure, we received complaint calls from clients who noticed the difference immediately.
What began as hesitation turned into firm preference. Liquid became the standard.
Learn more about starting your liquid program today.
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