How Much Does Calcium Chloride Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) is the salt of calcium and chlorine.  This chemical compound often includes brine and is used for refrigerating plants; ice and dust control on roads; and desiccation.  Calcium chloride is hygroscopic in nature and should be kept in tightly sealed airtight containers.

As a desiccant, calcium chloride is used to absorb moisture mainly on the road since it is thrown on the road which makes it hold the dust down.  It will constantly draw moisture, keeping paved roads damp and the dust down.  It’s also known to resist evaporation.

Clothbound Cheddar - Calcium Chloride by grongar, on Flickr
Clothbound Cheddar – Calcium Chloride” (CC BY 2.0) by grongar

How much does calcium chloride cost?

A pallet of calcium chloride can cost anywhere from $550 to $650, while a single bag can run anywhere from $12 to $25.  Ice melter that is designed to melt the snow and ice in the winter months can cost $10 to $18 per 5 to a 10-pound container.

Calcium chloride used in the food industry is usually sold in a bottle.  Food grade calcium chloride is water soluble and is used in food preparation, such as in the process to obtain firmness of certain vegetables.  A 500g bottle can cost anywhere between $6 and $24.  For instance, at Flinn Scientific, a 500 g lab grade bottle retails for about $6.

Calcium chloride is also sold in a pellet form, which is stored in buckets.  This type can cost $30 to $55 per 50-pound bucket.  For example, the PELADOW brand sells a 50-pound bucket for $30 to $40.  The chloride that commonly comes in pellet form can be a great solution for icy driveways as well as melting snow.

sicalco.net notes it can cost $0.68 per gallon when compared to magnesium chloride, which costs about $0.48 per gallon.

By the ton, it can cost about $140 per ton.

Calcium chloride overview

Calcium chloride can come in many forms, including flakes, pellets, power, nuggets, granular or prills.  Flakes, which will be more cost-effective than pellets, will be ideal for a larger flat surface and can easily pass through an ice melt spreader while walking down the driveway.  Pellets will be shaped like BB pellets, and like flakes, these spheres can work great in spreaders.  This sphere shape allows it to dig deep into the icy surface, ultimately creating a brine underneath, allowing it to loosen up any bond of ice to the surface.  A powder form will be used as an additive to other processes such as an accelerator in concrete to set times in the colder weather or as a refrigeration brine for a skating rink.  A powder will absorb a lot of water is able to dissolve into the water before it’s able to attact.  Nuggets are shaped like an egg and won’t roll away like pellets do.  Nuggets will commonly be used in areas where shrubs or turf is present as this will often prevent any damage.  The granular form will be used primarily in pools as it can boost the calcium hardness to prevent any corrosion damage.  This type can dissolve quickly when it’s added to the water.  Prills, which are often referred to as mini-pellets, will be used as an additive in the food and beverage industry

Calcium chloride comes packaged either in a clear container or a bag, usually as either a 25 or as a 50-pound quantity.  Ice melter containers may have a cap that can act as a spreader to make it easier.

It can be purchased at local retailers, such as Costco, Lowe’s and Home Depot, or even online through various retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

What are the extra costs?

If you’re going to be using the product to thaw or melt ice, you will need to spread it evenly with something such as a handheld spreader.  This device can cost anywhere from $14 to $26, depending on the size.

Tips to know

Calcium chloride will be effective down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit.

It can resist evaporation, so when a single application is applied, it can offer ongoing benefits.

Anhydrous calcium chloride, a term you may often see, is approved by the FDA and refers to a packaging aid that helps ensure dryness.

Is calcium chloride safe?  It can cause some harmful effects such as burns when it comes in contact with large quantities of water; irritation to the mouth or throat is ingested; skin irritation; a defoliating effect on trees; and it can be poisonous to dogs.

Top selling brands online

How can I save money?

Calcium chloride is not an everyday household item.  Purchase an appropriate amount every time you need it and save any remaining product after use.  A good time to get a discount is after the winter season as many retailers are trying to get rid of their overstock.

Even though it is more expensive than other deicers, it has been proved to melt ice much faster when compared pound to pound.  Also, the effect it has on vegetation and concrete performance is favored when compared to magnesium and potassium chloride.


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