Would it hurt to use a little water softener salt in a few areas to speed along ice out? Do you think it would help to speed along ice out? Ponds been frozen over for a while and what worries me a little more than normal is I haven't had any rain to speak of in a long time so pond is extra low and the ice has snow mixed in so it is not very clear at all.

I would use the Solar Salt and not have a 2nd thought about it.

The salt might go right through the ice without making a significant impact. (I don't know.)

An old black tarp with one corner tied to the bank might also make a big dent.

Hello.

With the Coarse salt, you can do this (without iodine ).

You can throw the cubes to the right place.

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A+

Thanks for the input, everyone. I think I'll give it a try. I'm worried that if I tried using a tarp that it would get snagged on things in the pond.

I did through out 2 bags of salt a few days ago and the area that got most of the salt was completely melted yesterday and the area that just got a little was trying to. I do think it helped.

Just trying to learn here. But...won't the salt harm the fish? I'm a southern guy and it doesn't freeze here.

Salt is actually good for fish, in some moderation.

I add a few small boxes of Kosher salt to my 1/4 acre neighborhood pond a few times a year.

This same pond also catches run off from the streets which are salted all winter long, and it doesn't seem to affect the fish.

Salt without the iodine won't hurt the fish if in moderation. Moderation means less than 50# of non-iodized salt per 2,280 gallons of water.

Do fish grow faster under Jewish dietary guidelines?

(I do know that Kosher salt is non-iodized.)

You say it is beneficial to add a little salt to this pond. What are the benefits to the fish and/or pond water due to your salt additions?

More efficient gill function, kidney function, etc. It stabilizes the internal organs by allowing very consistent respiration which lowers stress. It also allows faster healing of surface wounds.
I will also add that I don't think messing with mother natures insulator is a good deal if you would happen to have more super cold weather ahead.

Just as an exercise, if you had a 1/2 acre pond, 10' max depth, you are talking about adding a max of 17,864 pounds of salt. A "little" won't do much at all. 7 tons would be the least that I'd think would make a difference (40#/2,280 gallons)