A brine generation system having a tank for containing crystalline salt, a level control system regulating a water supply to the tank which maintains a desired fluid level within the tank, and a freeze protection system with a duct peripherally disposed on an interior tank sidewall, the duct defining an interior space into which is placed a thermostatically controlled heating element. A portion of the duct extends to the outside of the tank enabling access to the interior space such that the heating element may be replaced without disturbing any external tank insulation or emptying the tank contents.