As a matter of fact there is, thanks fer askin';

I am getting tired of the cost of bromine and the constant requirement for baking soda, so I'm thinking of purchasing a Salt Water Generator for my inground pool. I want to convert from bromine to salt. It's my understanding from talking to neighbours that the cost to run a salt water pool are significantly less than bromine and the water chemistry is more, "self-regulating" I guess - for lack of a better term.

I've read a lot of complex and frankly heady online opinion on the matter and I don't have a lot of faith in the local pools guys opinion. He says I just need to install the generator and throw a bunch of salt in the water. Online opinion suggests I need to completely replace the pool water (using large poly tarps and such to ensure water is always present).

What's the truth on how to switch from bromine to salt? And, is salt really that much cheaper than bromine to operate?