Drain below the skimmer, plug the returns, cover it tight.

Yes, that’s basically it. The biggest mistake people make is not getting the water level low enough. You need it about 4–6 inches below the skimmer opening, because when that water freezes and expands, it’ll crack the skimmer housing. Cheap fix? No. Avoidable? Yes.

Also drain the pump and filter completely. If you leave water in there, it freezes, expands, and you’re buying new equipment in spring. Blow out the lines with a shop vac or compressor if you can, then plug the return jets and skimmer holes with the proper winter plugs (the rubber ones with gaskets). Don’t use the plastic ones from the hardware store—they’ll crack.

Throw the winter cover on tight and secure it with a cable and winch, not bungee cords. Wind will rip those off and you’ll have a green swamp next year. A cover pump on top helps keep leaves and snow from weighing it down.

It’s about an hour of work, but it saves you thousands. Future You will thank Present You.